Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are one of the most beloved and timeless treats in the world. These delectable cookies combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with a crispy, chewy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a snack, peanut butter cookies never fail to delight. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about making peanut butter cookies, including classic recipes, variations, healthier alternatives, troubleshooting tips, and more.

Want to skip straight to a quick recipe? Try these simple 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, which are fast and easy to prepare! Or, if you’re interested in a fun twist on the classic, explore these Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, topped with chocolate kisses.

A Brief History of Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies have a rich and storied history that dates back more than a century. Although the peanut butter we know and love today didn’t gain widespread popularity until the early 1900s, its use in baking has been around much longer. Here’s a look at how these cookies came to be:

• In the early 20th century, peanut butter began to emerge as a popular food item due to its affordability and nutritional value.

• In 1932, a recipe for peanut butter cookies was first published in the Peanut Butter Manufacturers Association cookbook, encouraging people to bake with peanut butter.

• By the 1940s, peanut butter cookies became a staple in many American households, thanks to their easy preparation and delicious flavor.

Today, peanut butter cookies are a beloved treat around the world, with countless variations and recipes to suit every taste.

Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

When it comes to making peanut butter cookies, there’s no better place to start than with the classic recipe. This simple yet satisfying treat is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. It’s a great recipe to have on hand for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday baking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

• ½ cup butter, softened

• ½ cup white sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.

6. Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.

7. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For a fun twist on the traditional peanut butter cookie, try making these Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies. These are perfect for parties and festive occasions, with the added bonus of a chocolate kiss in the center.

Peanut Butter Cookie Variations

While the classic peanut butter cookie recipe is always a winner, there are so many variations you can try to customize the flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

These cookies are a holiday favorite, combining the richness of peanut butter with a chocolate kiss in the center. The recipe is nearly identical to the classic, but after you bake the cookies, you press a chocolate kiss into the middle of each one while they are still hot. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that is perfect for gifting or serving at a party.

2. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re in a hurry or don’t feel like turning on the oven, no-bake peanut butter cookies are the perfect solution. These cookies are easy to make and only require a few ingredients, including peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. The process is simple:

• Mix the ingredients together until smooth.

• Shape the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Refrigerate until firm.

These no-bake cookies are perfect for warm weather when you want a sweet treat without heating up the kitchen.

3. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies

What could be better than combining two beloved flavors—peanut butter and chocolate? By adding chocolate chips to the classic peanut butter cookie dough, you can create a rich, decadent treat that will please both chocolate and peanut butter lovers. Simply fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough before baking.

For more ideas, check out this recipe for peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking to cut down on calories, sugar, or gluten, there are plenty of healthier alternatives to traditional peanut butter cookies that still taste amazing. Here are some ideas for making your cookies a little lighter:

1. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

If you or someone you know has a gluten intolerance, making gluten-free peanut butter cookies is a great option. You can substitute regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour. These flours give the cookies a slightly different texture but still maintain the classic peanut butter flavor.

2. Lower-Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies

You can also make a healthier version of peanut butter cookies by reducing the sugar content. Instead of using refined white and brown sugars, try substituting them with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or honey. These alternatives have fewer calories and can be a great option if you’re watching your sugar intake.

3. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

For those following a vegan diet, vegan peanut butter cookies are a great choice. Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg or chia egg in place of the regular egg. The result is a delicious, dairy-free cookie that’s just as satisfying as the original.

Troubleshooting Your Peanut Butter Cookies

Sometimes things don’t go as planned in the kitchen, and you might encounter a few common issues when baking peanut butter cookies. Here’s a troubleshooting guide to help you get it just right:

• Flat Cookies: If your cookies spread too much and become thin, it’s often due to using too much butter or not chilling the dough before baking. To prevent this, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, or reduce the amount of butter slightly.

• Dry or Crumbly Cookies: If your cookies are dry and crumbly, you might have added too much flour. Always measure your ingredients carefully and use a kitchen scale for more accurate results.

• Overly Sweet or Bland Flavor: If your cookies turn out too sweet, try reducing the sugar in the recipe. On the other hand, if they taste bland, consider adding a pinch of salt or extra vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Cookies

Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter Instead of Smooth?

Absolutely! You can swap smooth peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter in your recipe. The only difference is that your cookies will have a bit more texture due to the peanut pieces. This is a great way to add extra crunch and flavor.

How Do I Make My Peanut Butter Cookies Soft and Chewy?

To achieve soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, make sure not to over-bake them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are just golden but the center is still slightly soft. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.

Can I Freeze Peanut Butter Cookie Dough?

Yes, you can freeze peanut butter cookie dough! Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Peanut Butter Cookies

---

• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These classic peanut butter cookies are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
8. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For extra texture, use crunchy peanut butter. Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: peanut butter, cookies, easy dessert, baking