Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Crunchy Delight: Homemade Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies with a satisfying crunch of peanut butter crackle through every delectable bite.

The classic treat brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen.

Home bakers adore these simple yet irresistible morsels that melt in your mouth.

Each golden-edged cookie promises a nostalgic flavor that transports you back to childhood memories.

The aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies will draw everyone into the kitchen.

With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time.

Prepare to savor a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary moments of pure joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 12

For Base And Binding:
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies achieve crisp edges.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces deeper caramel notes and keeps cookies moist.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to cookie structure.
For Flavor And Texture:
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers signature nutty taste and creates signature cookie moisture.
  • Flour: Forms cookie's fundamental structure and provides necessary stability.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates light, airy texture.
  • Baking Powder: Supports even rising and ensures consistent cookie appearance.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.
For Finishing And Decoration:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cookie removal from baking sheet.
  • Fork: Creates classic crisscross pattern and helps flatten cookie balls evenly.

Baking Tools for Peanut Butter Cookies

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter, sugars, and mixing ingredients.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer: Perfect for creating smooth, fluffy cookie base.
  • Separate mixing bowl: Needed for combining dry ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking sheet: Used for baking and cooling cookies.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
  • Fork: Great for creating classic crisscross pattern on cookie tops.
  • Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Right

  • Warm Up The Oven

Get your kitchen ready by heating the oven to a toasty 375F and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  • Mix Creamy Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and whip together soft butter, sugars, and peanut butter until the mixture looks light and dreamy.

  • Add Egg Magic

Crack in an egg and blend until everything looks smooth and well-combined.

  • Create Dry Blend

In another bowl, quickly whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

  • Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into your peanut butter mixture, stirring until everything is perfectly blended.

  • Shape Cookies

Roll the dough into small round balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

  • Create Classic Design

Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, making those iconic crisscross marks.

  • Bake To Perfection

Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack until they’re ready to munch.

Tips for Better Peanut Butter Bites

  • Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies soft and tender, which prevents tough, dense results.
  • Press fork gently when creating crisscross pattern to ensure even thickness and attractive classic cookie look.
  • Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and crisp edges.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring same delicious flavor profile.
  • Experiment by adding chopped peanuts or drizzling melted chocolate on cooled cookies for extra crunch and decadent variation.

Serving These Cookies Just Right

  • Sweet Milk Splash: Pair these warm, crumbly cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic dunking experience.
  • Dessert Pairing Magic: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an indulgent twist that elevates the peanut butter flavor.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or small berries scattered around for a visually appealing and tasty presentation that will impress guests.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies between wax paper in a cute tin or mason jar, tie with a ribbon, and create a homemade gift that shows extra love and personal touch.

Keeping Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh

  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and crispness.
  • Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months for quick sweet treats anytime.
  • Prepare cookie dough balls in advance, refrigerate for 24 hours, or freeze unbaked dough for spontaneous baking sessions.
  • Divide cooled cookies into single-serving zip-lock bags for easy lunch packing, picnics, or grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
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Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Irresistible peanut butter cookies bring classic American comfort straight to your kitchen. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and rich nutty flavor promise pure delight that will satisfy sweet cravings with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (113 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and layer a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie placement.
  2. Creaming: Whip butter, sugars, and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, airy texture with no visible lumps.
  3. Incorporation: Introduce the egg and blend thoroughly, ensuring a uniform, smooth consistency throughout the mixture.
  4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together, creating a light, well-integrated dry component.
  5. Dough Formation: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough emerges without overmixing.
  6. Shaping and Decorating: Craft uniform 1-inch spheres, positioning them strategically on the prepared sheet with ample spacing, then gently press a fork across each ball to create a distinctive crisscross pattern.
  7. Baking: Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges that signal perfect doneness.
  8. Cooling: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack, permitting them to cool completely and achieve their ideal texture.

Notes

  • Use softened butter at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that ensures a perfect texture.
  • Choose creamy, no-stir peanut butter for consistent cookie texture and prevent separation during mixing.
  • Press fork gently when creating crisscross pattern to avoid flattening cookies too thin, maintaining a soft, chewy center.
  • Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet briefly before transferring to prevent breaking, as they’re delicate when first removed from oven.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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