There are peanut butter cookies, and then there are these peanut butter cookies—the ones you dream about, the ones that disappear from the cookie jar in a flash, the ones that make everyone ask for the recipe.
This is that recipe. These cookies are everything you want: incredibly soft and chewy in the middle, with slightly crisp edges and that classic crisscross pattern on top. They’re loaded with real peanut butter flavor, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of salt to make the sweetness sing.
Yields about 24-30 cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the peanut butter and beat until well combined and smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until incorporated. Scrape down the bowl again.
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
If using chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them in now.
Shape the Cookies
Place about ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl for rolling.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons) and roll into balls.
Roll each ball in the sugar until coated, then place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Using a fork, create the classic crisscross pattern: gently press the fork in one direction, then press again perpendicularly. This flattens the cookies slightly and creates that iconic look.
Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and set. The centers will still look soft and slightly underdone—that’s perfect.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. They will continue to set as they cool.
If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately after removing from the oven.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve
Serve at room temperature with a cold glass of milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 10-12 minutes | Cooling Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 24-30 cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
How to Store:
Store peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of white bread in the container to keep them extra soft—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
Can You Freeze the Dough?
Absolutely! This is my favorite make-ahead trick. Scoop the dough into balls, roll in sugar, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Fresh cookies anytime!
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Baked peanut butter cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Dough:
The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and rolling.
