Peanut butter cookies are a timeless favorite, cherished by many for their rich, nutty flavor and delightful chewiness. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner, these cookies never fail to bring a smile. What makes them even more appealing is how simple they are to make! You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up a batch of these delicious delights. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create a mouthwatering cookie that will impress family and friends.

In this post, we’re excited to share seven easy peanut butter cookie recipes that cater to all skill levels. From classic versions to fun variations, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of peanut butter cookies!

1. Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a beloved treat, and this classic recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade cookie without the fuss. With just three simple ingredients, you can create cookies that are rich, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on your preference)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
2. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easier cleanup later.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and egg. Using a wooden spoon or a hand mixer, stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well-combined. You should see no clumps, and the mixture should be glossy and creamy. This simple step is the foundation of your cookies, so take your time to mix thoroughly.
4. Form the Dough: Once your dough is ready, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one, as they will spread while baking.
5. Create the Crisscross Pattern: Here comes the fun part! Take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly. Then, without lifting the fork, rotate it 90 degrees and press down again. This will create the classic crisscross pattern that peanut butter cookies are known for. Not only does this look appealing, but it also helps the cookies bake evenly.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy.
7. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip:

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dough if you’re using unsalted peanut butter. This can help balance the sweetness and bring out the nutty flavor of the peanut butter. Enjoy your classic peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven! These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike. Plus, this recipe is just as easy to follow as the classic peanut butter cookie recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (you can also use chunky if you prefer a bit of crunch)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or more if you’re a chocolate lover!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until well blended. It’s perfectly fine if the mixture is a bit thick; this will help create a chewy texture in the cookies.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the mixture and add the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. You’ll notice the batter becoming smoother and creamier.
4. Incorporate the Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda into the mixture and stir until it’s evenly distributed. This ingredient is crucial as it helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter. This is where you can adjust the amount according to your preference—add more if you love chocolate!
6. Scoop and Bake: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!
8. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip:

For the best flavor balance, we recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips. They provide the perfect level of sweetness without overwhelming the rich taste of the peanut butter. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in a few milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for an extra twist!

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!

3. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect solution! With just three simple ingredients—oats, honey, and peanut butter—you can whip up a delicious treat in no time. This recipe is great for those warm days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, or for when you just want a fast and satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the peanut butter and honey. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix them together until they form a smooth, creamy consistency. This step is crucial as it ensures that the honey is fully incorporated into the peanut butter, creating a deliciously sticky base for your cookies.
2. Add the Oats: Gradually stir in the rolled oats until they are fully coated with the peanut butter and honey mixture. You want to make sure the oats are evenly distributed, so take your time with this step. The oats will give your cookies that satisfying chewiness!
3. Shape the Cookies: Once everything is well combined, use your hands or a cookie scoop to form small balls of the mixture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each cookie. If you prefer a more traditional cookie shape, flatten them slightly with your fingers.
4. Chill: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the cookies chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and hold their shape.
5. Enjoy: Once they’re chilled, your no-bake peanut butter cookies are ready to eat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go snack.

Tip

For a little extra texture and flavor, consider adding shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the mixture before shaping the cookies. Both options pair wonderfully with peanut butter, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. Enjoy your no-bake peanut butter cookies, and feel free to get creative with your mix-ins!

4. Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky, based on your preference)
• 1 cup rolled oats

These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful and healthier twist on the classic recipe. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy goodness of peanut butter, they make for a delicious treat that you can enjoy guilt-free!

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden.
2. Prepare the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, take your two ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter your cookies will be! Use a fork to mash the bananas until they’re smooth, with only a few small lumps remaining. This process should take about a minute or two.
3. Mix the Ingredients: Once the bananas are mashed, add 1 cup of peanut butter to the bowl. Mix them together until well combined. You can use a spatula or a spoon for this step. The mixture should be creamy and somewhat thick.
4. Incorporate the Oats: Next, add in 1 cup of rolled oats. Stir until the oats are fully integrated into the banana and peanut butter mixture. The oats will give your cookies a chewy texture and provide some extra fiber, making them even more nutritious.
5. Shape the Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies won’t spread much while baking, so you can shape them into your desired form.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking!
7. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a healthier option for a sweet treat. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the oats add fiber, making them a great choice for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for up to a week!

5. Peanut Butter Cookies with a Twist

Ingredients.

• 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts, pecans, or almonds) or dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and the egg. If you’re using vanilla extract, add that in as well. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy dough. A wooden spoon or an electric mixer works great for this step!
3. Incorporate Your Add-Ins: Once your base is ready, it’s time to add a twist! Gently fold in your choice of chopped nuts or dried fruit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even combine both! The nuts add a lovely crunch, while the dried fruit brings a touch of sweetness and chewiness to each bite.
4. Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking. For a fun presentation, you can flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork, creating a nice pattern.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: The beauty of these peanut butter cookies lies in their versatility. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your mix-ins! Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast. The possibilities are endless, so experiment with your favorite flavors and make these cookies truly your own! Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats!

6. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

If you or someone you know follows a gluten-free diet, these gluten-free peanut butter cookies will be a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. The great news is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture to enjoy delicious peanut butter cookies. This recipe showcases how easy it is to create a scrumptious treat using just a few ingredients, ensuring that everyone can indulge in the joy of peanut butter cookies!

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked peanut butter cookies.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar. Use a spoon or an electric mixer to blend the two until smooth and creamy. If you’re adding vanilla extract, stir it in at this stage.
3. Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the mixture and beat it until fully incorporated. This is what helps bind the cookies together, giving them a chewy texture.
4. Optional Salt: If you prefer a little contrast in flavor, you can add a pinch of salt. It enhances the sweetness of the peanut butter cookies, bringing out the peanut butter flavor even more.
5. Shape the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about two inches of space between each cookie. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the peanut butter cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip

These gluten-free peanut butter cookies are just as tasty as their traditional counterparts! The combination of peanut butter and sugar creates a wonderfully chewy texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can experiment by adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy baking these delicious cookies that everyone can savor!

7. Peanut Butter Cookies with Sea Salt

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Sea salt, for sprinkling on top

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Use a sturdy spoon or a mixer to blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You want to make sure the peanut butter is evenly distributed, giving every bite that delicious nutty flavor.
3. Shape the Cookies: Once the dough is mixed, it’s time to shape your cookies. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
4. Create the Crisscross Pattern: For that classic peanut butter cookie look, take a fork and gently press down on each cookie ball to create a crisscross pattern. This not only looks great but also helps the peanut butter cookies bake evenly.
5. Add the Sea Salt: Here’s where the magic happens! Before placing the cookies in the oven, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. The contrast of the salty topping against the sweet peanut butter cookie is simply divine, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
6. Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft in the center but slightly firm on the edges.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later!

Tip: The addition of sea salt may seem small, but it significantly enhances the sweetness of the peanut butter cookies, balancing the flavors beautifully. The subtle crunch of the salt adds a delightful texture, making each bite a treat for the senses. Whether you’re enjoying these cookies on your own or sharing them with friends and family, they are sure to be a hit!

Conclusion

Making peanut butter cookies is more than just a baking activity; it’s a joyful experience that brings people together. The warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as the cookies bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. There’s something truly special about taking a batch of freshly baked peanut butter cookies out of the oven, letting them cool just enough to enjoy, and then savoring that first delightful bite. Each cookie is a little piece of happiness, reminding us of the comfort and joy that homemade treats can provide.

We hope you’ve found inspiration in our seven easy peanut butter cookie recipes. Each recipe offers a unique twist on this beloved classic, allowing you to discover new flavors and textures that suit your taste. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a classic peanut butter cookie or the indulgence of chocolate chips and sea salt, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Don’t hesitate to give them a try! Baking is not just about following a set of instructions; it’s about enjoying the process and creating something delicious.

We encourage you to experiment with these recipes and make them your own. Add your favorite ingredients, like nuts, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of caramel, to create a personalized cookie that reflects your unique style. Baking is a wonderful opportunity to unleash your creativity, and peanut butter cookies are the perfect canvas for your culinary imagination.

Once you’ve baked your cookies, share your experiences with us! We would love to hear which recipes you enjoyed the most and any variations you tried. Did you discover a new favorite ingredient or a clever baking hack? Sharing your journey not only enriches your own experience but also inspires others to step into the kitchen and create their own delicious peanut butter cookies.

So gather your ingredients, invite a friend or family member to join you, and embark on this sweet adventure together. Happy baking!

If you want to read more about the food blogs please click here