Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

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Golden, slightly crisp on the edges, and chewy in the center — the Classic Peanut Butter Cookie is the ultimate nostalgic treat. Its signature crisscross top, rich peanut flavor, and just-right sweetness make it an all-time favorite for cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a school lunchbox surprise, or a holiday cookie platter, these peanut butter cookies never fail to impress.

The magic of this cookie lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a dessert that’s soft yet sturdy, rich yet not overwhelming. If you’ve ever craved a comforting cookie that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk, this recipe delivers — every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

• Incredibly easy to make with basic ingredients — ideal for beginner bakers.
• Perfectly balanced texture: crisp edges with soft, chewy centers.
• Naturally gluten-free option (with a simple substitution).
• Freezer-friendly dough that you can bake fresh anytime.
• Nostalgic flavor that brings back childhood memories.
• Crowd-pleaser for potlucks, bake sales, or casual desserts.
• Customizable with chocolate chips, nuts, or sea salt toppings.
• No chill time required — ready to bake in minutes!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each Tool)

Making Classic Peanut Butter Cookies doesn’t require fancy gadgets — just a few trusty kitchen tools will do the trick. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Mixing Bowls: Use one large and one medium bowl — the large one for combining wet and dry ingredients, and the medium for creaming the butter and sugar. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best for even mixing and easy cleanup.
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand): Crucial for achieving that creamy, fluffy texture when blending butter, peanut butter, and sugar. It also helps incorporate the egg evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking. Accurate measurement of flour, peanut butter, sugar, and baking soda ensures consistent results.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls so no peanut butter goodness goes to waste. Also helps fold the dough without over-mixing.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy, flat baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat promotes even baking and prevents sticking.
• Fork: Used to make the iconic crisscross pattern on top of each cookie — an essential signature of classic peanut butter cookies.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly after baking, preserving their perfect chewy texture.

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Preparation Tips

Before you dive into the mixing and baking, a few tips will help guarantee cookie success:

• Use room temperature butter and peanut butter to ensure smooth creaming and even texture throughout the dough.
• Sift the dry ingredients to prevent clumping and promote even mixing.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added — it can toughen the cookies.
• Scoop dough evenly for uniform cookies that bake at the same rate (a cookie scoop or tablespoon works well).
• Make the crisscross pattern gently — press the fork just enough to flatten slightly without breaking the dough apart.
• Space cookies out on the baking sheet to prevent them from spreading into each other.
• Preheat your oven and allow it to fully reach temperature before baking.
• Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to the cooling rack — they firm up as they cool.

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Ingredients for This Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

These cookies come together with just a few pantry staples — simple, reliable, and always satisfying. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or processed, but not too oily)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark for extra richness)
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds warmth and depth)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts
• Flaky sea salt for topping

Gluten-Free Option:
Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

These ingredients will yield about 20–24 cookies, depending on size.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

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Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

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Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Continue mixing on low speed until well combined and smooth.

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Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — stop as soon as the flour disappears.

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Step 5: Portion and Shape

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

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Step 6: Create the Crisscross Pattern

Dip a fork in granulated sugar (to prevent sticking), then gently press the fork onto the top of each dough ball in one direction. Rotate the fork 90 degrees and press again to make the classic crisscross design.

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Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft — that’s perfect.

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Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with a glass of milk, or let them cool fully for maximum chewiness.

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Notes

• Natural peanut butter can work, but the texture will be slightly softer and more delicate. Stir it well to incorporate any separated oil before using.
• Chilling the dough is optional, but if your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15–30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Make it your own by folding in mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking the cookies: It’s tempting to wait until they look fully cooked in the oven, but they continue to firm up as they cool. Remove them when the edges are golden, and the center is just set.
• Using cold butter: This prevents proper creaming and results in dense cookies. Always soften your butter to room temperature.
• Overmixing the dough: Once the flour is added, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dry cookies.
• Skipping the fork pattern: Beyond being decorative, it helps the cookies bake evenly by flattening them for uniform cooking.
• Incorrect flour measurement: Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much flour. Instead, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
• Not spacing cookies properly: These cookies spread slightly. Leave at least 2 inches between each dough ball.
• Using salted butter without adjusting salt: If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt to prevent an overly salty cookie.
• Storing before they cool: Sealing warm cookies in containers can lead to sogginess. Let them cool completely first.

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What to Serve With Classic Peanut Butter Cookies?

These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right drink or treat can elevate the experience. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or indulging solo, here are perfect pairings to try.

8 Recommendations

1. Cold Milk – The timeless match. A cold glass of milk (dairy or plant-based) balances the cookie’s richness and enhances its creamy peanut flavor.
2. Hot Chocolate – A warm, velvety mug of cocoa complements the sweet-salty profile of peanut butter cookies beautifully.
3. Coffee or Espresso – For a more grown-up pairing, enjoy these cookies with a bold cup of coffee or a smooth shot of espresso.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream – Crumble warm cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick, indulgent dessert.
5. Greek Yogurt with Honey – Dip or crumble cookies into plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a sweet-protein combo.
6. Fruit Slices – Serve with crisp apple or pear slices — their fresh crunch and light sweetness contrast wonderfully with the soft, dense cookies.
7. Milkshakes – Blend a few cookies into a vanilla or banana milkshake for a decadent peanut butter cookie shake.
8. Cheese Platter – For a unique touch, pair peanut butter cookies with aged cheddar or gouda. Sweet and savory lovers will be surprised!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies fresh and chewy for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–6 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigeration: Not necessary unless your kitchen is very warm, but it can slightly extend shelf life (up to a week). Let cookies sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keeps well for 2–3 months. Thaw at room temp.
• Freezing the Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze, and store in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen — just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Category: Dessert
• Diet: Vegetarian

Note: Nutrition can vary slightly based on brand of peanut butter and exact portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture and extra peanut bits to the cookies. Just expect a slightly less smooth dough.

2. Why do my cookies come out dry or crumbly?

This usually means there’s too much flour or the cookies were overbaked. Be sure to measure flour correctly and remove the cookies when they’re just set in the center.

3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or use commercial egg replacers. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

4. Are these cookies gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make them gluten-free.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe scales well — just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough and bake in batches for even results.

6. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required, but you can chill it for 15–30 minutes if your dough is too soft or your kitchen is warm.

7. Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chocolate chips, white chocolate, chopped nuts, or even bits of pretzels work beautifully in these cookies.

8. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5–6 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.

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Conclusion

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are the kind of timeless, soul-satisfying treat that brings comfort with every bite. With their buttery, nutty flavor and that familiar crisscross top, they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking a batch for family, friends, or just yourself, this easy recipe delivers consistent, chewy, golden results every time.

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