Intro
Peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic, and this recipe is the best one yet. With soft and chewy middles, lightly crisp edges, and a rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies are a treat for any occasion. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make with just nine pantry-friendly ingredients. No chilling time required, so you can enjoy warm, homemade peanut butter cookies in no time.

Ingredients
To make these delicious peanut butter cookies, you’ll need creamy peanut butter, all-purpose flour, baking soda, unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, and sea salt. This recipe uses a higher ratio of peanut butter than most, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture with the perfect balance of flavor.
If using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and smooth before incorporating it into the dough. Avoid using dry, stiff peanut butter from the bottom of the jar. Processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy works well too if that’s your preference.
Instructions
Start by making the dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
Form the cookies by scooping heaping tablespoons of dough and rolling them into balls. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar for added texture and flavor. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each. Use a fork to press down on the tops of the cookies, creating the signature criss-cross pattern.
Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. For softer cookies, bake for 10 minutes; for crispier ones, bake for 12 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
Rolling the cookies in sugar before baking enhances their texture and flavor, preventing the fork from sticking when making the criss-cross pattern. This step also adds a light crunch to the cookies’ edges, complementing their chewy centers.
For storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or straight from the freezer, these peanut butter cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
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