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    The Life Jolie » Dessert » Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

    Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

    Published: Dec 2, 2018 · Modified: Aug 31, 2022 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    These classic peanut butter cookies are just like the old fashioned cookies your mom used to make; nice and chewy in the middle with just a tiny bit of crunch around the edges. This has been a family favorite recipe for generations!

    These classic peanut butter cookies are just like the old fashioned cookies your mom used to make; nice and chewy in the middle with just a tiny bit of crunch around the edges. This has been a family favorite recipe for generations!

    A plate of peanut butter cookies

    Peanut Butter Cookies

    This post contains Affiliate Links. Please see the disclaimer here.

    These homemade peanut butter cookies are one of those perfect foods where one bite instantly transports me back to my childhood in my mom's kitchen. You know the one's that are perfectly simple peanut butter cookies with a chewy center and just the right amount of crunch on the outside?

    My girls and husband basically went crazy over these when they tried them and as you can imagine the batch didn't last long in our home. This is one of those classic recipes from the Betty Crocker Cooky Book that is so old but full of so many fantastic recipes. I'm not trying to tell you that these are the best peanut butter cookies...but I'm not going to tell you that they're not. Grab a stack with a big old glass of milk and you've got yourself the best, nostalgic dessert or afternoon snack.

    easy peanut butter cookies with one on top of a glass with a bite in it

    Tips for how to make peanut butter cookies

    • Although the original recipe calls for shortening, I prefer to use butter, both for it's delicious flavor and texture.
    • Be sure to chill the dough for at least an hour to keep them from spreading too much. They will still spread, so give yourself about 3 inches between cookies, but not as much.
    • Place a little flour in a small bowl and dip your fork into it before pressing it into the balls of dough to keep it from sticking.

    how to make peanut butter cookies and a picture of a cookie on a tray

    Frequently asked questions about making easy peanut butter cookies

    • Can you freeze peanut butter cookies? Yes, you have two options. Either let them cool completely after baking and then freeze well wrapped or freeze the dough balls on a parchment lined pan and once frozen, bag them up in a zipper freezer bag.
    • What makes these cookies soft and chewy in the middle? The wet ingredients really help with this, namely the butter, egg and peanut butter.
    • How do you keep cookies chewy? I store them on my counter in an airtight container with a slice of bread in there with them. The bread gets stale and crispy from all the air, allowing the cookies to maintain their texture.

    A plate of homemade peanut butter cookies

    Helpful tools:

    1. Measuring cups
    2. Measuring spoons
    3. Mixing bowl
    4. Spatula
    5. Stand mixer or Hand mixer
    6. Sheet pan
    7. Silpat
    8. Small cookie scoop

    Video Tutorial for making Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

    These classic peanut butter cookies are just like the old fashioned cookies your mom used to make; nice and chewy in the middle with just a tiny bit of crunch around the edges. This has been a family favorite recipe for generations!

    Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

    Jessy Freimann
    These classic peanut butter cookies are just like the old fashioned cookies your mom used to make; nice and chewy in the middle with just a tiny bit of crunch around the edges. This has been a family favorite recipe for generations!
    4.50 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 12 mins
    Chill time 1 hr
    Total Time 22 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3 dozen

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup salted butter, softened
    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 ¼ cups flour + a little extra for dipping the fork
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl mix butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and egg until well combined. Set aside.
    • In another bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 
    • Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients to combine and chill for at least an hour.
    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease or line a sheet pan.
    • Roll the dough into 1 ¼ inch balls and place about 3 inches apart on the pan. 
    • Dip a fork into some flour and gently flatten each ball making a crisscross imprint with the fork on each cookie.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes and serve warm or cooled.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    A best peanut butter cookies on a glass

    If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it 🙂 I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @thelifejolie so I can share it <3

    Other great cookie recipe include:

    • Almond Ginger Cookies
    • Coffee Snickerdoodle Cookies
    • Peanut Butter Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

    You can find a full index of my recipes here.

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    Comments

    1. Alida | Simply Delicious says

      December 06, 2018 at 12:41 am

      So delicious and so simple!
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        December 07, 2018 at 10:26 am

        Thanks Alida!
        Reply
    2. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

      December 06, 2018 at 7:02 pm

      These would be perfect to try this weekend!
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        December 07, 2018 at 10:25 am

        Enjoy Toni!
        Reply
    3. Christine says

      January 21, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      Can I use super chunk peanut butter in this recipe?
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        January 25, 2021 at 10:22 am

        I haven't tested it, but I'm sure it would work. Please let me know how it goes.
        Reply
    4. Christine A Mulholland says

      January 25, 2021 at 10:29 am

      I recently made your recipe with skippy super crunchy peanut butter. It worked perfectly. I will make this recipe again and with either peanut butter. 😊
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        January 26, 2021 at 12:09 pm

        So glad you loved them Christine! Thanks for sharing :)
        Reply

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