Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies always remind me of afternoons spent baking with my grandmother when I was a kid so I remember standing on a little stool next to her mixing bowl then I’d sneak tastes of the dough every chance I got so she’d always laugh and tell me to save some for the oven then I loved making those classic fork marks on top of each cookie so when they came out warm and golden I could never wait for them to cool before grabbing one then those moments made me fall in love with baking and these cookies have stayed a favorite ever since.

Now every time I make these peanut butter cookies I feel like I’m bringing that same comforting, nostalgic warmth into my kitchen so they’re perfect for lunchbox treats, holiday cookie trays, or just to enjoy with a glass of cold milk then the combination of salty peanut butter and sweet, chewy cookie makes them totally irresistible so I always have to set a few aside before they disappear.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Creamy peanut butter – Gives the cookies their classic rich, nutty flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps them crisp at the edges.
• Brown sugar – Adds deeper sweetness and chewiness.
• Egg – Binds the dough together and keeps it tender.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet depth of flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and softness to the cookies.
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For creaming the butter and combining dry ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – To make the dough nice and smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To get all the ingredients just right.
• Spatula – For scraping down the bowl and folding in the dough.
• Baking sheet – To bake the cookies evenly.
• Fork – To make the classic criss-cross marks on top.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prep

I preheat the oven to 350°F then I line my baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a bowl I beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy so it creates a soft, sweet base.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

I mix in the egg and vanilla extract so everything comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Add dry ingredients

I stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined so the dough stays tender and easy to scoop.

Step 5: Shape and mark

I scoop the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet then I press each ball lightly with a fork to make a criss-cross pattern so they get that classic peanut butter cookie look.

Step 6: Bake

I bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft so they stay chewy and perfect.

Step 7: Cool

I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack so they set without breaking.

Tips

If you want a bit of texture I sometimes add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the dough so they feel extra special. You can also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist. Make sure not to overbake so the cookies stay soft in the center.

Ways to Serve

I love serving peanut butter cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. They’re also great for ice cream sandwiches or crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze peanut butter cookie dough?

Yes! I often freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from frozen so they’re perfect for fresh cookies anytime.

Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?

The fork marks help the cookies bake evenly and give them their classic look so it’s a fun and practical step.

How long do peanut butter cookies stay fresh?

They keep well in an airtight container for up to a week so they’re great for making ahead.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these peanut butter cookies a try soon! They’re a classic treat that always feels nostalgic and comforting, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Share your photos or tell me if you add any fun twists! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy baking day.

Happy Cooking!

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