These chewy peanut butter cookies are soft, sweet, and full of rich peanut butter flavor. I like this recipe because it uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for an easy homemade dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup butter
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a medium bowl, I cream together the butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, I combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Flatten each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a rack.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Calories: about 754 kcal
Variations
I sometimes use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. I can also add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a pinch of cinnamon for a slightly different flavor.
For a sweeter finish, I like dipping half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, I freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When I want one, I let it thaw at room temperature.
To refresh the cookies, I warm them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds until soft.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, I can use crunchy peanut butter if I want extra peanut pieces and more texture in the cookies.
Why do I press the cookies with a fork?
I press them with a fork to flatten the dough and create the classic crisscross pattern. It also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I can make the dough ahead and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why are my peanut butter cookies dry?
They may become dry if I overbake them or add too much flour. I like to remove them when they are just set because they firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, I can freeze the dough balls before baking. I place them on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
Conclusion
These chewy peanut butter cookies are a simple, classic dessert with rich flavor and a soft texture. I like making them when I want an easy cookie recipe that feels homemade, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
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Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with crisp edges and a rich, nutty flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they are quick to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
½ cup butter
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in granulated sugar.
- Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Flatten each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then remove from the oven and cool on a rack.
Notes
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a pinch of cinnamon for variation.
Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a sweeter finish.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies or dough for up to 2 months.
Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
