Peanut Butter Cookies Made Easy with Just a Few Pantry Staples

Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Souhail

There’s something almost magical about peanut butter cookies. The moment they hit the oven, that nutty aroma wafts through the kitchen, turning an ordinary day into something warm and special. I vividly remember the first time I baked these with my mom on a rainy afternoon in New York — she handed me a fork to press that signature crisscross on top, and I felt like a real baker. To this day, these cookies are my go-to for everything from bake sales to breakups to cozy nights with tea and a good book.

This classic cookie is delightfully simple: golden edges, soft chewy centers, and that unmistakable rich peanut butter flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and salt. They come together quickly (no chilling needed!) and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting a treat, or sneaking a midnight snack, these cookies never disappoint.

Why These Peanut Butter Cookies Are So Dang Good

Okay, let’s talk about what really makes these peanut butter cookies next-level. You’ve probably had a version before — maybe dry, crumbly, or overly sweet. But these? They strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, salty and sweet, nostalgic and indulgent.

Here’s why this recipe works like a charm:

• All about that texture: We use the ideal ratio of butter to peanut butter, so you get chewy centers with just the right crisp on the edges.
• No chilling required: Who has time to wait? These cookies go from mixing bowl to oven in minutes.
• Pantry-friendly: No fancy ingredients here — just peanut butter, sugar, flour, and love.
• Fork-pressed for nostalgia: That crisscross pattern isn’t just cute — it helps flatten the dough for even baking.
• Balanced flavor: A touch of vanilla and a pinch of salt make all the difference. The peanut butter shines without being overpowering.

Want to switch things up?

Whether you’re baking for dietary needs or just feeling a little adventurous, here’s how to make these cookies your own:

• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. These cookies hold up beautifully.
• Vegan-friendly: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based butter.
• Chunky vs. creamy: Use crunchy peanut butter if you love a bit of texture. You can even toss in chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
• Add chocolate chips: Because peanut butter + chocolate = heaven. A handful of semi-sweet or dark chips turns them into a chocolate-peanut butter dream.
• Sweetener swap: Prefer natural sweeteners? Try using coconut sugar or maple syrup (though the texture may shift slightly with liquids).

Craving even more creative cookies? You might love trying these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for a cozy fall twist or these fun orange fish cookies that kids adore!

How To Make This Recipe

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

170

kcal

A classic recipe for soft, chewy peanut butter cookies that come together with pantry staples and are perfect for every occasion.

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Ingredients

• 0.5 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 0.5 cup granulated sugar

• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar

• 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour

• 0.5 tsp baking powder

• 0.5 tsp baking soda

• 0.25 tsp salt

Directions

• First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Grab a medium mixing bowl and add ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. You want it nice and creamy, so if it’s still a bit cold, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds — just don’t melt it completely.
• Add ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed brown sugar to the butter. The combo of white and brown sugar gives you the perfect sweet chew. Cream everything together until the mixture looks fluffy and pale.
• Next, stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter. It’ll blend into the butter-sugar mixture and start smelling incredible already. Then mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is smooth and glossy.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
• Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple inches between each one to allow for spreading.
• Now comes the fun part: use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, first in one direction, then the other, to make that signature crisscross pattern.
• Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a little soft — that’s exactly what you want. Don’t overbake!
• Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool, becoming that perfect mix of soft and chewy.

Notes

• For a crunchier texture, use chunky peanut butter or add chopped peanuts.
• Add ¾ cup chocolate chips for a peanut butter-chocolate version.
• Always measure flour properly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
• If using natural peanut butter, stir well and note that texture may vary.
• Cookies freeze beautifully once baked. Just reheat for 10 seconds in the microwave to enjoy warm.
• To keep cookies extra soft, store with a slice of bread in the container.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 170kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g
• Protein: 3g

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Pro Tips to Make Your Peanut Butter Cookies Perfect Every Time

Even the easiest recipes have a few tricks that make all the difference. Here’s what I’ve learned after baking these beauties more times than I can count:

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
• Room temperature ingredients = better texture: Make sure your butter and egg aren’t cold. They blend more smoothly, giving you a uniform dough.
• Use parchment paper: Not only does it prevent sticking, but it also helps the bottoms brown evenly without burning.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies might look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out — that’s good! They’ll set as they cool, giving you that soft-chewy magic.
• Cool on the baking sheet: Let them rest on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. It helps them firm up without drying out.

Bonus tip: If you love baking with seasonal flair, pair these cookies with a warm cup of cider and check out these homemade pumpkin cookies for another cozy classic.

Fun Twists on Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

While I’ll always love the original, it’s so much fun to play with the flavor and texture of peanut butter cookies depending on your mood or the season. Here are some delicious ways to remix the classic:

1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

This one’s a no-brainer. Stir in ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for that dreamy peanut butter and chocolate combo. It creates gooey pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.

2. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Want something a little more hearty? Add ½ cup of quick oats to the dough. The oats give the cookies a slightly chewy texture and add some wholesome flavor. You can also throw in a handful of raisins or chopped nuts!

3. Double Peanut Butter Cookies

For the true peanut butter lovers, mix in chopped roasted peanuts or swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter chips. This makes the cookies super nutty and extra rich.

4. Spiced Peanut Butter Cookies

Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to give these cookies a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor. These pair beautifully with a pumpkin spice latte — or a cozy blanket and Netflix.

5. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, or try a flourless version by skipping the flour entirely and using just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. They’ll be denser, but still super satisfying.

And hey, if you’re into cookie experiments, you might love the buttery crunch of these chocolate mint cookies for a refreshing twist, too.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies (Beyond Just Eating 5 in a Row)

These cookies are pure comfort straight off the tray, but here are a few ways to elevate them:

• Serve with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
• Dip halfway in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for a pretty party platter.
• Make sandwich cookies by spreading a layer of peanut butter, Nutella, or even jam between two cookies.
• Crush them over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy, nutty topping.
• Pair with seasonal drinks like warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte. (And if you’re into fall flavors, don’t miss this apple crisp with oats — it’s the coziest dessert ever.)

How to Store & Reheat These Cookies So They Stay Just as Delicious

These cookies hold up beautifully — if they last more than a day!

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to keep them soft (a grandma-approved trick).
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or pop in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh that just-baked texture. Or microwave for 10 seconds for that soft, melty magic.

Fun Ways to Use These Cookies in Other Treats

You know what’s better than peanut butter cookies? MORE peanut butter cookies in creative ways:

• Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies and roll the sides in mini chocolate chips. Freeze for 30 minutes before serving.
• Crumbled into parfaits: Layer with yogurt, banana slices, and a drizzle of honey for a fun snack or dessert.
• Peanut butter cookie crust: Crush the cookies and mix with melted butter to form a pie crust — perfect for a peanut butter cheesecake or chocolate tart.
• Topped on milkshakes: Blend up a peanut butter-chocolate milkshake and crumble a cookie or two on top for garnish.
• Holiday cookie boxes: These cookies travel well, making them a perfect addition to edible gift boxes for birthdays, Christmas, or just-because care packages.

Frequently Asked Questions about Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Closing Thoughts

There’s just something about the smell of peanut butter cookies wafting through the kitchen that feels like an instant hug. Whether you’re baking a batch to impress your friends or just to treat yourself after a long week, this recipe delivers that perfect nostalgic comfort with minimal effort.

If you loved these, be sure to check out other cozy bakes like my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies or the ultimate apple crisp with oats for more sweet, comforting moments.

Now go bake your heart out — and don’t forget to tag me with your cookie pics or leave a comment below. I love seeing how your batches turn out!