How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies That’ll Steal the Show

Let’s be honest—peanut butter cookies are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re craving something sweet to go with your afternoon coffee or need a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, these cookies are a no-brainer. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible peanut butter flavor we all love. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re not a baking pro, you’ve got this. Let’s dive into how to whip up a batch of homemade peanut butter cookies that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

What You’ll Need

First things first, let’s gather the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe? It’s super simple, with just a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of peanut butter – Creamy or crunchy, your call. (I’m team creamy, but hey, live your truth.)
• 1 cup of sugar – Granulated works best here, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• 1 egg – The glue that holds it all together.
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda – This little guy gives the cookies their lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Optional, but highly recommended for that extra oomph.

That’s it! No flour, no butter, no fuss. Just five ingredients (or four if you skip the vanilla) and you’re on your way to cookie heaven.

Let’s Get Baking

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you do anything else, crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to heat up while you prep the dough. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing your oven’s still cold when you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Mix It Up

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda. If you’re feeling fancy, add that splash of vanilla extract. Now, roll up your sleeves and stir everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined. You’ll notice the dough is thick and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Here’s where the fun begins. Use a spoon to scoop out small portions of dough, then roll them into balls about the size of a walnut. Pro tip: If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly wet them with water. It’ll make rolling a breeze. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a bit as they bake, so give ’em room to breathe.

Step 4: Flatten and Crisscross

Now, grab a fork and press it gently into each dough ball to flatten it slightly. Then, press again in the opposite direction to create that classic crisscross pattern. Not only does this look adorable, but it also helps the cookies bake evenly. Win-win.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if the centers still look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking is the enemy of chewy cookies, so keep an eye on them.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them chill on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set without falling apart. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you’re like me, sneak one while it’s still warm. No judgment here.

How to Serve (and Store) Your Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are fantastic on their own, but why stop there? Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat, or crumble them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle some melted chocolate on top. You’re welcome.

Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but let’s pretend.) Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious, assuming they last that long.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes these cookies so special? For starters, they’re incredibly simple. No complicated steps, no hard-to-find ingredients—just pure peanut butter goodness. The lack of flour gives them a unique texture that’s both tender and slightly crumbly. And let’s not forget the flavor. The peanut butter shines through in every bite, making these cookies a true crowd-pleaser.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time cookie maker, this recipe is foolproof. And who knows? These peanut butter cookies might just become your new go-to treat.