Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
These Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, rich, and packed with delicious peanut butter flavor in every bite. With crispy edges and a tender center, they’re the perfect classic cookie for holidays, tea time, lunch boxes, or an anytime sweet treat.This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for beginner bakers and peanut butter lovers alike. The traditional criss cross fork pattern gives these cookies their classic homemade look and helps them bake evenly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (Optional): 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 30–45 minutes
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
Chocolate chips
Chopped peanuts
Drizzle of melted chocolate
Sea salt flakes
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until a soft cookie dough forms.
If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls.
Place them on the baking tray with space between each cookie.
Use a fork to gently press down twice in a crisscross pattern.
Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
The centers may still look soft, but they will continue setting as they cool.
Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve warm or completely cooled with milk, coffee, or tea.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
Do not overbake or the cookies may become dry.
Chill the dough for thicker cookies.
Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flavor contrast.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze
Freeze baked cookies or cookie dough for up to 2 months.
Variations
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Spread chocolate or cream filling between two cookies.
Conclusion
These Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies are classic, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With their rich nutty flavor and soft chewy texture, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with your favorite hot drink. One batch is never enough