Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of old-fashioned peanut butter cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and will remind you of the classic cookies your grandma used to bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a timeless treat that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. They’re made with basic pantry staples, have a perfect balance of sweetness, and feature that iconic crisscross pattern that makes them instantly recognizable. Plus, they’re soft, chewy, and melt in your mouth!

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Create the Crisscross Pattern: Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern. This not only flattens the cookies but also gives them their classic look.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips and Variations

• For Extra Flavor: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough for a fun twist.
• Crispy Cookies: If you prefer crispier cookies, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or gifting to friends and family.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To refresh the cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture to the cookies.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, but reducing the sugar may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies.

Why do I need to use a fork to make the crisscross pattern?
A: The crisscross pattern helps flatten the cookies for even baking and gives them their classic look.

Conclusion

These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With their soft, chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Bake a batch today and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cookies!

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