Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate nostalgic treat that effortlessly combine rich, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla. With their chewy centers and slightly crispy edges, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy bakers!
Table of Contents
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Tips for Making Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Reheating Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies related recipes next!
- Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Classic Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips
- Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Quick and Simple. These peanut butter cookies require just a few pantry staples, making them incredibly easy to throw together in minutes. Perfect for when the craving hits!
- Deliciously Nutty Flavor. With creamy peanut butter as the star, these cookies deliver rich, nutty goodness that everyone will love!
- Peanut Butter: The key ingredient that gives the cookies their signature flavor and texture. Use creamy or crunchy, based on your preference.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crispiness to the cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the moistness and flavor depth, promising deliciously chewy cookies.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create that perfect cookie texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Baking Soda: Provides the leavening needed for a light, fluffy cookie.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix until well-blended.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press the tops of the cookie dough balls with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Prevent Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake, as they may seem underdone but will firm up while cooling.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra treat, feel free to fold in chocolate chips for a delicious variation!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- You can also freeze the dough by rolling it into balls and storing them in a freezer bag. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Storing Leftovers
Once baked, store your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
- Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.
- Reheat frozen cookies by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- If microwaving, use a medium setting for 10-15 seconds, just to warm them.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter works well, but it may make your cookies a bit more crumbly due to less added emulsifiers.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies will have a lightly browned edge and will look slightly underbaked in the center.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even coconut for varying flavors.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This can happen if your dough is too warm or if your baking soda is old. Make sure to chill the dough if needed.
How do I achieve a chewy texture?
Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar helps achieve that chewy texture. Also, be careful not to overbake!
