Classic Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 cup of packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and smooth peanut butter using an electric mixer until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the sugar and butter mixture while continuing to beat the mixture.
  5. Once the dough is well mixed, stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Press a crisscross pattern into each dough ball using the tines of a fork.
  8. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowls - You will need a few mixing bowls to combine ingredients and mix the dough.
  • Electric Mixer - An electric mixer will make it easier to cream the butter, sugars, and peanut butter together.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - You'll need measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Baking Sheets - Two baking sheets are required to bake the cookies.
  • Parchment Paper - Use parchment paper to line the baking sheets, preventing the cookies from sticking.
  • Fork - You'll need a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern on the cookies.
  • Wire Racks - Wire racks are essential for cooling the cookies evenly.

Recipe variations

  • Chunky Peanut Butter: Substitute smooth peanut butter with chunky peanut butter for added texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
  • Nutella Swirl: Swirl 1/2 cup of Nutella into the dough for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
  • Oatmeal: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup of rolled oats for peanut butter oatmeal cookies.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to make gluten-free peanut butter cookies.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) to make vegan peanut butter cookies.
  • Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to add extra flavor and texture to the cookies.
  • Salted Peanut Butter Cookies: Use salted peanut butter and omit the additional salt for a salty-sweet variation.

Recipe overview

These delicious homemade peanut butter cookies are perfect for every occasion. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like real butter, granulated and brown sugars, and smooth peanut butter, they're easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The result is a batch of beautifully golden brown cookies, rich with the flavors of peanut butter and vanilla. The process is straightforward and fun, making this a great recipe to try with kids. Indulge your sweet tooth by creating these mouthwatering treats and share them with your loved ones. They're perfect for serving at parties, enjoying as a dessert, or even giving as a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe. However, be mindful that the cookies may turn out slightly saltier due to the additional salt in the butter.
  2. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter? Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a cookie with crunchy peanut butter bits. However, the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
  3. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter? Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in this recipe. However, natural peanut butter tends to have a runnier consistency, so the dough may be softer. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to achieve the right consistency.
  4. Can I substitute any other flour for all-purpose flour? All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. Substituting with other types of flour may alter the texture and taste of the cookies.
  5. Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the dough? Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any other mix-ins you like to personalize your peanut butter cookies.
  6. How should I store these cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Used to mix the ingredients together.
  • Electric mixer - Helpful for creaming the butter, sugar, and peanut butter together.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Needed to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Baking sheets - Used to bake the cookies in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
  • Wire racks - Used to cool the cookies after baking.
  • Fork - Used to create the crisscross pattern on top of the cookies.
  • Spatula - Helps to transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack.

Origin stories

Peanut butter cookies have a uniquely American origin. They were popularized during the early 20th century, a period when American cookbooks were brimming with recipes that incorporated peanut butter. The characteristic crisscross pattern, imprinted with a fork, became a distinguishing feature mainly for practical reasons - it allows the thick dough to cook evenly. However, it's also become an endearing symbol of homemade peanut butter cookies that reminds many of cozy kitchens and childhood baking experiences. In a delightful twist, several food historians believe this simple yet distinctive design was initially suggested by a Pillsbury cookbook in the 1930s. Goes to show that even the most humble of cookie designs can have a tale baked into them!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.