Easy Peanut Butter Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss

There’s something truly magical about whipping up a batch of Easy Peanut Butter Cookies. I remember the first time I made them with my kids; the kitchen was filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of peanut butter. It felt like a warm hug on a chilly day! This recipe is a lifesaver when I need a quick treat, and trust me, it couldn’t be simpler. With just a handful of ingredients—think creamy peanut butter, sugar, and an egg—you can have fresh cookies ready in no time. You don’t even need any fancy equipment; just a bowl and a spoon will do! The best part? They bake in about ten minutes, so you can enjoy soft, chewy cookies almost instantly. Whether it’s a snack for the kids after school or a late-night treat for yourself, these cookies are a go-to that always brings a smile. So, let’s dive into this easy peasy recipe!

Ingredients List

To make these delightful Easy Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling (optional)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup creamy full-fat peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure your peanut butter is creamy for that smooth texture we all love. And don’t skip the vanilla; it adds a lovely depth of flavor! These ingredients come together quickly, making the process as easy as pie—well, cookies, really! Enjoy gathering these staples and get ready for some baking magic!

How to Prepare Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Making these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies is a delightful experience that’s as simple as it gets! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey cookies in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden! While that’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the ingredients: Grab your electric mixer and combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl—this includes the granulated sugar, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until everything is well combined, smooth, and thick, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll love how it smells!
3. Form the cookie balls: Using a heaping tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out about 1 & 1/4-inch balls of dough. Then, knead and roll them in your palms until they feel soft and smooth. If you want an extra touch of sweetness, roll the balls in granulated sugar before baking!
4. Place on the baking sheet: Transfer your cookie balls to the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. They’ll spread a bit as they bake, so don’t crowd them!
5. Create the criss-cross pattern: Here comes the fun part! Take the back of a fork and gently press down on each cookie ball to flatten them slightly. Then, turn the fork and press again from the opposite direction. This creates that classic criss-cross pattern and helps them bake evenly.
6. Bake: Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are lightly browned and the cookies have spread to about 3 inches wide. Keep an eye on them, though; ovens can vary!
7. Cool and enjoy: Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes. This is important because they’ll firm up a bit as they cool. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you go—ready to enjoy with a tall glass of cold milk!

With these straightforward steps, you’ll have warm, homemade peanut butter cookies that everyone will adore. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies! Here are just a few:

• Quick preparation: You can whip up a batch in just 20 minutes from start to finish!
• Simple ingredients: With only five pantry staples, you likely have everything you need at home.
• Delicious flavor: The rich, creamy peanut butter flavor shines through, making every bite a delight.
• No fuss: No chilling or complex steps required—just mix, scoop, and bake!
• Kid-friendly: These cookies are perfect for baking with little ones; they’ll have a blast helping out!

Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a staple in your home!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Prevent stickiness: If the cookie dough feels a bit sticky, dip your hands in a little granulated sugar while rolling the dough balls. This helps keep everything smooth and manageable.
• Baking times may vary: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies at around 9 minutes. They should be lightly browned on top and set around the edges while still soft in the middle.
• Cool properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up, making them easier to handle.
• Storage tips: Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last for up to a week (if they last that long!).

With these tips, you’ll be a peanut butter cookie pro in no time!

Nutritional Information

These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are not just a delightful treat but also fit nicely into your snacking routine! Each cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fiber: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so actual nutritional content may vary slightly. Enjoy your cookies guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies? No worries! Here are some common ones I’ve heard, along with my answers:

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Absolutely! If you love a bit of texture, feel free to swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy. Just keep in mind that the cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
• How do I store the cookies? To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone long before that!
• Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can! This recipe is already gluten-free since it doesn’t require flour. Just make sure to check that your peanut butter and any additional ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
• What if I want to add chocolate? Great idea! You can mix in some chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for a delightful twist. Just fold them in after mixing the main ingredients for a sweet surprise in every bite!
• Can I freeze the cookie dough? Of course! You can freeze the cookie balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once they’re firm. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature for a bit or pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. For more tasty ideas to start your day (or satisfy a sweet craving), don’t miss our Breakfast collection. Enjoy every bite!

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