Irresistible Easy Peanut Butter Cookies in 30 Minutes

Oh my gosh, you have to try these peanut butter cookies! They’re the ones I’ve been making since I was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter at my grandma’s house. Just five simple ingredients transform into these soft, chewy miracles in minutes – no fancy equipment needed. I’ve baked hundreds of batches over the years (my college roommates still beg me to make them!), and this foolproof recipe never fails me. That rich peanut butter smell filling your kitchen? Pure happiness. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or need last-minute cookies for the school bake sale, this is the recipe that’ll save your day every time.

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Why You’ll Love These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Trust me, these cookies will become your new go-to recipe for so many reasons:

• They come together in under 30 minutes – mix, bake, done!
• The texture is perfectly soft and chewy with just the right amount of crumble
• Only 5 simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now
• No flour needed – great for when you’re out or avoiding gluten
• That classic peanut butter flavor times ten – rich, nutty, and irresistible

I’ve made these when surprise guests show up, when the kids need an after-school treat, and yes, even at 11pm when a cookie craving hits. They never disappoint!

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Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll these magical these magical little cookies – and I mean everything because the ingredient list is so beautifully short:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use the regular kind, not natural – trust me, it makes all the difference in texture)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (yes, just plain white sugar works perfectly)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (this helps everything blend smoothly)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the good stuff if you have it!)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (our little rising agent secret)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (just enough to make the flavors pop)

See? I told you it was simple! Now let’s get mixing – the cookie dough smell alone is worth it.

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How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Okay, let’s get baking! These cookies come together so fast you’ll barely have time to lick the spoon (though I definitely recommend it). Here’s exactly how I make them – the same way Grandma taught me, with a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years.

Step 1: Mix the Dough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – this gives your cookies that perfect crisp edge while staying soft inside. Now grab a big bowl and dump in all your ingredients at once. Yes, all of them! The peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt all go in together.

Mix everything with a sturdy spoon until it forms a smooth, slightly sticky dough. You’ll know it’s ready when no streaks of egg remain and the texture looks like thick peanut butter frosting. Don’t overmix though – just until combined! Overworking the dough can make cookies tough.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Here’s where the fun! Sco! Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms into neat little balls. They should be about the size of a ping pong ball – maybe a tad smaller.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Now for the signature look: take a fork and gently press down on each ball to flatten slightly, then press again perpendicular to make that classic crisscross pattern. The dough might stick to your fork – just dip it in sugar between cookies to prevent sticking!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide those beauties into your preheated oven and set a timer for 10 minutes. At around 8 minutes, your kitchen will start smelling like peanut butter heaven. The cookies are done when the edges turn golden but the centers still look slightly soft – they’ll firm up as they cool.

Here’s my golden rule: pull them out when they look almost done rather than fully done. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (this finishes the baking gently) before transferring to a wire rack. Resist eating them immediately – I know it’s hard! – because they taste even better once they’ve cooled slightly.

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Tips for the Best Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

After making these cookies more times than I can count, I’ve learned all the little tricks that take them from good to oh-my-gosh-I-need-another-one amazing:

• Parchment paper is your friend – it prevents sticking without any messy greasing
• Underbake slightly – they’ll keep cooking on the hot tray after you pull them out
• Let them cool completely before storing (if you can wait that long!)
• For extra decadence, press chocolate chips into the warm cookies right out of the oven
• Want them crispier? Bake 1-2 minutes longer and let cool fully

My favorite variation? Swirling in a tablespoon of honey for extra chewiness – just reduce the sugar slightly. The possibilities are endless!

Storing and Freezing Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Here’s the best part – these cookies stay soft and delicious for days! Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature (if they last that long). They’ll keep their perfect texture for about 5 days – if you can resist eating them all sooner.

Want to save some for later? These freeze like a dream! Once completely cooled, layer them between parchment paper in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When that cookie craving hits, just grab one and let it thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes – or microwave for 15 seconds if you need instant peanut butter bliss.

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Variations

Oh, the fun you can have with these cookies! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (which is perfect as-is, don’t get me wrong), try these tasty twists I’ve fallen in love with:

• Crunchy peanut butter for extra texture – just reduce mixing time
• A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking – sweet and salty perfection
• Mix in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for surprise bites
• Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for a fancy touch
• Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for a warm spice kick

My latest obsession? Rolling the dough balls in coarse sugar before baking – gives them the most delightful sparkly crunch!

Nutritional Information for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these delicious little bites! Keep in mind these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients. Per cookie (if you make about 24): roughly 120 calories, 7g fat (1.5g saturated), 12g carbs, 1g fiber, and 3g protein. Not bad for such a satisfying treat! They’ve got that good peanut butter protein going for them – that’s my excuse for eating three at a time.

Share Your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out! Snap a photo of your crisscrossed beauties and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your peanut butter masterpieces. Did you try any fun variations? Leave a comment below with your favorite tweaks or baking tips. Happy cookie making! You can also find more recipes on Pinterest.