Classic Peanut Butter Cookies (Printable)

Soft, chewy, and nutty treats featuring a classic crosshatch design and rich peanut flavor.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ For Finishing

11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for rolling)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the wet mixture and mix thoroughly.
05 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
06 - Scoop one tablespoon of dough per cookie; roll into balls and optionally coat with granulated sugar.
07 - Arrange dough balls on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten with a fork using a crisscross pattern.
08 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft.
09 - Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're soft in the center with just enough structure to hold that beautiful crosshatch pattern without falling apart.
  • Packed with real peanut butter flavor—not that thin, forgettable taste—because you're using a full cup of it.
  • They come together in under 30 minutes from start to finish, which means you can have warm cookies before dinner.
02 -
  • Softening your butter is non-negotiable; cold butter won't cream properly and you'll end up with dense, flat cookies instead of light and fluffy ones.
  • The crosshatch isn't just for looks—pressing down with the fork slightly flattens the cookie and helps it bake evenly so you get that chewy center and crispy edge.
  • Every oven runs hot or cool, so the first batch is your test; 10 minutes might be perfect for yours, or you might need the full 12.
03 -
  • Bring all your ingredients to room temperature before you start; cold ingredients don't incorporate smoothly and you'll end up with streaky dough.
  • Use a cookie scoop if you have one—it ensures every cookie is the same size so they all bake evenly and finish at the same time.
  • If your peanut butter is the natural kind with oil on top, stir it in before measuring; this changes the density and affects how your dough comes together.
Go Back