Why do you put fork marks on peanut butter cookies?

The fork marks aren’t just decorative. Peanut butter cookie dough is dense, and flattening the dough helps it bake evenly. The crisscross pattern also became the traditional “signature” look of classic peanut butter cookies, making them instantly recognizable.

Should you chill peanut butter cookie dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t required for this recipe, but it can make a difference. If you prefer thicker, chewier cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading. For a quick batch, though, you can bake right away and still enjoy delicious results.

What’s the secret to making soft and chewy peanut butter cookies?

The key is in the balance of ingredients and bake time. Using both white and brown sugar keeps the cookies moist, while slightly underbaking ensures the centers stay chewy. Adding an extra egg yolk is another trick for tender, bakery-style classic peanut butter cookies.

Can I use natural peanut butter for baking cookies?

Yes, but with caution. Natural peanut butter has more oil and less stabilizer than processed versions, so the cookies may spread more. If you do use it, stir well before measuring and consider chilling the dough for best results.

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies – Ultimate Soft & Chewy Treat

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (180g)

1/2 cup butter, unsalted, room temp (113g)

1 cup peanut butter (250g)

1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed (100g)

1/2 cup sugar (100g)

1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)

1 egg, large, room temp

3/4 tsp baking powder (3g)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Sift flour and baking powder together.

3. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.

4. Add peanut butter and mix until incorporated.

5. Mix in egg and vanilla extract.

6. Add flour mixture and beat until combined.

7. Roll dough into one-inch balls and place on baking sheet with parchment.

8. Flatten cookies with a fork in crisscross pattern.

9. Bake for 10 minutes until set but soft in center.

10. Cool on baking sheet before transferring.

Notes

Optional: add 1/4 tsp sea salt for flavor. Chilling dough for 30 minutes makes thicker cookies.

Author: Reed Livia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg