Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

This classic 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe transforms simple pantry staples into irresistibly chewy, rich treats in under 20 minutes. The minimalist approach highlights the natural peanut flavor while creating that nostalgic criss-cross pattern we all recognize from childhood.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy holiday season when I needed cookies fast but had minimal ingredients. My family was shocked when I revealed how simple they were—now they're our go-to emergency dessert when unexpected guests arrive.

Ingredients

• Creamy peanut butter provides the rich foundation for these cookies choose a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for best results as natural varieties can separate and affect texture
• Granulated sugar balances the savory notes of peanut butter while creating those delightfully crisp edges look for pure cane sugar for optimal results
• Large egg acts as the binding agent that holds everything together ensure it's at room temperature for easier mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Station

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Taking this step first ensures your oven reaches the proper temperature while you mix the dough which leads to more consistent baking.

Create The Dough

Combine your peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until completely incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer for convenience but a sturdy spatula works just as well for this simple dough.

Form The Cookies

Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into balls between your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheet leaving about 2 inches between each for proper spreading. For an extra touch of sweetness roll the dough balls in additional granulated sugar before placing them on the sheet.

Create The Classic Pattern

Press each dough ball with the back of a fork to flatten slightly then press again in the perpendicular direction to create the signature criss cross pattern. This not only creates the recognizable design but also ensures even baking throughout the cookie.

Bake To Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 8 10 minutes until the edges become slightly golden and the centers are just set but still soft. Watch carefully as these cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly due to their high sugar content.

Bookmark

The peanut butter is truly the star here. I learned from my grandmother to always use room temperature peanut butter which makes mixing easier and produces a more uniform dough. The memory of her fork pressing into each cookie ball is one of my earliest baking memories.

Storage Solutions

These peanut butter cookies maintain their texture beautifully when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage freeze the baked cookies in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag where they'll stay fresh for up to 3 months. You can even freeze the unbaked dough balls marked with the criss cross pattern then bake directly from frozen adding just 1 2 minutes to the baking time.

Easy Variations

While the classic recipe shines in its simplicity you can easily customize these cookies to suit different tastes. Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for added texture. Replace half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel note. For a holiday twist press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after baking instead of making the fork pattern creating your own homemade peanut butter blossoms.

Serving Suggestions

These humble cookies elevate beautifully when served alongside complementary flavors. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert or sandwich softened ice cream between two cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches. They also make an excellent accompaniment to afternoon coffee or tea providing the perfect sweet counterpoint to a bitter brew. For children serve with a cold glass of milk for the quintessential afterschool snack experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well in this recipe, though it will result in cookies with a more textured bite. The amount remains the same (1 cup/270g), but expect a slightly different consistency in the final product with delicious peanut pieces throughout.

→ Why are my cookies too crumbly?

Crumbly cookies typically result from overbaking or using natural peanut butter with oil separation. Ensure you're using commercial creamy peanut butter, bake only until edges are slightly golden (8-10 minutes), and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet to set properly.

→ Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips after mixing the three base ingredients. The chips will add a delicious chocolate contrast to the peanut butter flavor. Mini chocolate chips work particularly well in this simple dough.

→ Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free as they contain no flour. However, always check your peanut butter label to ensure it hasn't been processed in a facility that also processes wheat products if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

→ How long do these peanut butter cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain fresh for 5-7 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?

The traditional criss-cross pattern serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Since peanut butter cookie dough is denser than most cookie doughs, the fork marks help flatten the cookies to ensure even baking. This distinctive pattern has become the hallmark of classic peanut butter cookies.