Have you ever wanted fresh, warm cookies right from the oven without a huge mess or a long list of ingredients? You are in the right place. Sometimes the simplest things in life are truly the best, and that is certainly true for these amazing peanut butter cookies.
This is one of my favorite Easy Cookie Recipes because it delivers on flavor without asking for a lot of work. It’s a wonderful recipe for beginners, busy parents, or anyone who just wants a delicious treat without any fuss. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the wonderful smell of baked goods!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is unmatched. We are talking about Easy Cookies Few Ingredients. Four, to be exact! You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now. There is no need for flour, baking soda, or complicated steps.
Because there’s no flour, these cookies are naturally gluten free. It’s a fantastic option for friends or family with gluten sensitivities, and you don’t have to buy any special flours. It’s just naturally good to go.
The texture is just fantastic. These cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside with slightly crisp edges. They have that classic peanut butter flavor that is both comforting and so, so good. They are seriously Delicious Cookies.
This is also a very quick recipe. From mixing the dough to pulling them out of the oven, you can have a batch of Homemade Cookies Recipes ready in about 35 minutes. It’s great for those sudden sweet cravings or for when you need a last minute dessert.
Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make with kids. The dough is easy to handle, and they will love rolling the balls in sugar and making the classic crisscross pattern with a fork. It’s a great way to make some sweet memories in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here is the short and sweet list of what you will need. That’s all it takes to make these Yummy Cookies!
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let’s talk a little about these ingredients. For the peanut butter, a standard creamy brand like Jif or Skippy works great. Natural peanut butters can sometimes be a bit oily and might affect the texture, so stick to the conventional kind for the best results.
Plain granulated sugar is what you want here. It provides the sweetness and contributes to that wonderful chewy texture. The extra sugar for rolling adds a little sparkle and a pleasant crunch to the outside of the cookie.
A large egg acts as the binder, holding everything together. It’s what gives the cookie structure since we aren’t using any flour. Finally, a touch of vanilla extract deepens the flavor and makes these cookies taste even more homemade.
Step By Step Instructions
Making these cookies is so straightforward. Let’s walk through it together. Just follow these simple directions for one of the best Easy Cookie Recipes you will ever try.
Step 1: Prepare Oven And Cookie Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Getting the oven temperature right is important for even baking. While it’s heating up, go ahead and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Using parchment paper is a great trick. It prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Please don’t use cooking spray, as it can make the bottoms of the cookies greasy and cause them to spread too much.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now for the fun part. In a large bowl, add your creamy peanut butter, one cup of granulated sugar, the large egg, and the vanilla extract. There’s no special order, just put them all in together.
Stir everything together until it’s just combined. You can use a wooden spoon or a spatula. The dough will be thick and a little sticky. Be careful not to overmix it. Just stir until you no longer see streaks of egg or sugar.
Step 3: Shape And Press Cookies
Pour a little extra granulated sugar onto a small plate. Now, scoop out the dough and shape it into 1 inch balls using your hands. This should make about 30 cookies in total.
Roll each ball in the sugar until it is lightly coated all over. This gives the cookies a lovely, slightly crunchy exterior. Place the sugar coated balls about one inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. They will spread a bit, so give them some space.
Next, take a fork and gently press down on top of each ball to flatten it slightly. Then, press again in the opposite direction to create that classic crisscross pattern. This isn’t just for looks; it helps the thick dough bake more evenly.
Step 4: Bake Cookies
Time to bake! Place your cookie sheets in the preheated oven. Bake them at 350°F for about 15 minutes. You are looking for the edges to be set and the tops to be a light golden brown color.
Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them. Once they are done, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up properly.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any cookies left, storing them is simple. Once they are completely cool, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week.
These cookies also freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer safe bag. They will last for up to three months.
You can also freeze the dough. Shape the dough into balls, press them with a fork, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, put them in a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips
Want to make your Yummy Cookies even better? Here are a few simple tips. First, do not overmix the dough. Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Just stir until the ingredients come together.
If your dough feels too sticky to roll, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will make it much easier to handle. This is a great trick, especially on a warm day.
Feel free to add some mix ins! About a half cup of chocolate chips or peanut butter chips would be a fantastic addition. You could also press a chocolate candy into the top of each cookie right after they come out of the oven.
For a salty sweet flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. The salt really brings out the rich peanut butter taste and makes for some truly Delicious Cookies.
Finally, trust your eyes and nose more than the timer. Ovens can vary. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Conclusion
And there you have it! One of the simplest and most satisfying Easy Cookie Recipes around. These peanut butter cookies are proof that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or time to create something truly special.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe for Homemade Cookies Recipes is a keeper. It’s reliable, tasty, and perfect for sharing with people you love. So go ahead, give it a try. I know you’ll enjoy every single bite.
FAQ
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a nice texture with little bits of peanuts throughout. The recipe works just the same, so feel free to swap it in if you prefer a little crunch.
Are These Cookies Gluten Free?
They are! This is one of those naturally gluten free Easy Cookie Recipes because it does not contain any flour. It’s a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be sure to check that your vanilla extract is certified gluten free if you are baking for someone with a serious allergy.
Why Did My Cookies Turn Out Dry Or Crumbly?
The most common reason for dry or crumbly cookies is overbaking. These cookies are at their best when they are soft and chewy, so pull them out of the oven when the edges are just set. They might look slightly underdone in the middle, but they will finish baking on the hot pan.
Can I Use A Sugar Substitute?
Using a sugar substitute can be tricky. Granulated sugar provides more than just sweetness; it also contributes to the structure and texture. While some one to one baking sugar substitutes might work, they could change the final result. I recommend sticking with real sugar for the best outcome.
Do I Have To Use The Fork To Press Them?
You don’t have to, but it’s highly recommended. The dough is very dense, and flattening the cookies helps them bake evenly. If you don’t have a fork, you could use the bottom of a glass to gently press them down. The crisscross pattern is classic, but the flattening is the important part!
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
These easy peanut butter cookies require only four ingredients and are naturally gluten-free. With a soft, chewy interior and crisp edges, they’re perfect for quick cravings, baking with kids, or any time you need a delicious, homemade treat in about 35 minutes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. You can use a wooden spoon or a spatula.
- Pour extra granulated sugar onto a small plate. Shape dough into 1-inch balls (about 30 total). Roll each ball in sugar until lightly coated. Place sugar-coated balls 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Using a fork, gently press down on top of each ball to flatten slightly, then press again in the opposite direction to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until edges are set and tops are light golden brown. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Want to make your Yummy Cookies even better? Here are a few simple tips. First, do not overmix the dough. Mixing too much can make the cookies tough.
If your dough feels too sticky to roll, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will make it much easier to handle. This is a great trick, especially on a warm day.
Feel free to add some mix ins! About a half cup of chocolate chips or peanut butter chips would be a fantastic addition. You could also press a chocolate candy into the top of each cookie right after they come out of the oven.
For a salty sweet flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. The salt really brings out the rich peanut butter taste and makes for some truly Delicious Cookies.
Finally, trust your eyes and nose more than the timer. Ovens can vary. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
