Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are like the warm hug you never knew you needed. Imagine pulling a tray of these golden-brown delights from the oven, their nutty aroma wrapping around you like a fluffy blanket on a chilly day. With each bite, you’ll experience that perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers, a treat that makes even the grumpiest of Mondays feel like a Friday.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use natural peanut butter for classic peanut butter cookies?
- How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
- Can I freeze classic peanut butter cookie dough?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These cookies aren’t just snacks; they’re memories waiting to happen. Picture yourself in your grandmother’s cozy kitchen, flour dust swirling in the air as laughter fills every corner. The anticipation builds as you wait for these beauties to cool, ready to be devoured with a tall glass of milk or a splash of coffee. That’s the magic of classic peanut butter cookies—perfect for family gatherings or simply when you need a little extra love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These classic peanut butter cookies are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- Their rich flavor and delightful texture will please any cookie lover
- You can easily customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra fun
- Perfect for school lunches or cozy family nights!
I remember one time making these classic peanut butter cookies for a bake sale. The entire batch disappeared in minutes, leaving only crumbs and happy faces!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for the best texture; it helps create that perfect chewiness.
- Baking Soda: This gives your cookies that lovely rise and ensures they don’t turn into pancakes.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature; it blends beautifully with sugar for creaminess.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the crispy edges we all love.
- Brown Sugar: For that rich flavor and chewy texture; it’s like giving your cookies a warm hug.
- Peanut Butter: Choose creamy or chunky based on your preference; just ensure it’s not too dry.
- Eggs: One large egg helps bind everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out the flavors in your cookies beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks later.
Mix dry ingredients: In one bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This step ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
Cream butter and sugars: In another bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until fluffy—this might take about 3-5 minutes.
Add eggs and peanut butter: Mix in one large egg followed by the creamy or chunky peanut butter until everything is well blended. The mixture should look smooth and inviting.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want those tender textures!
Scoop onto baking sheets: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork for those iconic crisscross patterns.
Bake to perfection: Slide those trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft—trust me; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool down before devouring: Allow the cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This part requires patience but is oh-so-worth-it!
Enjoy your masterpiece! Grab a glass of milk or coffee and indulge in these classic peanut butter cookies that will surely bring smiles all around!
Now you have an irresistible recipe for Classic Peanut Butter Cookies that’s not only enjoyable to make but also delightful to eat! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Classic peanut butter cookies are not just nostalgic; they are a perfect blend of crunchy and chewy textures
- The aroma of baking cookies fills your home, making it feel cozy and warm
- Remember, a little patience while cooling them will prevent sticky fingers!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make classic peanut butter cookies, cream the butter and sugar first, then mix in eggs and peanut butter. Finally, add the dry ingredients for a smooth dough.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap brown sugar for granulated sugar for added depth. You can also mix in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore soft texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Avoid overbaking; they should be slightly soft when you take them out
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the flavor beautifully
Classic peanut butter cookies have a special place in my heart; I remember baking them with my grandma every Sunday. The laughter and sweet smell still linger in my memory, bringing back those cherished moments.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter for classic peanut butter cookies?
Yes, but it may alter the texture slightly since it’s more oily than regular peanut butter.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
Can I freeze classic peanut butter cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freeze it for up to three months; just thaw overnight before baking.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are a nostalgic treat that combines soft, chewy centers with crispy edges. These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and peanut butter until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed.
- Scoop rounded balls onto baking sheets and flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg