Classic Peanut Butter Cookies, The Best Homemade Recipe
Peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic. With their nutty flavor and chewy texture, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or a simple snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¹/₂ teaspoon baking soda
- ¹/₄ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients
In a bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Shape the Dough
Scoop dough into balls using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Place on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Flatten the Cookies
Press each ball gently with a fork in two directions to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden around the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Peanut butter cookies are incredibly versatile, and you can easily make them your own by adding a few simple twists. For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of sweetness. If you love a bit of crunch, swap out creamy peanut butter for chunky peanut butter for added texture. For a more decadent treat, swirl in some melted peanut butter to make each bite even creamier. Want a sweet-and-salty combination? Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a salted caramel twist.
Nutritional Information
Classic peanut butter cookies are a great mix of protein and sweetness, thanks to the peanut butter. They’re a comforting, slightly indulgent treat but can still be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. One cookie (about 2.5 inches in diameter) contains roughly 150-170 calories, with 8g of fat and 4g of protein. If you want to reduce the sugar or fat content, try using natural peanut butter or cutting back on the sugar by 1/4 cup.
Serving Suggestions
hese peanut butter cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate classic combo, or pair them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a fantastic gift for birthdays, holidays, or as part of a homemade cookie box.For a fun twist, you can also sandwich two cookies with a dollop of ice cream in between for a homemade peanut butter ice cream sandwich. Or, crumble them over a bowl of vanilla ice cream to create a delicious topping.
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies, The Best Homemade Recipe
12 Cookies
servings10
minutes10
minutes150-170
kcalPeanut butter cookies are a classic treat with a rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
¹/₂ tsp baking soda
¹/₄ tsp salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Shape the dough: Scoop dough into balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Flatten the cookies: Press with a fork in two directions for the classic crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden around the edges. Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Add chocolate chips, swap creamy for chunky peanut butter, or drizzle melted peanut butter for a richer treat.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Freeze dough balls for 1-2 hours and store in a bag for later use.