Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about the smell of peanut butter cookies baking in the oven! I remember the first time I made these delightful treats with my grandmother. We’d spend the afternoon mixing the ingredients, and she’d always say, “The secret is in the love you put into it!” And wow, did those cookies turn out delicious! Peanut butter cookies are such a hit because they’re quick, easy, and absolutely scrumptious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s an after-school snack or a last-minute dessert for friends. Trust me, once you take that first bite of a warm, chewy peanut butter cookie, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s dive in and get baking, shall we?
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get into the fun part—making these delightful peanut butter cookies! It’s a simple process, and I promise you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in no time.
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. So don’t skip this step—you’ll thank yourself later!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, large egg, pure vanilla extract, and baking soda. I like to use a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer for this. Mix everything together until the dough is smooth and well combined. You want that luscious peanut butter flavor to shine through, so make sure there are no lumps!
Forming the Dough
Once your dough is mixed, it’s time to form it into small balls. I usually take about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie. This helps ensure they bake evenly. Roll the dough between your palms to get a nice, smooth ball, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them, as they will spread a bit while baking.
Baking the Cookies
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Flatten each dough ball gently with the back of a fork—this gives them that classic crisscross pattern. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are slightly golden, but still soft in the center.
Cooling Before Serving
Once baked, take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is key! It allows them to firm up a bit, so you don’t end up with a gooey mess. Trust me, waiting a little will be worth it when you take that first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Seriously, these peanut butter cookies come together in just about 20 minutes! Perfect for when you need a sweet fix in a hurry.
- Deliciously Simple: With just a handful of ingredients, you get that classic, rich peanut butter flavor that everyone loves. No complicated steps here!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix it up! Add chocolate chips, swirl in some jam, or throw in chopped nuts for added texture. The possibilities are endless!
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies are perfectly soft in the middle with just the right amount of chewiness. It’s hard to eat just one!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids adore helping out in the kitchen with this recipe. Plus, they’ll be thrilled to enjoy their own homemade cookies!
- Great for Sharing: Whether it’s for a bake sale, a gathering, or just to brighten someone’s day, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail these peanut butter cookies! Here are my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your peanut butter and sugar accurately. I love using a kitchen scale for precision, but if you’re using cups, be sure to level them off for the best results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother dough, make sure your egg is at room temperature. It helps everything mix together more evenly, creating that dreamy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out—this will give you that soft and chewy texture! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Toss in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of caramel for a fun twist. Just keep the proportions balanced with the base ingredients.
- Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you’re in the mood for warm cookies!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a peanut butter cookie pro! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these delightful peanut butter cookies! Each cookie is packed with flavor while being reasonably balanced in calories and nutrients. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy your cookies guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about peanut butter cookies? No problem! Here are some common inquiries I’ve come across, along with my answers to help you bake with confidence.
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter can be used, but remember that it tends to be a bit more runny. You might want to adjust the amount of sugar slightly to maintain the right texture. Just give it a good stir before mixing it into your dough!
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your peanut butter cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag and they’ll be ready for a quick treat later.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Of course! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic way to elevate your cookies. You can also toss in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a little pizzazz. Just remember to keep your proportions balanced with the base ingredients!
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, it might be helpful to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle. You can also lightly flour your hands when forming the cookie balls to avoid any sticky situations!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just swap out the sugar for a gluten-free alternative and ensure your baking soda is certified gluten-free. The beauty of peanut butter cookies is that they naturally don’t need flour, making them a great option for gluten-sensitive folks.
I hope these answers help you feel prepared and excited to bake your own delicious peanut butter cookies! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve got some delicious peanut butter cookies, let’s talk about how to store them and keep them fresh! To maintain their chewy goodness, simply place your leftover cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long!
If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can also freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pull out a cookie (or a few!) and let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. If you prefer them warm, you can also reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Wow, that warm, gooey peanut butter goodness will make your day!
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies That Will Delight Your Taste Buds
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade peanut butter cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and baking soda.
- Form the dough into small balls.
- Place on a baking sheet and flatten with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- For chewier cookies, reduce baking time.
- Can add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: peanut butter cookies
