Easy Peanut Butter Cookies (4 Ingredients) Recipe
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies require just four simple ingredients and come together quickly for a deliciously soft, chewy treat. With creamy peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor. Ideal for a quick baking session, they bake in just 10 minutes and are easy to customize or enjoy as-is.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 19 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, without added sugar
- 1 cup granulated or cane sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking, and position the oven rack in the middle for even baking.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, the large egg, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Scoop and shape the dough: Use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough, then roll each portion into a ball. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Create the crisscross pattern: Lightly spray the tines of a fork with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a classic crisscross design on top of each cookie.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Ensure not to overbake to avoid crunchy cookies; they are soft initially but firm up as they cool.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with cane sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
- Non-stick spray on the fork helps create the crisscross without dough sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness up to 4 days.
- For variation, consider adding a pinch of salt or chocolate chips, though this will alter the simplicity of the original recipe.
