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The Best 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (Easy Recipe)

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These 5-ingredient peanut butter cookies are quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, they deliver a chewy center with crinkly tops and a salty-sweet balance that will make you a kitchen hero.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (recommended: Skippy or Jif)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed (or a wooden spoon) until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a mixer or 4-5 minutes by hand.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. The mixture may look slightly separated; that’s normal.
  4. Mix in the peanut butter until you have a smooth, cohesive dough. It should be soft and slightly sticky but hold together when pressed.
  5. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop portions of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  6. Dip a fork in granulated sugar and gently press it into each dough ball, first in one direction then the other, to create a crisscross pattern. Flatten slightly without smashing.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers should look slightly underdone and puffy. For chewier cookies, bake 10 minutes; for crispier, bake 12 minutes.
  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, use a stable peanut butter like Skippy or Jif. If using natural peanut butter, stir well and add an extra tablespoon of sugar. Chilling the dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading. Watch baking time closely; cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter cookies, 5-ingredient cookies, easy cookies, quick dessert, gluten-free cookies, potluck dessert

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