There’s something magical about fresh-baked cookies in your home. It brings back warm memories of childhood. This easy peanut butter cookie recipe will make you feel that way again.
These cookies are easy to make. They only take 25 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to bake. You’ll get 2-3 dozen cookies that are soft and full of peanut butter flavor.
Just mix 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 large egg. You’ll make memories that everyone will love.
These cookies are more than treats. They connect us to our traditions and create new memories. They’re perfect for a quick dessert when your kids ask for something sweet.
This recipe is about joy and love in every batch. It’s not just about the cookies. It’s about the happiness you share with your family. Get ready to make their day with these delicious treats.
Introduction to Peanut Butter Cookies
Classic peanut butter cookies are loved by many in the United States. They are known for their rich flavor and crunchy texture. These cookies are perfect for any time, making them a favorite.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe is easy and quick. It needs only four ingredients: peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Each cookie has about 120 calories, making them a tasty and somewhat healthy snack.
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Fats | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Calories | 120 |
Baking these cookies is fun. You can make up to 15 cookies in 8-10 minutes. They turn golden brown on the edges. Baking them is as enjoyable as eating them.
These cookies stay fresh for a week in an airtight container. They’re a great treat to have ready.
Brief History of Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies started when peanut butter became popular in America. They come from Southern cooking traditions. Peanuts were important in Georgia’s farming.
The Carter family loved these cookies. This recipe mixes tradition and taste, taking you back in time with every bite.
Using natural peanut butter keeps the texture right. These cookies are also gluten-free. Trying this recipe is a treat for your taste buds and a connection to history.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make quick peanut butter cookies, you need a few basic things.
Basic Ingredients
Here’s what you need for these chewy cookies:
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened), optional for richer flavor
- ¾ cup of light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 and ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor
- ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, if using unsalted peanut butter
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
Want to try something new? Add these to your cookies:
- ½ cup of extra sugar for crisp cookies
- ¾ cup of chopped honey roasted peanuts for crunch
- Chocolate chips or Hershey’s Kisses for sweetness
- Pretzels for a salty crunch
- Flaky sea salt after baking for a fancy touch
- 2 tablespoons of honey for richness
- 1 teaspoon of miso paste for a unique flavor
These extras can make your cookies special and fun.
| Ingredient Measurement | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Butter | 1 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Light Brown Sugar | ¾ cup |
| All-purpose Flour | 1.5 cups |
| Salted Butter (Softened) | 0.5 cup |
| Large Egg | 1 |
| Baking Soda | 0.75 tsp |
| Kosher Salt | 0.25 tsp |
| Vanilla Extract | 1.5 tsp |
| Honey (Optional) | 2 Tbsp |
| Finely Chopped Honey Roasted Peanuts (Optional) | 0.75 cup |
| Flaky Sea Salt for Garnish (Optional) | To taste |
Equipment Required
Making soft peanut butter cookies at home is easy with the right tools. This section will help you get ready to make your own peanut butter cookies.
Essential Baking Tools
You’ll need some key baking tools for your easy peanut butter cookie recipe. These tools make baking easier and help your cookies come out right every time.
- Stand Mixer or Mixing Bowl with Hand Mixer: These tools mix your ingredients well, making a smooth dough.
- Cookie Scoop: It’s key for making your cookies the same size, so they bake evenly.
- Parchment Paper: It stops cookies from sticking and makes cleaning up easy.
- Fork: Use it to make the crisscross pattern on your cookies.
Recommended Oven Settings
The right oven settings are key for perfect cookies. Baking at the right temperature gives them a soft but slightly crispy texture.
- Preheat to 375°F: Your oven needs to be at 375°F before baking. This temperature is best for even baking.
- Baking Duration: Bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch them to avoid over-baking; they should be golden and soft inside.
Now, your easy peanut butter cookie recipe is ready to be made perfectly. Get ready to enjoy your homemade cookies!
| Preparation Time | 2 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 14-16 minutes |
| Total Time | 16 minutes |
| Servings | 1 |
| Calories per Serving | 378.6 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42.6 g |
| Protein | 7.3 g |
| Fat | 20.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7.4 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 66.8 mg |
| Sodium | 315.1 mg |
| Potassium | 156.8 mg |
| Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugar | 23.4 g |
| Vitamin A | 403.1 IU |
| Calcium | 35.2 mg |
| Iron | 1.6 mg |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make the best peanut butter cookies. This recipe is easy and always works. Let’s start!
Preparing the Dough
First, mix 3/4 cup of peanut butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of white sugar. Make it light and fluffy. Then, add one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well.
Next, add dry ingredients. Use 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a little salt. Mix until smooth. Chill the dough in the fridge for 1-2 hours or up to 3 days.
Shaping Your Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) after chilling. Make 1-inch balls from the dough. Each ball should be about 18g.
Roll each ball in more white sugar. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to make a crosshatch pattern on each ball.
Baking and Cooling Tips
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the edges and soft in the middle. Don’t overbake to keep them soft.
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer.
Tips for the Perfect Cookies
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
One big mistake is overmixing the dough. This makes cookies tough and not soft. Mix ingredients just until they’re combined.
Use 1 and 1/3 cups (170g) of flour and 1/2 cup (113g) of softened butter. This is from the recipe that’s been popular for years. It helps keep the cookies soft.
Texture and Consistency Tips
For chewy cookies, bake them a bit less. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Then, move them to a cooling rack. This keeps them chewy and prevents them from breaking.
Chill the dough for 1-2 hours or up to 3 days. This stops cookies from spreading too much. Make sure dough scoops are the same size for even cookies.
You can also add chocolate chips, sea salt, or honey-roasted peanuts for extra flavor. Check out Lucinda Recipes for more tips on making these tasty cookies.
Storage and Freshness
To keep your best peanut butter cookies fresh, follow some simple steps. Store them right to enjoy every bite as if they were just baked. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty.
Best Practices for Storing Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and tasty for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
If you want to bake later, store the dough in the fridge for two days. Or freeze it for up to two months.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature in Airtight Container | Up to 5 days |
| Refrigerator (Dough) | Up to 2 days |
| Freezer (Cookies) | Up to 3 months |
| Freezer (Dough) | Up to 2 months |
How to Revive Stale Cookies
Stale cookies? No worries! Heat them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. This makes them soft and tasty again. Enjoy them with milk or your favorite drink for a special treat.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are a fun treat. You can enjoy them in many ways. They are perfect for any taste.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving them with cold milk for a classic taste. Or, dip them in melted chocolate for a sweet treat. You can also make ice cream sandwiches with them.
At parties, make a cookie platter with toppings. Offer jam, Nutella, or fruits for guests to add. It makes the cookies even better.
Pairing with Beverages
Drinking something with peanut butter cookies is great. Milk is a classic choice. For a change, try coffee or tea.
For something new, try a peanut butter smoothie or milkshake. These drinks make the cookies taste even better.
| Cookie Type | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Peanut Butter Cookies | 114 | 3g | 2g | 17mg | 116mg | 20g | 14g | 1g |
Enjoying peanut butter cookies is easy. Try different ways to serve them and pair them with drinks. It makes every bite special.
Allergies and Dietary Considerations
When you eat peanut butter cookies, think about different diets and allergies. This includes gluten sensitivity and nut allergies. Knowing about substitutes and gluten-free options can really help.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
Want to make peanut butter cookies without gluten? You can use a gluten-free flour mix instead of regular flour. This is key for people with celiac disease, affecting 1 in 100 in the U.S.
4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are naturally gluten-free. They use peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Here’s a quick look at the ingredients and their gluten-free versions:
| Ingredient | Standard Version | Gluten-Free Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | All-Purpose Flour | Gluten-Free Blend |
| Peanut Butter | Standard Peanut Butter | Natural Peanut Butter (Ensure Gluten-Free Certification) |
| Sugar | Granulated Sugar | Granulated Sugar (Gluten-Free) |
| Egg | Large Egg | Large Egg (Gluten-Free) |
Nut Allergies and Substitutions
About 1.2% of Americans have peanut allergies. It’s important to use nut-free cookie options. Sunflower seed butter is a good substitute for peanut butter.
It’s also key to label your baked goods right. This helps avoid cross-contamination. Using special designs, like a crisscross pattern, can help tell them apart from nut-free ones.
Here’s a table for swapping out ingredients:
| Ingredient | Standard Version | Nut-Free Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | Standard Peanut Butter | Sunflower Seed Butter |
| Flour | All-Purpose Flour | All-Purpose Flour (if gluten is not a concern) |
| Sugar | Granulated Sugar | Granulated Sugar (Nut-Free) |
| Egg | Large Egg | Chia Seed Mixture |
Conclusion and Next Steps
Baking the best peanut butter cookies is fun and rewarding. Start with a simple recipe that needs only four ingredients. This will get you off to a great start.
Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or sea salt to your cookies. This can make them taste even better. Your creativity can bring out new flavors and textures.
Encouragement to Experiment
Be creative with the recipe to match your taste. Adding vanilla extract or using gluten-free flour can be exciting. It’s okay to try different cooking times and temperatures.
This can make your baking fun and educational. You’ll learn a lot and have fun doing it.
Inviting Feedback on Your Cookies
We love hearing about your baking. Share your creations with us. Your feedback can help others and improve our community’s baking.
If you want more ideas or to share your results, check out this page. Let’s keep learning and growing together in baking.
FAQ
What ingredients are essential for simple peanut butter cookies?
You need creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, and light brown sugar. Also, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, a large egg, all-purpose flour, and baking soda.
Can I add variations to the basic peanut butter cookie recipe?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking. This lets you make the cookies your own.
What equipment do I need to bake homemade peanut butter cookies?
You’ll need a stand mixer or a bowl with a hand mixer. Also, a cookie scoop, parchment paper, and a fork for the crisscross pattern.
What is the recommended oven setting for baking these cookies?
Use 350°F to bake evenly. This gives the cookies a soft yet slightly crispy texture.
How do I prepare the dough for peanut butter cookies?
Start by creaming peanut butter and sugars until light. Then add vanilla and egg. Mix in the dry ingredients until well combined.
What is the best way to shape the cookies?
Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet. Press each ball with a fork to flatten and create the classic crisscross pattern.
Any tips for baking and cooling the cookies?
Bake for 10-15 minutes until the edges are set. But the centers should stay soft. Cool on the pan then on a rack for the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes while baking peanut butter cookies?
Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies. Make sure dough sizes are the same for even baking. Bake slightly under to get a chewier texture.
What are the best practices for storing peanut butter cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and flavorful for up to a week. If they get stale, heat them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
How can I serve and enjoy peanut butter cookies creatively?
Enjoy them with cold milk, dip them in chocolate, or use them for ice cream sandwiches. They’re great for many desserts.
What are some gluten-free alternatives for these cookies?
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure all ingredients are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What options do I have if someone has nut allergies?
Use sunflower seed butter or other nut-free alternatives. Make sure the substitutes keep the cookies tasty and safe for dietary needs.
