A timeless favorite, these classic peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with rich peanut flavor. With their iconic criss-cross fork pattern and sweet, nutty taste, they make a perfect snack or dessert for peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for added texture)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional for Coating

• Additional sugar for rolling (optional)

Preparation

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes (optional)
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Yield: About 18 cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Make the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
   • Add the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth.
3. Shape the Cookies:
   • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • For the classic criss-cross pattern, use a fork to gently press down on each ball, first in one direction, then in the opposite direction to create a cross.
   • (Optional) Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before pressing down for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Peanut Butter Texture: For crunchier cookies, use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
• Watch the Bake Time: Peanut butter cookies are prone to overbaking, so keep an eye on them. They should still look soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chilling the dough for about 15 minutes before baking will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Fun Twists

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly: After baking, top the cookie with a dollop of your favorite jelly or jam for a “PB&J” flavor.
• Salted Peanut Butter Cookies: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

Final Touch

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that bring comfort and joy to any occasion. With their simple ingredients and rich peanut flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your cookie recipe collection.

Enjoy every chewy, nutty bite! 🍪🥜✨