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If there’s one cookie recipe that never goes out of style With their soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges, they bring together the perfect balance of nutty sweetness in every bite. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or as a quick snack, these classic cookies are a must-have for any home baker.

In this article, you’ll discover a complete, step-by-step guide to baking the perfect Peanut Butter Cookies from scratch. From the ingredients list to helpful baking tips, nutritional value, and expert tricks, this guide has everything you need.

Ingredients

Here is the full list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare a batch of soft and flavorful Peanut Butter Cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
¾ cup (190g) creamy peanut butter (smooth or chunky, depending on preference)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor):

½ cup chopped peanuts (for crunch)
½ cup chocolate chips (for a chocolate-peanut butter twist)
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking

Required Kitchen Tools

Before starting, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack
Fork (for the classic crisscross pattern on top)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Peanut Butter Cookies

Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect Peanut Butter Cookies at home:

1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.

3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
This step ensures your cookies will have the perfect texture.

4: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the peanut butter until well combined.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.

5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the cookies tough.

6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll into balls.
Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, pressing twice in a crisscross pattern. This gives Peanut Butter Cookies their iconic look.

7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
The centers may look slightly soft, but they will set as they cool.

8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Serve warm, or store in an airtight container for later.

Helpful Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

To make your Peanut Butter Cookies turn out bakery-perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and a room-temperature egg blend more evenly, creating a smoother dough.
Choose the Right Peanut Butter: For classic cookies, creamy peanut butter works best. If you prefer extra crunch, go for chunky peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter with separated oil, as it can make the dough too greasy.
Don’t Over-Bake: The key to chewy Peanut Butter Cookies is to pull them out of the oven when the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 20–30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Double the Batch: These cookies are highly addictive! Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half the dough for later.
Add Toppings: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can elevate your cookies.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Value

The approximate nutritional values per cookie (based on a recipe yielding 24 cookies) are:

Calories: 165 kcal
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 110mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Variations

One of the best things about Peanut Butter Cookies is their versatility. Here are some fun variations to try:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Mix chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet, nutty twist.
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Spread peanut butter or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a decadent treat.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: Press a thumbprint into the dough balls before baking and fill with your favorite jam.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace flour with almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Why You’ll Love This

There are countless cookie recipes out there, but Peanut Butter Cookies remain a timeless classic for good reason:

Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, these cookies take less than 30 minutes.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for holidays, school snacks, or bake sales, these cookies are always a hit.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel.
Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Conclusion – Bake Your Own Peanut Butter Cookies Today!

There’s something comforting and nostalgic about baking Peanut Butter Cookies at home. With their rich peanut flavor, tender chewiness, and perfect balance of sweet and salty, they’re the kind of cookies you’ll want to make again and again.

This recipe is easy to follow, requires simple ingredients, and delivers bakery-quality results. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save a batch for later, one thing is certain

So, preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to the joy of homemade cookies. Once you take that first bite, you’ll know why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection.