Craving the perfect peanut butter cookie? Whether you prefer them soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy, these 10 tried-and-true recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring back cherished memories of homemade treats.
From classic three-ingredient cookies to gourmet variations featuring chocolate chips, honey, or oatmeal, you’ll discover new favorites to add to your recipe collection.
We’ll explore different techniques and ingredients that create varying textures and flavors, helping you master the art of baking the ultimate peanut butter cookie.
Classic Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Sea Salt

Indulge in these irresistibly chewy peanut butter cookies that strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty.
The sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates these classic treats to a whole new level, making them impossible to eat just one!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Flaky sea salt for topping
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 6: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Press down with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Step 7: Sprinkle each cookie with sea salt and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tip: For the chewiest texture, slightly underbake your cookies and remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy consistency.
No-Bake Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Cookies

These irresistible no-bake cookies combine the perfect marriage of chocolate and peanut butter in a quick, easy-to-make treat.
You’ll love how these cookies come together in just minutes, requiring no oven time – perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick dessert fix.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Step 1: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine sugar, milk, and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil.
Step 3: Remove from heat and quickly stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Add oats and salt, mixing until well combined.
Step 5: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture onto prepared sheets.
Step 7: Swirl melted chocolate into each cookie using a toothpick.
Step 8: Let cookies set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm.
Pro Tip: The key to perfect no-bake cookies lies in the timing of the boiling mixture – boil for exactly 1 minute after reaching a full rolling boil for the ideal texture. If your cookies aren’t setting properly, try refrigerating them for 15 minutes to speed up the process.
Gluten-Free Natural Peanut Butter Cookies

Satisfy your cookie cravings with these irresistible gluten-free peanut butter cookies that are both wholesome and delicious.
Made with natural peanut butter and requiring just a handful of ingredients, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor while remaining completely gluten-free.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for topping
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix natural peanut butter and coconut sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate baking soda and salt into the mixture.
Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Using a fork, create a crisscross pattern on each cookie by pressing down gently.
Step 7: If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tip: Make sure your natural peanut butter is well-stirred before measuring, as separation can affect the cookie texture. For the best results, let your cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Triple Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate peanut butter lover’s dream with these decadent cookies.
These treats feature a soft peanut butter cookie dough wrapped around mini peanut butter cups, topped with a rich peanut butter drizzle that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients:
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 24 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
• ½ cup peanut butter chips (for drizzle)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream together butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Step 3: Beat in eggs and vanilla until well combined.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually add to wet mixture.
Step 5: Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten, place a peanut butter cup in center, and wrap dough around it.
Step 6: Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
Step 7: Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Melt peanut butter chips and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Pro Tip: Freeze the peanut butter cups for 30 minutes before wrapping them in dough to prevent them from melting too quickly while baking. Also, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to maintain their shape.
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches

These delightful sandwich cookies combine the hearty goodness of oatmeal with creamy peanut butter filling.
Perfect for your afternoon snack or as a special treat in your lunchbox, these cookies offer a wonderful balance of chewy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
• 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix oats, flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 3: Beat butter and sugars until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla to butter mixture, beating until combined.
Step 5: Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture.
Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets.
Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Mix all filling ingredients until smooth.
Step 9: Once cookies cool, spread filling on flat side and sandwich with another cookie.
Pro Tip: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before adding the filling – warm cookies will cause the peanut butter mixture to become too soft. For the best texture, let the assembled cookie sandwiches sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Honey-Sweetened Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

Satisfy your sweet cravings with these wholesome, protein-packed cookies that combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and honey.
These cookies are perfect for post-workout snacks or a nutritious afternoon treat, offering a healthy balance of protein and natural sweetness without any refined sugars.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix peanut butter and honey until well combined.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine protein powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
Step 6: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, don’t overbake these cookies – they should still be slightly soft when you remove them from the oven. Also, make sure your peanut butter is well-stirred and at room temperature for easier mixing.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

These irresistible cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with sweet, fruity jam in a perfect harmony of textures.
The crunchy peanut butter adds an extra dimension of texture, while the jam center creates a delightful surprise in every bite.
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or simple afternoon treats.
Ingredients:
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup your favorite jam (strawberry, raspberry, or grape)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 3: Beat butter, peanut butter, and both sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 4: Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Step 5: Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 6: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Make indentations in the center of each cookie using your thumb.
Step 8: Fill each indentation with approximately ½ teaspoon of jam.
Step 9: Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tip: Make your thumbprint indentations slightly deeper than you think necessary, as they tend to rise during baking. Also, chill your dough for 30 minutes before shaping if it feels too soft to work with.
Vegan Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies

Treat yourself to these irresistibly chewy and wholesome vegan coconut peanut butter cookies.
These delightful treats combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with tropical coconut, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that’ll satisfy your cookie cravings while keeping things plant-based.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup plant-based milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup extra coconut for rolling
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix peanut butter, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, plant-based milk, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture, then fold in shredded coconut.
Step 5: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in extra coconut, and place on baking sheet.
Step 6: Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, let your cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Four-Ingredient Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen?
These four-ingredient peanut butter cookies are your perfect solution.
They’re incredibly simple to make, wonderfully chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, uniform dough.
Step 3: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Using a fork, create a crisscross pattern on each cookie by gently pressing down on the dough balls.
Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, don’t overbake these cookies – they should still be slightly soft when you remove them from the oven as they’ll continue to set while cooling. You can also store them in an airtight container for up to a week, though they’re so delicious they rarely last that long!
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dreams

Indulge in these irresistibly chewy, double chocolate cookies with a creamy peanut butter center.
These delectable treats combine the rich intensity of dark chocolate with smooth peanut butter, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that will satisfy your most intense dessert cravings.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 3: Cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Step 4: Beat in eggs and vanilla until well combined.
Step 5: Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
Step 6: Mix peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 7: Form chocolate dough into 1-inch balls, make an indent, fill with peanut butter mixture, and seal.
Step 8: Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set.
Pro Tip: For the perfect texture, remove cookies from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked in the center – they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. Let them cool completely before storing to maintain their chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes peanut butter cookies chewy and soft?
Adding brown sugar and slightly underbaking the cookies creates a chewy texture. Using creamy peanut butter and proper mixing technique helps maintain moisture throughout baking.
How long should you chill peanut butter cookie dough before baking?
Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development. This step helps create thicker, more flavorful cookies with better texture.
What’s the best way to achieve the classic crisscross pattern on peanut butter cookies?
Use a fork dipped in sugar to press the dough balls in two perpendicular directions. This technique not only creates the signature look but also ensures even baking.
Why do some recipes call for both natural and commercial peanut butter?
Combining both types creates the perfect balance of authentic peanut flavor and consistent texture. Natural peanut butter adds depth while commercial versions provide stability.
How can you tell when peanut butter cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for lightly golden brown edges while the centers remain slightly soft. The cookies will continue setting as they cool on the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
With these ten delicious peanut butter cookie recipes in your arsenal, you can satisfy any craving from classic crunchy to decadent chocolate-filled variations.
Remember to always use room-temperature ingredients and measure your peanut butter precisely for the best results.
Don’t forget that cookies will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these recipes offer something for everyone.
Feel free to experiment with different peanut butter brands and textures to find your perfect cookie match.