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Judy John

Beginner Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These beginner peanut butter cookies bake with soft centers, crisp edges, and rich nutty flavor. They make easy homemade treats perfect for snack trays, lunchboxes, or busy evenings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Hand Mixer
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Fork
  • Cookie Scoop
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cooling Rack
  • Freezer
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together until evenly mixed.
  3. Beat butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
  5. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
  6. Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and gently flatten each cookie with a fork pattern.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges look golden and centers stay slightly soft.
  8. Cool cookies on the tray for several minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Notes

For softer cookies, remove them while centers still look slightly underbaked. Bake longer for crispier texture. Freeze dough balls for easy future baking. Chill sticky dough before shaping if needed. Add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or flaky sea salt for flavor changes. Store cookies airtight for up to five days.