Description
Peanut Butter Cookies are your go-to treat for simple, nostalgic comfort that brings smiles to family and friends. Crisp edges, tender center, and rich nutty flavor make these classic cookies a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 and ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk 1 and ⅓ cups of flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
- Use a mixer to beat ½ cup softened butter on high speed for 1 minute until creamy. Add ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Crack 1 large room temperature egg into the butter mixture and mix for 1 minute. Pour in ¾ cup creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined.
- Switch mixer to low speed and gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until the dough just comes together. Refrigerate the dough for 1-2 hours to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the reserved ½ cup granulated sugar to coat completely.
- Place sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Use a fork to create classic criss-cross patterns on top of each cookie.
- Bake at 350°F for 11-12 minutes, watching for lightly browned edges. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow cookies to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and creates a better texture, so don’t skip this step.
- For extra nutty flavor, use natural peanut butter with visible oil on top and mix well before adding.
- Rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and prevent burnt edges.
- Replace egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water for a vegan version that maintains similar moisture and binding properties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 to 16
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg