Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

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Hey there, cookie lovers! 👋
If you’ve ever felt that warm, buttery hug from a fresh-baked peanut butter cookie, then you already know why we’re here. This one’s for the nostalgic souls, the peanut butter superfans, and anyone who believes the best things in life are simple and sweet.

Let’s talk about these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies—the kind that fill the kitchen with cozy, nutty goodness and make it impossible to eat just one. They’re soft, slightly crisp at the edges, rich with peanut butter flavor, and just the right balance of sweet and salty.

I don’t know about you, but every time I make these, I’m transported straight back to childhood—baking with my mom on slow afternoons, sneaking spoonfuls of dough when she wasn’t looking (or pretending I wasn’t). These cookies are comfort. Pure, simple, peanut-buttery comfort.

So let’s dive into this timeless classic that’s always in season, always welcome, and always disappears faster than you can say “Just one more…”

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🥜 Why Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Never Go Out of Style

We love a fancy cookie as much as anyone—hello, brown butter sea salt chocolate chip—but sometimes? You just want something familiar. Something that feels like home.

Peanut butter cookies hit that sweet spot with:

• A soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture

• Rich nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness

• Minimal ingredients and no chill time

• The signature criss-cross pattern (is it even a PB cookie without it?)

They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, lunchbox-approved, and freezer-friendly. What’s not to love?

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🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need (Yields ~18 cookies)

Let’s break it down. These ingredients are pantry staples, and the dough comes together in no time.

Dry Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
  The base for a tender, soft cookie.

• ¾ tsp baking powder (3g)
  A gentle lift—just enough for a soft texture without making the cookies cakey.

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp (113g)
  Soft butter = better creaming. If you’re using salted butter, reduce added salt later.

• 1 cup peanut butter (250g)
  Use smooth peanut butter for best results—classic Jif or Skippy style. Natural peanut butters can make the dough too loose unless stirred super well.

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed (100g)
  Brings moisture, chewiness, and a caramel-like depth.

• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  For that sweet, crisp exterior and balanced flavor.

• 1 large egg, room temp
  Helps bind and give that rich, tender crumb.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
  Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.

Optional:

• ¼–½ tsp sea salt
  Only needed if you’re using unsalted PB. Salt brings balance to sweet desserts and really elevates the peanut butter.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

This is a no-fuss, beginner-friendly cookie recipe—but the results taste like pure magic. Let’s do this!

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✅ Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also use a silicone baking mat if that’s your thing. Either way, we want those cookies sliding off like a dream.

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✅ Step 2: Mix the Dry Stuff

Sift the flour and baking powder into a medium bowl. Give it a quick whisk to combine. This helps keep things light and prevents clumps.

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✅ Step 3: Cream the Goodness

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together your butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step is key for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Add in your peanut butter and mix until smooth and creamy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix just until incorporated.

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✅ Step 4: Add the Dry to the Wet

Gradually add your dry mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms—don’t overmix, just enough to bring it all together.

If the dough feels sticky, let it rest for 5–10 minutes while the oven finishes preheating. It’ll firm up beautifully.

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✅ Step 5: Roll & Press

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Now the best part: grab a fork and press the dough balls down in a criss-cross pattern. This gives them that classic look AND helps them bake evenly.

Cool Chef Tip: Dip your fork in a bit of sugar before pressing to prevent sticking and add a touch of sparkle on top!

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✅ Step 6: Bake & Cool

Bake at 350°F for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed and matte.

Resist the urge to overbake! The centers will continue setting on the hot sheet as they cool.

Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Or don’t. I’ve eaten one warm every time I make them. 🤷‍♂️

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📊 Nutrition Info (Per Cookie)

These little guys are as satisfying as they are simple. Here’s the breakdown:

• Calories: 193

• Carbs: 16g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 13g

• Sugar: 7g

• Sodium: 115mg

• Fiber: 1g

Perfect for an after-school snack, mid-morning coffee treat, or late-night pantry raid. 🥜

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💡 Peanut Butter Cookie Tips for Sweet Success

• Room temp ingredients = better texture. Cold butter or eggs can throw off the dough.

• Don’t skip the fork press! It’s not just for looks—it helps flatten the dense dough and bakes them evenly.

• Love a crunch? Add chopped roasted peanuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough!

• Want to freeze the dough? Absolutely! Scoop and criss-cross, then freeze on a tray before storing in a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes.

• Want them chewier? Slightly underbake and keep them thick.

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🧺 Make-Ahead & Storage

Peanut butter cookies stay soft for days—another reason we love them.

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Fridge: Not necessary, but they’ll last even longer!

• Freezer (baked): Freeze cooled cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy!

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🎉 Fun Twists on the Classic

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❤️ Final Thoughts from Your Friendly Chef

You don’t need a special occasion to make peanut butter cookies. You don’t need a holiday, a party, or a plan. Sometimes, all you need is a quiet moment, a warm oven, and a craving for something sweet and simple.

This Classic Peanut Butter Cookie recipe is for those moments. It’s easy, comforting, and brings the kind of joy that lasts longer than any fancy dessert ever could.

So roll up your sleeves, grab your mixing bowl, and bake up a little love. These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re timeless.

Until next time, stay sweet, stay simple, and never be afraid to sneak a bite of dough. I won’t tell

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