Best Peanut Butter Cookies

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Golden brown, soft in the middle, and lightly crisp on the edges—these Best Peanut Butter Cookies are everything a peanut butter lover dreams of. They’re irresistibly nutty, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re baking them for a quick snack, a holiday platter, or to gift, these cookies never disappoint.

Made with pantry staples and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. No chilling is needed, and you’ll only need one bowl, making cleanup just as easy as the recipe itself. The crosshatch pattern on top gives them that classic look, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes them right over the top.

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

Creamy peanut butter is the classic go-to for a smooth texture and rich flavor, but if you love a bit of crunch, chunky peanut butter works wonderfully too. Avoid natural peanut butters with separated oil for this recipe—they can make the dough too oily and affect the structure of the cookie.

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Ingredients for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter – The star of the show. Use a high-quality, creamy peanut butter for the best texture and flavor.

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and softness to the cookie. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – A combo of both gives crisp edges (from white sugar) and a chewy, moist center (thanks to brown sugar).

Egg – Helps bind the dough and adds structure.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookie’s overall warmth and flavor depth.

All-Purpose Flour – The base that holds everything together without overpowering the peanut butter flavor.

Baking Soda – Gives the cookies lift and lightness.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter.

Flaky Sea Salt (optional) – A light sprinkle on top gives a gourmet finish and balances the richness.

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How To Make the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature for smooth blending.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light, fluffy, and well combined. This step builds the foundation of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—it should just come together without being sticky.

Step 5: Roll and Shape the Dough

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the dough balls about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to create the iconic crisscross pattern on each cookie, gently pressing down.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underdone, but they’ll set as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and (Optionally) Salt

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm.

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How to Serve and Store These Peanut Butter Cookies

Once cooled, these cookies are perfect for stacking on a dessert platter, pairing with coffee, or even serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but indulgent treat. They also make an ideal lunchbox snack or edible gift during the holidays.

To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make these cookies extra soft?

Bake them until just set and avoid overbaking. Slightly underbaking keeps the centers tender and chewy.

Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?

Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store in a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if your butter is too soft or your dough is overmixed. Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

What if I want thicker cookies?

Use slightly less sugar and do not flatten the dough balls as much before baking. You can also refrigerate the dough briefly to help prevent spreading.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Absolutely! These cookies are easy to scale. Just be sure to mix thoroughly and scrape the sides of the bowl to keep the dough evenly combined.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Best Peanut Butter Cookies, check out some other fun and flavorful cookie creations from Life with Nina:

• Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies for a sweet and fruity pop.
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies when you’re craving something citrusy and quick.
• Cotton Candy Cookies for a whimsical treat that kids absolutely adore.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes if you love cookies with a surprise filling.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies when you want a classic flavor with a chewy twist.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

I’d love to see how your cookies turned out! Did you go for flaky salt on top or keep them classic? Maybe you stuffed them with chocolate chips? Let me know in the comments.

Your kitchen creativity inspires more recipes every day. So don’t be shy—share your bakes and help others master the perfect peanut butter cookie too!

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