PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Best ever traditional peanut butter cookies

What You Will Require for This Recipe

Components for preparing peanut butter cookies on a countertop.

Peanut Butter: I prefer to use creamy peanut butter for this recipe; however, you may certainly opt for chunky peanut butter instead. If you choose to use natural peanut butter, ensure that you mix it thoroughly before incorporating it.

Brown Sugar: You have the option to use either light or dark brown sugar in this peanut butter cookie recipe. Dark brown sugar will provide a subtly more caramel-like taste.

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, then whisk them to ensure they are well combined.

2. In a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Incorporate the peanut butter and mix until fully blended.

3. Incorporate the egg at room temperature along with the vanilla extract, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again.

4. Introduce the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.

The dough for peanut butter cookies is being rolled and pressed with a fork.

5. Shape the cookie dough into one-inch balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Use a fork to flatten the cookie dough balls in a criss-cross design. Bake the cookies for approximately 8 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, as they need to firm up before being moved.

Tips That Make a Difference

Chill, but avoid overchilling: Slice the dough when it is firm yet still pliable—approximately 30–45 minutes in the refrigerator. If it becomes too cold, the chocolate may crack.

Utilize a serrated knife: A warm, sharp knife smoothly cuts through the log, ensuring clean swirls.

Maintain cool dough while shaping: If your kitchen is warm or the dough becomes soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes before rolling or slicing.

Creamy peanut butter is also suitable: However, chunky peanut butter adds texture and helps balance the chocolate layer.

Incorporating peanut butter into cookies results in a delightful soft consistency with a delicate, velvety crumb. These classic peanut butter cookies are sure to please any crowd.

You can prepare them days in advance for immediate enjoyment at any time, and they are remarkably simple to make! The most challenging aspect is exercising patience while allowing them to set after being removed from the oven. For an additional cookie recipe featuring peanut butter, consider trying my Easy No Bake Cookies!

Pro Tips for This Recipe

You should bake the cookies until they are nearly finished, at which point the edges will begin to change color. They will continue to bake and firm up due to the residual heat from within after being removed from the oven.

Ensure that you measure your flour accurately! The most frequent error is adding an excessive amount of flour to the recipe. The simplest and most effective method for measuring flour is by utilizing a scale. If you do not possess one, fluff the flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. Should you have any inquiries regarding flour measurement, please refer to the YouTube video I created on the subject.

The cookies will be extremely soft immediately after coming out of the oven, so allow them to rest on the baking sheets for a short period before transferring them to a wire rack; once cooled, they will become firm enough to handle and quite delectable.

Store them in an airtight container for up to a week for delightful treats at any time.

Three peanut butter cookies beside a glass of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do they have fork marks?

Peanut butter cookies are denser than most varieties and do not spread significantly in the oven; without the fork marks to flatten and press them down, they would not bake evenly.

How to Achieve the Ideal Fork Mark Pattern

To create the perfect fork mark or crisscross pattern, consider using skewers instead of a fork. I utilized my reliable wooden skewers, broke a few in half, arranged four together, and pressed down. Although it required more time, I achieved the picture-perfect cookies I envisioned. A fork is also effective; however, try to select one with long tines. For a clean release, pull the fork away rather than lifting it up, or if using skewers, attempt to twist them.

What is the best peanut butter to use for these cookies?

For optimal results, I recommend using a smooth, salted peanut butter. There is no necessity to use sweetened peanut butter, but if that is what you have available, it will suffice; you may want to reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons, however. If you are using a natural peanut butter without stabilizers, ensure that you mix it thoroughly before use.

The jar opens quite effectively. The oil-laden top of the jar will result in cookies that are very runny.

Any brand that you find enjoyable in its plain form will work wonderfully for this peanut butter cookie recipe!

Should You Chill the Dough Before Baking?

No, there is no requirement to chill the cookie dough; however, if you prefer to prepare the dough in advance and chill it, the cookies will still bake perfectly.

If you appreciate this recipe, consider trying these!

A plate featuring a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie alongside a platter of additional cookies in the background, accompanied by a glass of milk.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Two double chocolate chip cookies are presented on a plate next to a glass of milk, with a cooling rack holding more cookies in the background.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A plate containing three sugar cookies is displayed with a glass of milk and more cookies on a platter in the background.

Sugar Cookie Recipe

A bowl filled with edible cookie dough is shown with a glass of milk in the background.

Edible Cookie Dough

Notes

You will bake the cookies until they are nearly finished.

They will firm up and keep baking due to the residual heat inside after being removed from the oven.

They will be extremely soft immediately after coming out of the oven, so allow them to rest for a period; once cooled, they will become firm enough to handle and quite tasty.

If your peanut butter is not salty, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the batter.

Best ever traditional peanut butter cookies

Classic Crisscross Cookies with Rich Peanut Butter Flavor

Traditional Peanut Butter Cookies are a baking icon. With their signature fork-pressed crisscross pattern, lightly crisp edges, and soft, tender centers, these cookies are pure comfort food. This is the best-ever version—balanced sweetness, bold peanut butter flavor, and a texture that stays perfect for days.

No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just a flawless classic.

What Makes These the Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookies?

This recipe gets everything right:

True peanut butter flavor (not overly sweet)
Buttery richness with balanced salt
Soft centers with lightly crisp edges
Perfect spread—never flat, never dry
Classic bakery look every time

It’s the recipe generations have baked, refined, and loved.

Best Ever Traditional Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (130 g) creamy peanut butter
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter, Peanut Butter & Sugars

Beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

This step is key for classic texture and flavor.

3. Add Egg & Vanilla

Mix in egg and vanilla until fully incorporated.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

5. Shape & Crisscross

Scoop dough into 1½ tablespoon balls and place 2 inches apart.

Dip a fork in sugar and gently press a crisscross pattern on each cookie.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.

Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Pro Tips for Perfect Classic Cookies

Use regular creamy peanut butter, not natural or oily styles
Do not overbake—cookies continue to set as they cool
Measure flour carefully (spoon & level)
For softer cookies, slightly underbake

Traditional Variations (Still Classic!)

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Roll dough in sugar before pressing with fork.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Press a chocolate kiss into warm cookies.

Dairy-Free Option

Use plant-based butter with similar results.

Storage & Freezing

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days
Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months
Freeze dough balls and bake as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why the fork crisscross?
Peanut butter dough is dense—the crisscross helps cookies bake evenly.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Not recommended for traditional texture; it can cause excess spread.

Should cookies be soft when removed from oven?
Yes—that’s how you keep them tender.

Final Thoughts

These Best Ever Traditional Peanut Butter Cookies are proof that simple recipes can be extraordinary. Rich, nostalgic, and endlessly comforting, they belong in every baker’s collection.

Perfect with a glass of milk, for holidays, lunchboxes, or everyday baking—this is the peanut butter cookie recipe you’ll return to again and again.

OTHER RECIPES

A great peanut butter cookies recipe to try !!
INGREDIENTS

Peanut butter cookies2/3 cup Skippy Peanut Butter 150mL
1/2 cup Imperial Margarine 125mL
1/2 cup granulated sugar 125mL
1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar 125mL
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla 5mL
1.5 cups all-purpose flour 375mL
1 tsp baking soda 5mL
1/4 tsp salt 1mL

INSTRUCTIONS
1. In bowl, cream together Skippy Peanut Butter, margarine, sugars, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy.
2. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; stir into peanut butter mixture.
3. Shape into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with fork.
4. Bake at 350 F (180 C) 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on rack. The peanut butter cookies is ready...nice ! Enjoy !
classic-peanut-butter-cookies.l

VIDEO:

Peanut Butter Pinwheel Cookies

Do you possess a recipe that has been staring at you for years? Perhaps it resides in your worn recipe collection, on the cover of one of your cherished cookbooks, or, in my situation, on a calendar that showcased recipes.

Finally, the moment arrived to either prepare the cookies or discard the old calendar. I was thrilled when they turned out delicious and visually appealing enough for a cookie tray.

Indeed, I have been making this recipe for chocolate pinwheel cookies for many years, and they are truly delightful. Initially, I struggled with rolling them out, but practice leads to perfection. I do prepare them frequently.

Ingredients & Substitutions

BUTTER: Utilize softened unsalted or salted butter—both options are suitable.

GRANULATED SUGAR: Maintains the dough's lightness and crispness.

CHUNKY PEANUT BUTTER: Contributes texture and flavor. Creamy peanut butter is also acceptable, though it will not provide the same crunch.

MILK: Assists in moistening and smoothing the dough.

VANILLA EXTRACT: Optional but advisable for added depth of flavor.

EGG: I utilized a “Large” egg (approximately 50 grams).

ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: Either unbleached or bleached flour can be used effectively.

SALT: Enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and balances the sweetness.

BAKING SODA: Acts as a leavening agent for the cookies and aids in browning.

SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Melted and spread within the dough—bittersweet or dark chocolate can be used as a substitute if desired.

Step-by-Step: How To Shape Peanut Butter Pinwheel Cookies

➊ Roll out the dough

Position the mixed dough on a sheet of waxed paper. Cover it with another sheet and roll it into a rectangle measuring 10×17 inches.

➋ Spread the melted chocolate

Remove the top sheet. Pour the melted chocolate over the dough and spread it evenly, ensuring it reaches the edges.

➌ Roll into a log

Beginning from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, similar to a jellyroll.

➍ Chill before slicing

Wrap the log and chill it for 30–45 minutes until it is firm but not hard. This step ensures cleaner slicing and prevents cracking.

➎ Slice and bake

Employ a sharp serrated knife (warmed is preferable) to cut ½-inch slices. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake according to the instructions.

Rolling out cookie dough between two pieces of waxed paper.Pin

(1)

spreading chocolate over the dough.Pin

(2)

rolling chocolate over the dough.

OTHER RECIPES

Try this nice peanut butter cookies...!
Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
* 1 egg
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted before measuring
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 ounce package)

INSTRUCTIONS
Directions for peanut butter cookies.

Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in peanut butter, egg, and milk.

Sift dry ingredients together in a separate bowl then stir into creamed mixture.

Place peanut butter cookie dough on lightly floured waxed paper and roll out into a 15x8-inch rectangle.

Melt chocolate chips over hot water; cool slightly and spread over peanut butter cookie dough.

Roll dough up jellyroll fashion, using waxed paper to help roll; wrap with waxed paper and chill 20 to 30 minutes.

Slice cookie dough 1/4 inch thick.

Bake on ungreased baking sheets at 375° for 8 to 10 minutes.
crunchy-peanut-butter-cookies.

VIDEO:

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Deep Chocolate Flavor Meets Creamy Peanut Butter Perfection

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies combine two legendary flavors into one irresistibly rich cookie. With a soft, chewy center, slightly crisp edges, and bold cocoa flavor balanced by creamy peanut butter, these cookies are indulgent without being overwhelming.

Perfect for chocolate lovers, peanut butter fans, and anyone who believes the two belong together.

Why Chocolate + Peanut Butter Works So Well

Chocolate and peanut butter complement each other beautifully:

Chocolate adds bitterness and depth
Peanut butter adds richness and saltiness
Together they create a balanced, crave-worthy cookie
Texture stays chewy and soft for days

This recipe delivers bakery-style cookies with minimal effort.