Peanut Butter Cookies: 5 Simple Steps to Pure Bliss

Name: Peanut Butter Cookies: 5 Simple Steps to Pure Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Posted on December 13, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Welcome, cookie lovers! If you’re searching for a sweet treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! My Peanut Butter Cookies are not just any cookies; they’re a nostalgic bite of my childhood. I remember coming home from school, the smell of warm cookies wafting through the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to snag one straight from the cooling rack. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires just five simple ingredients, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry. Honestly, I can whip up a batch in no time when those cookie cravings hit! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking some of the best peanut butter cookies you’ll ever taste!

Ingredients List

1 cup creamy peanut butter: This is the star of the show! I love using creamy peanut butter for its smooth texture, but if you’re a fan of crunch, go ahead and use crunchy peanut butter for that extra bite.
1 cup granulated sugar: This adds the sweetness that balances out the rich peanut butter flavor. Make sure it’s granulated for that perfect cookie texture!
1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder and gives the cookies a lovely structure. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best mixing results!
1 teaspoon baking soda: This little powerhouse helps the cookies rise and gives them that lovely soft texture we all adore. Don’t skip it!
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth and depth, I always opt for pure vanilla extract. It elevates the flavor to a whole new level!

How to Prepare Peanut Butter Cookies

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making these scrumptious peanut butter cookies. Trust me, it’s a breeze!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown color. Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen while they bake? Absolutely irresistible!

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract. I like to use a hand mixer on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until everything is well blended and smooth. You want that batter to be creamy and fluffy, so don’t rush this part!

Shape the Dough

With your dough ready, it’s time to shape it! Grab a tablespoon and scoop out some dough, rolling it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. To flatten, simply press each ball with a fork, making that classic crisscross pattern. It not only looks cute but helps them bake evenly too!

Baking Time

Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked!

Cooling the Cookies

Once they’re out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is crucial! Cooling them on a rack helps maintain that perfect texture, keeping them soft on the inside and just a tad crispy on the outside. You’ll want to let them cool completely before diving in—if you can resist the temptation!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one of my delightful peanut butter cookies. Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:

Calories: 100
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g

These cookies are not only tasty but also pack a little protein punch thanks to the peanut butter! Enjoy them as a treat, but remember, moderation is key—it’s easy to go back for seconds (or thirds) when they’re this good!

Tips for Success

To make sure your peanut butter cookies come out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share! Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and peanut butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly, giving you that creamy cookie dough we all love!
Prep Your Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This not only prevents sticking but also helps with even baking. No one likes a cookie that won’t come off the pan!
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking and enhances the flavor.
Storage is Key: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake the most incredible peanut butter cookies. Happy baking!

Variations on Peanut Butter Cookies

Now that you’ve mastered the classic peanut butter cookie, let’s have some fun with variations! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite twists:

Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a heavenly chocolate-peanut butter combo. Seriously, who can resist that?
Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts—like walnuts or pecans—for an extra crunch. It adds a lovely texture and pairs wonderfully with the creamy peanut butter.
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: For a heartier version, stir in a cup of old-fashioned oats. It gives the cookies a chewy texture and makes them feel a bit more wholesome!
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: If you’re feeling adventurous, drop spoonfuls of this cookie dough into brownie batter before baking for a delicious marbled effect. Yum!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the sugar for coconut sugar and use almond flour instead of regular flour to create a gluten-free peanut butter cookie. They’re just as delicious and perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. It’s like a cozy hug in cookie form!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own delightful twist to this classic treat. Get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment—after all, that’s what baking is all about!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful peanut butter cookies, let’s talk about how to serve them! One of my favorite ways to enjoy these cookies is with a tall glass of cold milk. Seriously, the creamy milk pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor and sweetness of the cookies, creating a match made in snack heaven!

If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, try serving them alongside a rich cup of coffee or a warm mug of hot chocolate. The combination of the warm drink and the soft, chewy cookie is pure bliss, especially on a cozy afternoon.

These cookies are also fantastic for gatherings! Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual get-together, or even a holiday celebration, you can arrange them on a beautiful platter and watch them disappear. You can even try stacking them for a fun, rustic presentation. Trust me, they’ll steal the show at any dessert table!

Feeling adventurous? You could even make an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Wow, right? It’s a treat that children and adults alike will love. So, whether you keep it classic with milk or go all out with ice cream sandwiches, these peanut butter cookies are sure to please any crowd!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked and cooled your delicious peanut butter cookies, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty! I recommend placing your cookies in an airtight container. This helps lock in that delightful softness and prevents them from becoming dry. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to enjoy them for days to come!

For best results, layer the cookies with parchment paper to avoid any sticking. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re planning to keep them longer, don’t fret—you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months!

When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie from the freezer, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer them warm and slightly gooey, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a melty mess! Enjoy your cookies just as you like them, fresh and full of that irresistible peanut butter goodness!