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These super-easy Peanut Butter Cookies are deliciously buttery and chewy inside and crisp on the outside with lots of crinkles and crackles. You can make them quickly with a few simple ingredients - just one bowl and no mixer needed!
I'm not sure if I'm getting lazier or smarter in my old age. I'd like to think the answer is "smarter" but I'm probably fooling myself (and you). Ever since I started making one-bowl, no-mixer cookies that can be whipped up in no time flat, I've had a hard time going in any other direction. And when they come out as pretty and delicious as these super easy, Crinkly Crackly Peanut Butter Cookies, call me whatever you want, I'm a dedicated believer!
The BEST
In the midst of making a batch of these Crinkly Crackly Peanut Butter Cookies a few weeks ago, Scott walked in from working outside. He said, "That wonderful aroma takes me back to being a kid. My mom was a pretty simple cook, but she made the BEST peanut butter cookies".
After the cookies rolled out of the oven, I brought him a sample along with a glass of cold milk. He took one bite and said, "Sorry, mom! These are amazing!"
I'm not going to say these are better than Nanny's, but I do agree that they're incredibly delicious (and know that Scott knows which side his bread is buttered on, haha!). It's probably not even fair to compare the two cookies as Nanny's delicious peanut butter cookies were traditional peanut butter cookies, always with the crosshatch fork imprints on the top. I decided to go without the signature fork marks when I saw the beautiful crinkles and crackles that showed up when I simply formed the dough into balls and rolled each one in sugar before baking.
I love that the edges of these peanut butter cookies get super crisp while the interiors remain buttery, with lots of peanut butter flavor. And the sugar-coated exterior creates a really pretty cookie, as well as adding a delicious crunch!
A lovely gift from the kitchen
Since these cookies come out looking like they came from a fine bake shop, I thought they deserved a fine bake shop label for gifting.
We're happy to send you a free printable PDF for these delicious cookies so you can give them to friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. and look like a fine bake shop baker. If you'd like the labels (along with instructions on how to print them up and use them) feel free to leave a comment below and we'll email them to you.
If you've got 45 minutes to spare, whip a batch of these wonderful peanut butter cookies. It will take you less than 15 minutes of hands-on time and then 30 minutes in the oven. The intoxicating aroma will be sure to draw all clandestine cookie lovers in the neighborhood to your kitchen. Have tall glasses of cold milk waiting and prepare for a party!!
Cafe Tips for making these Crinkly Crackly Peanut Butter Cookies
- You want to start with cold butter and warm it in the microwave (or stovetop) until it's just beginning to melt. My microwave is 1000 watts and takes about 45 seconds. It should look like this:
- If you like cookies that are chewy on the inside, don't overbake these cookies. Check them after 12 minutes. They should be a light golden brown. If you prefer crisp cookies, you can let them go a little longer. Either way, they are delicious!
- This recipe calls for coarse sugar to roll the dough balls in before baking. Coarse sugar options are Raw sugar, Turbinado sugar, Demerara sugar and, my favorite, Extra Coarse Confectioner's Sugar.
- You can use either light or dark brown sugar for these peanut butter cookies. I like the deep, rich color of the cookies when made with dark brown sugar, but I don't always have dark brown sugar and no one complains when I use light brown!
- I use a medium-size ice cream (or cookie) scoop to scoop up my dough for uniform size cookies.
- I love these pre-cut parchment paper sheets. They come 100 sheets to a box so they last forever and come in a flat box for easy storage.
- It always seems that a few cookies in a batch don’t like to cooperate and come out of the oven with an irregular shape. If you use a metal spatula while the cookies are still hot you can gently push the back into a nice circular shape.
- These cookies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely on a cooling rack, then transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight storage container and freeze.
- For a wonderful dessert, serve these Peanut Butter Cookies with a bowl of ice cream, drizzled with this Ridiculously Easy Caramel Sauce or this fabulous, easy Butterscotch Sauce.
Thought for the day:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
- ½ cup cold butter 4-ounces 1 stick
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ⅓ cups flour
- coarse sugar see types of raw sugar in Café Tips above in the post
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Preheat oven to 350˚F degrees. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Put about ½ cup coarse sugar in a shallow bowl, Set aside.
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Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 30-45 seconds until butter is partially melted (see pic above).
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Add sugars and egg and stir well. Add peanut butter and vanilla, stir until smooth.
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Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the butter mixture and stir until well incorporated. Lastly, add the flour and stir just until smooth. The dough should be fairly stiff and easy to scoop and roll in balls. If it seems too soft, place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
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Scoop dough in mounds then roll into balls and finally, roll in the prepared coarse sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on prepared pans. Bake for 13-18 minutes or until light golden. If baking both pans at the same time, rotate pans halfway through baking time. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a metal rack to cool completely. Enjoy!!
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.
Carole Ann O'Connell says
I am working my way through your cookie recipes and love this one. Having the calorie count is an advantage otherwise I might choose to indulge myself in one sitting!
I purchased your recommended cookie cutters. They are efficient and easy to use.
Thank you for this recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
That's great, Carole! Thanks for letting us know!
Deb says
These look delicious! Can't wait to try them out. The labels would be gratefully received, as I love baking for friends.
Thank you so much.
xx
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Deb! Enjoy!
Rosalie says
The cookies sounds wonderful. I would like the labels for lemon shortbread and the peanut butter. Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Sending the labels your way, Rosalie!
M says
Thank you. Love your free-printable PDF of the labels. It’s the complete package for gifting!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, M!
Barbee Goodman says
I would love to have the labels. Thanks .
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Barbee!
Liz says
Have you ever experimented with dairy free butter with your cookie recipes? I have a grandchild that is allergic to dairy products and would love to find more delicious cookie recipes. I have used many of your recipes and I really love them but would love to try using a dairy free substitute for them.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Liz, I have not tried baking with dairy-free butter. If you try it let us know how it goes!
Shelly says
These are the best peanut butter cookies I’ve ever had. I make them all the time. Thank you for the recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! Thank you for letting us know, Shelly!
Lori says
I can’t wait to make these cookies and the label is just what I need to fancy them up for gift-giving. Thanks for another sure time please recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Enjoy, Lori!
Mary Lou says
Love all your cookies/recipes and I haven't tried this one. I would love the labels thanks. I'll return with my rating as soon as I make them. Thanks again!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Mary Lou! We will send the labels your way.
Janet says
Would love to have the labels for these cookies! Thanks so much for helping us to give a pretty presentation in our cookie gift giving.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Janet! Enjoy!
Susie says
Just made these. Excellent! I do like peanuts and had some so I added a few. Rolled them in brown raw sugar. These are so easy. I just used my Brotform spoon to mix. No mixer needed. Thanks, would like the labels please.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for sharing your review, Susan!
Jean Dimke says
I would love to have the instruction for the labels. A pretty label will take this cookie over the top!
Thank you for a wonderful recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Jean!
Laine Dyer says
This is one of the kindest, most generous-of-spirit cooking sites I have ever had the joy of "stumbling across"!
At Christmastime/holidaytime, I make hundreds and hundreds of cookies that are given as customer thank-you gifts at The Silver Skate "pop-up" holiday shop in Niantic, CT. I am going to try several of your recipes, and will be sure to
THANK YOU and your site on the label/s of the cookies I make from your "assortment."
You and your sharing site are an inspiration, Chris.
With Much Gratitude, Laine
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Laine, for your kind comment 🥰
Sounds like you're going to be very busy over the next few weeks!
I hope you enjoy our recipes and if you ever have any questions, feel free to ask!
Linda Demler-Nunes says
Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic peanut butter cookie recipe. Can't wait to make them. I will be sharing them with the neighbors. Please send the beautiful labels as I always use them when they are made available. Thanks again, Linda
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy them, Linda! Sending the labels now!
Vicki says
I would love the labels.Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Vicki!
Monica Teverbaugh says
Hi Chris, I can't wait to make these cookies this weekend! I would love to have the labels they make such a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Thank you for all you do.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Monica! We are happy to send them your way.
Diane M Ervin says
I'm now a huge fan of your recipes and labels! Thank you for your generosity! You make us all look so professional 🙂
I'm excited to make Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies!!
Thank You,
Diane
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Diane! We will send the labels now!
Kay West says
Your recipes are so reliable and always a hit! These cookies are delicious. You have already sent me info on the labels and the pdf. I have purchased the labels and ribbon and am ready to print, but I can't locate the pdf. Could you please resend? Thank you so much.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Kay!
Ann says
Great cookies!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Ann!
Roberta Worley says
Thank you! Thank you! and Thank you again!
I just started something I have deplored prior to being on several diets that never caused me to finish the race and that is I have resolved myself to counting calories. I've used MyFitnessPal before but this time I'm going to a whole new level.
From June 10983 to March 1989, I had started my tour of military duty first in the Reserves and finished by going active duty. I absolutely made the decision never to exercise again unless I was being chased by a bear or something likewise. Due to numerous circumstances beyone my control, I was diagnosed bipolar eleven years later. More recently, I suffered through lithium toxicity due to a variety of factors.
My Sweetheart and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary about a month and a half after he shattered his tibia. We are both obese and have tried more than one method to lose weight over the course of so many years.
The reason I am so very thankful for your peanutbutter post is because you give the calorie count! I am no longer treating myself as an addict to sugar because I have a budget of so many calories. If I choose to go over budget, it's no one else's decision but that of my own. In addition, I've reintroduced Pilates into my routine as well as reincorporating what I learned about exercising in the military as far as 'moving' is concerned.
So, Thank you again for a blog well done and I look forward to making your peanutbutter cookies as well as some of your other recipes!
Au revoir!
Chris Scheuer says
Hello, Roberta! Wow, what a journey you've had! I hope you have success with your weight loss and get to enjoy a few of these cookies 💕
Teri Booth says
I would love the label for the peanut butter cookies. Your recipes are fabulous. The instructions and comments are very thorough.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Teri! We will send the labels now!
Melanie Wallace says
I would love the labels! I LOVE a simple delicious cookie and who doesn’t love peanut butter?!?
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Melanie! Enjoy!
Carol says
Love your recipes! I would love to know how to use and print your labels for future gifts. Thank you for being so thoughtful.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Carol! We will email you the labels with instructions on how to use them!
Paula barnes says
I followed your directions exactly land the cookies were perfect. Now, i feel like I need to share! Please send the adorable label for gifting. Thanks for all your no recipes
Chris Scheuer says
Yay! Thanks so much for letting us know, Paula! We will send the labels now.
jo says
Love all of your recipes Chris. Please send the labels. Can't wait to gift these. Making your peach jam today. Will review.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Jo! We will send the labels now!