This guide gives a recipe guide for homemade peanut butter cookies.
You will find clear steps and tips to make a tasty treat.
What are Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies?
Homemade peanut butter cookies are sweet treats made from peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and a few other simple ingredients.
They have a soft center and a light crisp edge. The cookies are easy to make at home and do not require special tools.
They suit a snack or a dessert for any time of day.
Ingredients for Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions for Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1
Gather all ingredients and set your oven to 350°F. Check your tools and make sure you have a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet.
Step 2
Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl. Use a spoon to stir the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and even.
Step 3
Add the baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir the mixture well. The dough should become thick and creamy.
Step 4
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet. Leave space between each drop. Use a fork to press each dough ball gently. Make a crisscross pattern on the top of each cookie.
Step 5
Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn light brown. The centers should still appear soft.
Step 6
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Expert Tips for Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor. Choose a room temperature egg to blend the dough evenly. Do not overmix the ingredients; stir until the dough is smooth. Use a fork to press a pattern on each cookie. Watch the baking time closely to avoid overbaking. These steps help you get a cookie that is soft in the middle and slightly crisp on the edge. Simple care in each step will give you a treat that tastes great with every bite.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies Variations
- Add chocolate chips
- Mix in chopped peanuts
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy
- Sprinkle sea salt on top
- Add a dash of cinnamon
Things that I can serve with Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
- A glass of cold milk
- A cup of hot coffee
- A serving of ice cream
- Fresh fruit slices
- A small bowl of tea
Topping Options for Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
| Topping Option | Note |
|---|---|
| Melted chocolate | Drizzle on top for sweetness |
| Sprinkled sea salt | Adds a slight savory note |
| Chopped peanuts | Offers extra crunch |
| Powdered sugar | Light dusting for extra charm |
| Mini chocolate chips | Adds small bursts of flavor |
This table shows clear topping options. Each topping can change the taste with a small addition. The table helps you choose the topping that suits your style.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
Let the cookies cool completely after baking.
Place the cookies in an airtight container.
Store the container in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.
The cookies remain fresh for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place the cookies in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
You can also let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving. These steps keep the cookies tasting fresh and soft.
Ways to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
- Oven baking
- Convection oven baking
- Air fryer baking
- Using a cookie press for even shapes
Each method gives a slightly different texture. Oven baking makes a classic cookie. A convection oven may bake them faster. Air frying can give a crisp edge with less time. A cookie press helps form uniform cookies that look neat.
Faq
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. The texture will change slightly, and you will get extra bits of peanuts in each cookie.
Q: Can I add extra sugar if I like a sweeter cookie?
A: Yes, you can add extra sugar. Adjust the amount to your taste. Start with a small increase and mix well.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies are done when the edges turn light brown. The center will appear soft but should set as they cool.
Q: Can I make these cookies without an egg?
A: You can try using an egg substitute. Use a commercial egg replacer or a flax egg. The texture might change slightly.
Q: How should I store the cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, use the refrigerator or freezer.
Q: Do I need to use vanilla extract?
A: Vanilla extract adds a subtle flavor. You may omit it if you prefer a stronger peanut butter taste.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the dough?
A: Yes, you can add a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. These spices blend well with peanut butter.
Conclusion
This recipe gives you a simple guide to making homemade peanut butter cookies.
Follow the steps and enjoy a treat that is both easy and delicious.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
- 1 Whisk For combining dry ingredients
- 1 Cookie Sheet Non-stick preferred
- 1 Parchment paper Optional
- 1 Spatula For mixing and scooping dough
Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut butter Smooth or crunchy $1.50
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar $0.30
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar Packed $0.30
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract $0.15
- 1 large Egg Room temperature $0.10
- 1 1/4 cups All-purpose flour $0.50
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda $0.05
- 1/2 tsp Salt $0.01
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, sugars, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make Dough:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mix. Stir until just combined.
- Chill Dough:
- Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes (prevents spreading).
- Scoop Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line cookie sheet with parchment. Scoop 1-tbsp dough balls, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Flatten Cookies:
- Press each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake:
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
-
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze dough for 3 months.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend.
-
Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra flavor.
