If you’re on the hunt for a treat that delivers pure, peanut buttery bliss with hardly any effort, you’re going to adore these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies! With just a handful of pantry staples and almost no prep time, they’re the ultimate answer for cookie cravings. Sweet, salty, chewy, and naturally gluten-free, this recipe lets the rich flavor of peanut butter shine. Whether you’re a beginner baker or simply short on time, you’ll be amazed at how deliciously satisfying these cookies are.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the absolute joys of this Easy Peanut Butter Cookies recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a real purpose, coming together to create cookies with wonderful flavor, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and nostalgic charm.
- Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy): The star of the show brings richness and a soft, chewy texture—be sure to use creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cookies and helps them hold their shape while baking; you can try a touch less sugar if you prefer a more savory flavor.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as the binder, giving the cookies structure and keeping everything together without flour.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle depth that enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Ensures a little lift, giving these flourless cookies just the right amount of tenderness.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances out the sweetness and keeps the flavors bright and satisfying.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for even baking. While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Grab a medium mixing bowl and stir together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and just a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is smooth, creamy, and there are no visible streaks—your dough should be thick and glossy, tempting you for a quick taste!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into tidy little balls with your hands. Arrange each one on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart (they’ll spread as they bake, so give them room to breathe).
Step 4: Add the Signature Crisscross
Time for that classic peanut butter cookie look! Take a fork, dip it in a bit of sugar if you like, and gently press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each dough ball. This not only adds charm but also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and ever-so-slightly golden. Keep a close eye—they should be soft in the center when you take them out, as they’ll firm up while cooling.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes (they’re delicate when hot), then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, try not to eat them all at once!
How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For a special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie right after baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or a thin ribbon of caramel over the top for a decadent finish. If you love extra texture, press a few chopped roasted peanuts into the tops before baking.
Side Dishes
These cookies are amazing alongside a cold glass of milk (classic!), cup of hot coffee, or even served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair them with fresh fruit for a sweet and salty afternoon treat that never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies make fantastic edible gifts! Stack them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or arrange them on a colorful platter for a playful party centerpiece. Turn them into cookie sandwiches by spreading a little chocolate ganache or fluffy marshmallow creme between two cookies for an extra special twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, making them perfect for easy snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, pop them into a freezer-safe zip bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. To freeze the dough, shape the balls and freeze them raw—just add a minute or two to the baking time straight from the freezer.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you’re reheating a whole batch, arrange them on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes until gently warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter works just as well and adds a delightful texture to your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies. Just keep in mind, the dough might be a little harder to mix, but the results are just as tasty.
Are these cookies really gluten-free?
Yes, these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are naturally gluten-free because there’s no flour involved in the recipe. If you’re baking for someone with celiac disease, double-check that your peanut butter and baking soda are processed in gluten-free facilities.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a handful of butterscotch morsels can be folded into the dough for extra bursts of flavor and texture. Just don’t overload the dough—about ½ cup of mix-ins is perfect.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies should look set at the edges but still appear soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for a hard or golden brown top before removing them.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies doubles beautifully. Use two baking sheets or bake in batches so you don’t crowd the cookies, ensuring they all bake evenly and get those crisp edges and chewy centers.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this recipe, Easy Peanut Butter Cookies might just become your new go-to treat for any occasion. They’re quick, unfussy, and totally irresistible—perfect for sharing or for sneaking straight from the cookie jar. Pull out your favorite mixing bowl, give these cookies a try, and enjoy every sweet, nutty bite!
Print
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are gluten-free and full of peanut butter flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until fully mixed.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie, then bake for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a soft texture, avoid overbaking.
- Enhance with chocolate chips or chopped peanuts.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
