Nora
Peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic, but this recipe delivers the Best Peanut Butter Cookies you’ll ever taste. With a soft, chewy center and that signature crisscross top, these cookies strike the perfect balance between nutty richness and sugary crispness. They require minimal ingredients, yet produce a bold, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Whether you grew up eating these nostalgic treats or are discovering them for the first time, these cookies will instantly feel like home. Ideal for after-school snacks, bake sales, or late-night cravings, they’re as easy to make as they are to devour. Bonus? No chilling required.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
These cookies are:
- Incredibly soft and chewy with golden edges
- Made with pantry staples
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for freezing or sharing
- Customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped peanuts
What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?
For the best texture and flavor, go with a traditional creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters tend to separate and make the dough oily or crumbly. Crunchy peanut butter works too if you love extra peanut texture.
Ingredients for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
To achieve that classic soft yet crisp peanut butter cookie texture, each ingredient plays an important role:
- Peanut Butter: The heart of the cookie. Choose a creamy, no-stir variety for consistent results.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the crisp, sugary coating.
- Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a slight molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s richness.
- Butter: Unsalted and softened. It lends flavor and binds the dough.
- Egg: Helps hold the cookies together and gives them structure.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: Provides a slight rise and soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor and complements the peanut butter.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings balance.
How To Make the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and add vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Step 4: Shape and Sugar Coat
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each one in sugar. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Create the Crisscross
Use a fork to gently press down each cookie ball in a crisscross pattern.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve and Store Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for serving a crowd or keeping in your cookie jar all week long. Serve them warm with a glass of milk, crumble over vanilla ice cream, or turn them into ice cream sandwiches.
Storage Tips:
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or warm slightly in the microwave.
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cookies?
Classic Milk Pairing
The old-school combo never fails. A cold glass of milk balances the richness.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Use cookies as a base for a DIY ice cream sandwich.
Coffee or Cold Brew
Perfect for a cozy midday treat.
Chocolate Drizzle
Melt dark chocolate and drizzle on top for a decadent twist.
Strawberry Jam
A spread of jam between two cookies makes a fun PB&J sandwich cookie.
Banana Slices
Top with banana slices for a quick energy-packed snack.
Yogurt Parfait Crumble
Crumble cookies over Greek yogurt with berries for a crunchy breakfast idea.
Want More Cookie Ideas?
If you’re loving these peanut butter cookies, check out some other unique cookie creations on Nora Nosh:
- Try our Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for a nostalgic version.
- These Lemon Churro Cookies offer a tangy-spiced contrast.
- Craving chocolate? Our Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie bars will hit the spot.
- For no-bake ease, the No-Bake Preacher Cookies are ideal.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chocolate chips or stick to the classic? Did you go crunchy or smooth peanut butter?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Best Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sink your teeth into the Best Peanut Butter Cookies—a nostalgic, soft and chewy classic that melts in your mouth and satisfies every peanut butter craving. With just a handful of ingredients and zero chill time, this is an easy recipe that brings big flavor. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend treat, a quick dessert, or simple snacks for kids, these cookies are perfect. Ideal for anyone searching for quick breakfast ideas, easy recipe options, or food ideas that never fail. Great for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike!
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in granulated sugar.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Use a fork to press each dough ball down in a crisscross pattern.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Do not overbake—the cookies will continue cooking on the sheet after being removed from the oven.
For a chunkier texture, use crunchy peanut butter or add chopped peanuts to the dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg