Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

When it comes to enjoying dessert, it's often something elaborate, such as chocolate cream puffs or decadent cheesecake bars. With a treat packed full of flavor, truly you can't go wrong. But what about when you're looking for a simpler, more classic choice? In that situation, old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are the perfect fit.

For peanut butter lovers, these cookies — courtesy of recipe developer Molly Allen — are the ultimate snack. With a slightly crunchy exterior, paired with a chewy center, the texture is perfect in every bite. They offer the ideal balance of salty and sweet thanks to hints of brown sugar and creamy peanut butter. And of course, they're dressed up with a timeless crisscross pattern.

With just eight easy-to-find ingredients, along with 10 minutes of prep time, you'll have cookie dough ready in no time. Mix up a big batch to share with your family and friends, or freeze the rest for later. Either way, you'll love every bite of these classic peanut butter cookies. 

Ready to start baking? Gather the ingredients for this peanut butter cookie recipe first. For this recipe, you'll need one stick of softened butter, white sugar, brown sugar, one egg, creamy peanut butter, flour, baking soda, and salt. 

To dive in on making these classic cookies, preheat the oven to 350 F. Then, in a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, then mix in the peanut butter. 

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients mixture into the wet mixture, and mix until a soft dough forms. 

Once the dough is ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray. Use a cookie scoop to form tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet. 

Flatten the balls of dough with a fork, dipping it in sugar before each press — this will also give the cookie that essential crisscross pattern. Chill the baking sheet in the fridge for 5 minutes, then transfer it to the oven. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. Once they're lightly golden, put the baking sheet on top of the stove and allow the cookies to cool and set.

Wasn't that easy? Now, you can enjoy this easy dessert with a glass of milk, coffee, or simply have one (or two, or three) on its own. You can't go wrong with a cookie this good.