Peanut Butter Cookies

Classic peanut butter cookies with crisp edges and soft, chewy centers. This easy, nostalgic recipe uses simple pantry ingredients for the perfect homemade cookie every time.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 143kcal

Author Leigh Anne Wilkes

Equipment

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter salted, softened
3/4 cup peanut butter creamy
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and peanut butter.
Add in sugars and mix to combine.
Mix in egg, milk and vanilla extract.
Add in flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Mix just until combined.
Form dough into balls. This is a soft dough.
Roll each ball of dough into some additional granulated sugar.
Place cookie dough ball on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Use a fork to slightly flatten the balls of dough, making a criss cross pattern
Bake for 10-12 minutes or just until the edges begin to turn brown. Do not overbake. They will look slightly under baked.
Allow cookies to cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet and then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use the right peanut butter: For best results, use a creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter can be too oily and may affect the texture.
Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of soft and tender.
Chill if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for 20–30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized cookies that bake consistently, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon.
Classic fork pattern: Lightly press the dough balls with a fork in a crisscross pattern. This not only gives them that signature look but also helps them bake evenly.
Don’t overbake: The cookies may look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out—that’s perfect! They’ll continue to set as they cool and stay soft inside.
Customize if you’d like: Stir in chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped peanuts for a fun twist while keeping that classic flavor.

Nutrition