12 Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes
Welcome to the ultimate guide for peanut butter lovers! There is something uniquely nostalgic and satisfying about a peanut butter cookie, whether it is the classic fork-crisscross pattern or a modern twist with chocolate and caramel. In this comprehensive collection, we have gathered 12 distinct recipes ranging from the simplest three-ingredient pantry staples to decadent stuffed treats. Each recipe is designed to bring out the rich, nutty aroma and perfect balance of sweet and salty that makes this cookie a timeless favorite in kitchens everywhere.
Classic 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
This is the simplest peanut butter cookie recipe in existence, requiring only three common pantry items. It results in a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture that highlights the pure flavor of the peanut butter without the distraction of flour or complex leavening agents.
Ingredients
- •1 cup creamy peanut butter
- •1 cup granulated white sugar
- •1 large egg
Method
- 1
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- 2
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and the egg using a sturdy spatula or an electric hand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated.
- 3
3. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, form the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4
4. Use the tines of a fork to press a crisscross pattern into the top of each dough ball, which helps the cookies flatten out and bake evenly.
- 5
5. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just slightly golden; be careful not to overbake as they will firm up significantly as they cool.
- 6
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Click and save to Pinterest
Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
For those who prefer a cookie that stays soft for days, this recipe utilizes brown sugar and butter to create a moisture-rich environment. It is the perfect balance of a chewy interior and a slightly crisp edge.
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- •1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- •1/2 cup granulated sugar
- •1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- •1 large egg
- •1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- •3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- •1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and prepare your cookie sheets with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- 2
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 minutes of vigorous mixing.
- 3
3. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated into the creamed mixture.
- 4
4. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure there are no lumps and the leavening is distributed.
- 5
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring by hand or on low speed until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- 6
6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheets, then flatten them slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- 7
7. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned; remove from the oven while the tops still look slightly underdone to maintain the chewy texture.
- 8
8. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
Click and save to Pinterest
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
A match made in heaven, these cookies take the traditional peanut butter base and fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, gooey experience in every bite.
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup butter softened
- •3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- •1/2 cup white sugar
- •1/2 cup brown sugar
- •1 egg
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Method
- 1
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
2. Cream together the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars in a large mixing bowl until the texture is smooth and airy.
- 3
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating the mixture again until everything is well-blended and creamy.
- 4
4. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- 5
5. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- 6
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- 7
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the chocolate is slightly melted.
- 8
8. Allow the cookies to rest on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Click and save to Pinterest
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
These iconic cookies feature a soft peanut butter base rolled in sugar and topped with a classic chocolate candy kiss immediately after baking, creating a beautiful and delicious contrast.
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup shortening
- •1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- •1/2 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
- •1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- •1 egg
- •2 tablespoons milk
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- •1 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •24 chocolate kiss candies unwrapped
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
2. In a large bowl, beat the shortening and peanut butter together until well combined, then add the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until light.
- 3
3. Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the liquid ingredients are fully integrated.
- 4
4. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate container, then stir this into the peanut butter mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
- 5
5. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in a small bowl of extra granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- 6
6. Place the balls on the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are puffed and set.
- 7
7. Immediately upon removing from the oven, press one chocolate kiss candy into the center of each cookie, causing the cookie to crack slightly around the edges.
- 8
8. Let the cookies cool completely so the chocolate can firm back up.
Click and save to Pinterest
Crunchy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies offer a hearty texture by combining the nuttiness of chunky peanut butter with the chewiness of rolled oats. They are perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial, textured cookie.
Ingredients
- •1 cup butter softened
- •1 cup crunchy peanut butter
- •1 cup granulated sugar
- •1 cup brown sugar
- •2 eggs
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- •2 cups quick-cooking or rolled oats
- •1 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare several baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
2. Cream the softened butter, chunky peanut butter, and both sugars in a large bowl until the mixture is thick and well blended.
- 3
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated.
- 4
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt together.
- 5
5. Gradually stir the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients until a thick, heavy dough is formed.
- 6
6. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- 7
7. Flatten the cookies slightly with the back of a spoon or a fork.
- 8
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned and the centers are set.
- 9
9. Cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Click and save to Pinterest
Flourless Double Peanut Butter Cookies
A gluten-free delight that doubles down on the peanut flavor. By using both peanut butter and chopped roasted peanuts, these cookies offer an intense flavor and a satisfying crunch without any flour.
Ingredients
- •1 cup creamy peanut butter
- •3/4 cup brown sugar
- •1 large egg
- •1 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- •1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
2. In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
- 3
3. Mix the ingredients vigorously until a thick and slightly oily dough forms.
- 4
4. Fold in the chopped roasted peanuts to add extra texture and saltiness.
- 5
5. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll into a ball, then place on the baking sheet.
- 6
6. Press down with a fork to create the traditional crisscross pattern.
- 7
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are slightly puffed and golden on the bottom.
- 8
8. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet as they are very fragile while warm.
Click and save to Pinterest
Vegan Maple Peanut Butter Cookies
These plant-based cookies use maple syrup for sweetness and a flax egg as a binder. They have a unique, deep flavor profile and a slightly softer, more tender crumb.
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- •1/3 cup maple syrup
- •1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1 cup oat flour
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
2. Prepare the flax egg by mixing the ground flaxseed with water and letting it sit for 5 minutes until thickened.
- 3
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, prepared flax egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 4
4. Add the oat flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients and stir until a soft dough is formed.
- 5
5. Use a spoon to scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, making about 12 cookies.
- 6
6. Flatten each cookie with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- 7
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are firm to the touch.
- 8
8. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet to ensure they set properly without falling apart.
Click and save to Pinterest
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Two crispy peanut butter cookies are sandwiched together with a rich, creamy peanut butter frosting, creating a decadent treat similar to a homemade version of a famous commercial cookie.
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup butter
- •1/2 cup peanut butter
- •1/2 cup sugar
- •1/2 cup brown sugar
- •1 egg
- •1 1/4 cups flour
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/4 cup peanut butter (for filling)
- •1/2 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- •1 tablespoon milk (for filling)
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the cookie dough by creaming butter, peanut butter, and sugars, then adding the egg and dry ingredients.
- 2
2. Shape into very small balls (about 1/2 inch) and flatten with a fork; bake for 7 to 8 minutes until crisp.
- 3
3. While the cookies cool, make the filling by beating together the 1/4 cup peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
- 4
4. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a teaspoon of filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
- 5
5. Top with another cookie of similar size and press gently to create a sandwich.
- 6
6. Repeat until all cookies are used.
Click and save to Pinterest
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies take the classic recipe to a gourmet level with the addition of a gooey caramel center and a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance all the flavors.
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup butter
- •3/4 cup peanut butter
- •1 cup brown sugar
- •1 egg
- •1 1/2 cups flour
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •12 soft caramel candies halved
- •Sea salt for sprinkling
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare cookie dough by mixing wet and then dry ingredients as standard.
- 2
2. Take a tablespoon of dough, flatten it, and place a half-piece of caramel in the center.
- 3
3. Wrap the dough around the caramel, ensuring it is completely sealed so the caramel doesn't leak.
- 4
4. Place on a baking sheet and sprinkle the top with a tiny pinch of sea salt.
- 5
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies will be soft but the caramel will be melted inside.
- 6
6. Let cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth on the hot caramel.
Click and save to Pinterest
Honey Roasted Peanut Butter Cookies
Using honey roasted peanut butter instead of regular creamy butter gives these cookies a deeper, toasted sweetness and a slightly different, addictive flavor profile.
Ingredients
- •1 cup honey roasted peanut butter
- •1/2 cup sugar
- •1/2 cup brown sugar
- •1 egg
- •1 teaspoon vanilla
- •1 1/2 cups flour
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the honey roasted peanut butter with the sugars until fluffy.
- 2
2. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- 3
3. Stir in the flour and baking soda until a stiff dough forms.
- 4
4. Roll into balls and press with a fork in the traditional crisscross style.
- 5
5. Bake for 10 minutes until the edges are just starting to brown.
- 6
6. The honey in the peanut butter makes these cookies brown faster, so watch them closely.
- 7
7. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
Click and save to Pinterest
Reese's Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
For the ultimate peanut butter enthusiast, these cookies feature a whole miniature peanut butter cup hidden inside a traditional peanut butter cookie shell.
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup butter
- •1/2 cup peanut butter
- •1/2 cup sugar
- •1/2 cup brown sugar
- •1 egg
- •1 1/2 cups flour
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •12-15 miniature peanut butter cups unwrapped and frozen
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is helpful to freeze the peanut butter cups for 20 minutes beforehand so they don't melt too quickly.
- 2
2. Mix the cookie dough ingredients as usual until smooth.
- 3
3. Take a large scoop of dough and wrap it entirely around one frozen peanut butter cup.
- 4
4. Ensure there are no gaps in the dough so the chocolate stays contained.
- 5
5. Place the large balls on a baking sheet, spacing them well apart as they will be quite big.
- 6
6. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the outside is golden.
- 7
7. Allow to cool significantly before serving so the interior candy can set.
Click and save to Pinterest
Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookies
Browning the butter before adding it to the dough introduces a complex, nutty, and toasted flavor that elevates the peanut butter to new heights.
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup unsalted butter
- •3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- •1 cup dark brown sugar
- •1 egg
- •1 egg yolk
- •1 1/2 cups flour
- •1 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
Method
- 1
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until it turns brown and smells nutty; immediately remove from heat and let cool.
- 2
2. Once the brown butter is cool but still liquid, mix it with the peanut butter and brown sugar.
- 3
3. Add the egg and the extra yolk (for richness) and whisk until smooth.
- 4
4. Fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- 5
5. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
- 6
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets.
- 7
7. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the edges are crisp and the centers are still soft.
- 8
8. Sprinkle with a little extra sugar immediately after baking.
Click and save to Pinterest
Wrapping Up
We hope this collection of twelve peanut butter cookie recipes inspires your next baking session. From the chewy textures of the oatmeal variants to the decadent surprise of a chocolate-stuffed center, there is a recipe here for every palate. Don't forget to store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness, and always feel free to experiment with different types of peanut butter to find your perfect match. Happy baking and enjoy every nutty bite!