The Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness.
Introduction
Few cookies carry the same sense of nostalgia as peanut butter cookies. With their golden edges, tender centers, and unmistakable nutty aroma, they’ve been a staple in kitchens for generations. This recipe balances creamy peanut butter with a touch of cinnamon for warmth, creating cookies that are simple yet unforgettable. Whether enjoyed with a glass of cold milk, tucked into a lunchbox, or served at holiday gatherings, these cookies are the kind that bring people together.
Ingredients
½ cup salted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
1¼ cups all‑purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Cream Butter & Peanut Butter
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Sugars
Mix in granulated and brown sugar; beat for 1 minute until fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in egg, vanilla, and milk until light and well combined.
Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients on low speed until dough forms.
Stir in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or other mix‑ins if desired.
Chill Dough
Transfer to an airtight container. Chill at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat Oven
375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape Cookies
Scoop 1½–2 tbsp dough, roll into balls, and place 12 per sheet.
Press tops gently with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern.
Bake
9–10 minutes, until puffed, lightly golden, and just beginning to crackle.
Cool
Rest on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 9–10 minutes
Yield: ~24 cookies
Tips for Success
Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture, or chunky for added crunch.
Don’t overbake — cookies should look slightly underdone when removed; they’ll firm up as they cool.
For extra depth, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Fun Variations
Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Press a chocolate kiss into each cookie right after baking.
Peanut Butter & Jelly: Sandwich two cookies with jam for a playful twist.
Double Peanut: Add chopped peanuts to the dough for extra crunch.
Holiday Flair: Roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking.
Storytelling Element
Imagine pulling these cookies from the oven — the kitchen filled with the warm scent of roasted peanuts and sugar, the golden tops crisscrossed with fork marks, inviting you to take a bite. They’re the kind of cookie that feels like home, simple yet deeply satisfying.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Cookies are a recipe worth keeping close. Soft, chewy, and packed with nutty flavor, they’re perfect for everyday baking or special occasions. A true classic that never goes out of style.