Baking & Pastry > Cookies > Drop Cookies > Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Classic Peanut Butter Drop Cookies

Indulge in the timeless delight of homemade peanut butter cookies. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies with that irresistible peanut butter flavor. Perfect for a simple treat or a bake sale!

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8-10 minutes
Servings
About 24 cookies
Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 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 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Get Started

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and baking powder are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise properly.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated to avoid a grainy texture.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky.

Drop and Bake

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, making a crisscross pattern. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies will appear slightly soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

FAQ

  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

    Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture to the cookies.
  • Can I freeze the cookie dough?

    Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • My cookies are flat. What did I do wrong?

    This can happen for a few reasons. Make sure your butter isn't too soft, and that you're not overmixing the dough. Also, ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. Finally, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.