contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/6aa18699-bad1-442a-97bf-388003acce2d

Our homemade peanut butter cookies are one of our cherished heirloom recipes—a classic loved by the Betty Crocker Test Kitchens and home bakers for over 75 years. First appearing in the 1950 Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book, this recipe has been a staple in Betty Crocker cookbooks. It’s been included in numerous other cookbooks, including the beloved 1963 Betty Crocker Cooky Book, which many (including us!) grew up with, learning how to make and bake cookies.Over the years, very little has changed from the original recipe—why mess with perfection? In fact, many consider these the best peanut butter cookies they've ever made, and they rely on this recipe as their go-to favorite. Betty’s recipe creates tender, chewy cookies with a rich peanut butter flavor and the iconic crosshatch mark—it’s been the “stamp” of this classic treat since the beginning, making them a cookie that’s been loved for years.

classic peanut butter cookies

classic-peanut-butter-cookies

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/abcb3f34-a1ac-4c09-985e-95c45ec82a08

Prize-Winning Recipe 2009! Here's a must-try cookie treat that's reminiscent of a favorite sweet cereal snack with chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar.

chocolate peanut butter cookie treats

chocolate-peanut-butter-cookie-treats

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookie Treats

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/f1b66b1e-2715-4a74-80e3-b0e55ecc55c4

Honorable Mention Bisquick® Recipe Contest 2010! Bite into hearty cookies chock full of goodies like granola and nuts.

peanut butter pecan chocolate chip granola cookies

peanut-butter-pecan-chocolate-chip-granola-cookies

Peanut Butter-Pecan Chocolate Chip-Granola Cookies  

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/b9705338-2553-4ccd-95e9-77294e28de35

Make it look easy to make a classic. These deliciously soft and delightfully easy peanut butter cookies are a dream to enjoy, with a moist and chewy texture and just the right amount of peanut butter flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re wonderfully simple to make. Just add peanut butter and brown sugar to a box of classic Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix and you’re already halfway there. Mix in the rest of your baking ingredients and your dough will be ready for shaping, no chilling required. This easy peanut butter cookie recipe makes 50 cookies, perfect for sharing with fellow peanut butter-loving friends and family!

easy cake mix peanut butter cookies

easy-cake-mix-peanut-butter-cookies

Easy Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/848c8cd3-1244-4423-978e-b4574157ab0a

Peanut butter chips are the secret flavor boost in these otherwise traditional cookies.

rich peanut butter cookies

rich-peanut-butter-cookies

Rich Peanut Butter Cookies

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/a3563f6e-96b0-443f-ae0a-53cef4be6db6

The beloved Peanut Blossoms began their journey in 1957 as an entry in the Pillsbury Bake-Off™ contest. Betty's original creation, "Chocolate Candy-Topped Peanut Butter Cookies," refined the classic peanut butter cookie recipe by reducing salt and using all butter for a richer flavor. Featured in Betty Crocker’s 2006 Christmas cookbook, the recipe initially showcased chocolate stars as its signature topping.The widespread availability and popularity of HERSHEY'S KISSES led to a recipe update, using these iconic candies instead. Over the past two decades, peanut butter blossom cookies have become a top-rated and most popular holiday favorite and a year-round treat, gracing cookie trays, lunchboxes, and cookie jars alike.Our recipe distinguishes itself by adding the HERSHEY'S KISSES&nbsp;after&nbsp;baking. This ensures perfectly baked cookies and allows the chocolates to adhere to the warm cookies without melting excessively, maintaining their shape and signature look.

classic peanut butter blossom cookies

classic-peanut-butter-blossom-cookies

Classic Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/09bc5f87-1c98-478d-bb4a-4127929bbbf0

Looking for a chocolate cookie using Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ chocolate fudge cake mix? Look no further!

cake mix chocolate peanut butter cookies

cake-mix-chocolate-peanut-butter-cookies

Cake Mix Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/f85b72ed-8a53-4a9a-8897-f0befe46a55f

These peanut butter cookies are special for the holidays or anytime.  Their secret is the chocolate candy that melts into the top.

peanut butter chocolate cookies

peanut-butter-chocolate-cookies

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cookies

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/6a3940a7-2745-4657-b143-9d1e5fff912e

Betty makes it easy to bake in a sweet surprise. These peanut butter cookie cups might begin as a simple recipe for homemade cookies, but they have a delicious and distinct surprise inside - a miniature Reese’s™ peanut butter cup! They’re baked in miniature muffin tins, which gives them the fun shape of peanut butter cups, and then a Reese’s™ cup is pressed into the cookie minutes before they are done baking. While we love these delicious Reese’s™ peanut butter cup cookies on their own any day of the week, we also encourage you to dress them up with a scoop of ice cream, drizzle them with chocolate sauce and peanut butter sauce, and transform them into a truly decadent and delicious dessert.

peanut butter cookie cups

peanut-butter-cookie-cups

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups 

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/110e9143-f4a6-48ed-84d5-135de2fb28e8

This easy peanut butter cookie will triple your pleasure with peanuts, peanut butter chips and peanut butter cups all together in one cookie cup. Perfect for your holiday cookie exchange.

easy peanut butter cookie cups

easy-peanut-butter-cookie-cups

Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Try our classic peanut butter cookie recipe—chewy, sweet, and full of peanut butter. Easy to make homemade peanut butter cookies are a favorite treat.

Be sure to let your cookie sheets cool between batches. Adding cookie dough to a hot or warm cookie sheet can cause the cookies to spread too much. The dough melts too quickly on a hot surface, leading to thinner, crispier cookies. To avoid this, it's helpful to have at least two cookie sheets—while one is in the oven, you can scoop and roll the next batch onto the second sheet, allowing the first to cool down before reusing it.

Be sure to measure the flour carefully. Too much flour will make what should be a light, chewy cookie denser and more cake-like. Too little flour and your cookies will turn out more flat and crispy.

Chilling the dough is essential for peanut butter cookies because the dough is denser and can spread too much without it. Refrigerating helps solidify the fats, ensuring the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly. This also allows the flavors to meld for a better taste and ensures easier handling, especially for shaped or cutout cookies.

Recipe meets Kitchen Tested criteria.  Reviewed as part of project  MSO-5941 BC Audit 200 recipes

Here’s a list of the ingredients you'll need for these peanut butter cookies.Peanut Butter: You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter for this recipe. Creamy gives a smooth, rich peanut taste, while crunchy adds more texture.Butter and Shortening: Over the years, we’ve experimented with using only shortening, only butter, and a combination of both. We’ve found that the best peanut butter cookies need both. Butter adds richness, while shortening—having less flavor—helps the cookies spread less, resulting in the perfect texture. Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature so they mix together more easily.Granulated and Brown Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used in these cookies. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create tenderness, while brown sugar adds a molasses note and contributes to a chewy texture.Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Large egg, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the equipment you’ll need to make this peanut butter cookie recipe.Electric Mixer or Spoon: Both will work to mix the cookie dough—choose whichever is most convenient for you.Cookie Scoop: While cookie scoops weren’t around when this recipe was created, we now swear by them. Use a 1 1/4-inch (size #50) scoop to make evenly sized dough balls. If you don’t have one, a measuring tablespoon works just as well.Cookie Sheet: Through over 75 years of baking, we’ve found that the best cookie sheets are shiny metal ones. They reflect heat efficiently, ensuring cookies bake and brown evenly.Other Cookware You’ll Need: Large bowl, dry measuring cups, measuring spoons, rubber spatula, plastic wrap, small bowl, fork, cookie spatula, and a cooling rack.

Cookware You’ll Need

Here’s an overview of how to make peanut butter cookies.<h3>1. Mix Wet Ingredients</h3>Beat the wet ingredients (sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter, and egg) until no streaks of butter or peanut butter remain.<h3>2. Mix Dry Ingredients</h3>Stir in the remaining ingredients (except additional sugar) until just combined. Don’t overmix— it can make your cookies tough.<h3>3. Refrigerate Dough</h3>Chilling helps the dough to firm up, so your cookies spread less and maintain their fork marks during baking.<h3>4. Shape and Bake Dough</h3>Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls, then roll them between your palms to smooth. Dip a fork in sugar and press down in two directions to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie. Bake until light golden brown.<h3>5. Cool and Serve</h3>Cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes. This allows the cookies to set and makes them more stable for transferring to a cooling rack.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies

We’ve heard from you that you love how versatile this peanut butter cookie recipe is. Caroljstubbs shares, “I use this recipe as my base…I use 1 cup crunchy peanut butter, 1/2 cup butter (no shortening), 1 cup peanut butter chips, and no salt.” Here are some other tasty variations you’ve shared with us:Swap Nut Butters: Experiment with natural peanut butter or other nut butters, but be sure to choose one that doesn’t require stirring. Unmixed oil can affect the texture of your cookies.Add Chocolate: Stir in chocolate chips, or as Hiee shared, "I’ve also drizzled milk chocolate over the top... YUM!"Spice It Up: Add a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the cookie dough.If you’re a fan of peanut butter like we are, here’s a few more of our favorites: <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/classic-peanut-butter-blossom-cookies/a3563f6e-96b0-443f-ae0a-53cef4be6db6">peanut butter blossom cookies</a> and <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-cake-mix-peanut-butter-cookies/b9705338-2553-4ccd-95e9-77294e28de35">cake mix peanut butter cookies</a>, each loaded with peanut butter flavor.

Possible Variations

Here are the best methods we’ve tested for storing peanut butter cookies.<h3>Room Temperature</h3>Store cooled cookies in a tightly covered food-safe&nbsp;container or food storage bag for up to 5 days.<h3>Freezer</h3>Place cookies in an airtight freezer-safe food storage container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.<h3>Thawing</h3>Remove frozen cookies from container and place in a single layer on a plate or tray. Let stand uncovered for about 10 minutes or until thawed.<h3>Microwave Warming</h3>Place 1&nbsp;room temperature or thawed&nbsp;cookie on a microwave-safe place and heat on&nbsp;low (30%) for 15 seconds or until warm.

Storing and Reheating

With over 700 reviews and counting, our peanut butter cookie recipe has earned rave reviews from the baking community. Users love the nostalgia, recalling making these cookies from old Betty Crocker cookbooks and being thrilled to find the exact recipe online. The taste and texture stay true to those memories, delivering soft, chewy cookies described as delicious and comforting. The recipe’s simplicity makes it easy to follow, resulting in consistently perfect cookies every time—whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out.In addition to its timeless appeal, users appreciate the recipe's versatility. Many have successfully made tweaks—such as substituting butter for shortening, adding vanilla, or increasing peanut butter—while still achieving great results. Positive feedback pours in from family and friends who repeatedly request the recipe. These cookies have truly become a family favorite. With helpful tips like chilling the dough and adjusting bake times, our easy peanut butter cookies continue to impress bakers of all skill levels.

Why Betty Users Love This Recipe

Over the years of testing, we've found these tips to prevent peanut butter cookies from being crumbly.Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and lead to over-measuring.Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies.Don’t Overbake: Bake the cookies and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet as directed. Leaving them on the sheet too long can lead to further baking and drying them out.

How can I prevent my peanut butter cookies from being crumbly?

No, shortening is not absolutely necessary in this peanut butter cookie recipe, but it does play an important role in achieving the right texture. Shortening helps the cookies maintain their shape, preventing them from spreading too much while baking, and contributes to a tender, slightly chewy texture. If you prefer, you can substitute all butter for the shortening, though the cookies may spread more and have a slightly different texture.

Do I need to use shortening in this recipe?

The fork-tined hash marks on peanut butter cookies date back to a 1936 Pillsbury™ cookbook. While the original reason wasn’t stated, food experts suggest the marks help the cookies bake more evenly. Peanut butter makes the dough denser, and the fork tines flatten the dough, ensuring more uniform baking. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with contrasting crispy edges where the fork marks were made, contributing to the iconic look and texture.

Why are there fork marks on peanut butter cookies?

Cookie dough can be covered and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. If it's too firm, let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Did You Know

Make room in your recipe box for this twist on a classic peanut butter cookie! It’s quick to make and has twice the peanut buttery goodness, thanks to the addition of peanut butter chips. In 40 minutes, you can have a rave-worthy cookie perfect for a bake sale, potluck or a special after-school snack. This recipe skips the step of imprinting a criss-cross pattern with the back of a fork, so all you have to do is shape cookies into balls and roll in sugar before baking. In fact, these cookies can go even faster, if you use a spring-handled cookie scoop to help you shape the dough. Though it may seem like a luxury item, the cookie scoop is actually the busy baker’s best friend, as it’s a quick way to ensure all cookies are the same size so they bake evenly. An ice cream scoop can also work. Betty’s got more <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/tipslibrary/baking-tips/how-to-make-peanut-butter-cookies ">tips about baking perfect peanut butter cookies</a>, plus plenty more <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/cookie-recipes/peanut-butter-cookies">kitchen-tested peanut butter cookie recipes</a>.

More About This Recipe

Recipe meets Kitchen Tested criteria.  Reviewed as part of SEO improvements Oct. 2019.

Have just crunchy peanut butter on hand?  Go ahead and use it for a peanuttier, slightly bumpier cookie.

Substitution                

In a hurry?  Use one pouch of Betty Crocker® peanut butter cookie mix instead.  Immediately after baking cookies, be sure to top them with chocolate candies.

Forget peanut butter and jelly! Peanut butter and chocolate is the perfect combo in our minds. And if you agree, you simply must try these buttery, crumbly cookies topped with melty, sweet chocolate stars! These cookies are perfect for any time of year and any occasion, especially since you can bake up a batch in under an hour. That’s right, these scratch cookies are easy and make for a pretty presentation with their sparkly sugar coating and chocolate-candy topping. If your a true peanut fanatic, try swapping in chocolate-covered peanuts for the chocolate stars or use chunky peanut butter in place of smooth. Cookies made with chunky peanut butter will have an extra nutty flavor and  a slightly chunky texture. If you want a master class in peanut butter cookies, check out Betty’s <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/tipslibrary/baking-tips/how-to-make-peanut-butter-cookies"target="_blank">step-by-step tutorial</a>. And once you master this peanut butter-chocolate cookie recipe, explore the rest of our <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/cookie-recipes/peanut-butter-cookies"target="_blank">peanut butter cookie recipes</a>.

Short on time or ingredients? Betty’s got your back! Take a shortcut to scratch with this <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-peanut-butter-cookie-cups/110e9143-f4a6-48ed-84d5-135de2fb28e8">Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups</a> recipe, made with <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/products/cookiemix/peanutbutter">Betty Crocker™ Peanut Butter Cookie Mix</a>. It’s every bit as merry with half the fuss.

Are you missing one of the ingredients needed to make this homemade peanut butter cookie dough? We have compiled a list of easy-to-use <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/common-cooking-and-baking-substitutions" target="_blank">Common Baking Substitutions</a> to come to your rescue!

Use a pouch of Betty Crocker™ peanut butter cookie mix to make this recipe easier. Take a look at our recipe for <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-peanut-butter-cookie-cups/110e9143-f4a6-48ed-84d5-135de2fb28e8" target="_blank">Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups</a> for more tips and tricks.

Add these little cookies to your next Christmas cookie tray. If you are really feeling festive, decorate for the season by topping these cookies with a drizzle of Betty Crocker™ chocolate icing and green and red candy sprinkles.

Substitute an unwrapped Lindt™ Lindor™ milk chocolate truffle (or another favorite flavor) for your Reese’s™ peanut butter cup for a chocolate twist on this delicious and easy-to-make recipe.

Combine creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts and a bag of Reese’s peanut butter cups, and you have a peanut butter-lover’s dream come true. It’s one of Betty’s easiest <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/cookie-recipes/peanut-butter-cookies">peanut butter cookie recipes</a>, which makes it the perfect sweet treat for a Christmas cookie tray or a quick weeknight dessert any time of the year. The cookie cup is made from the same ingredients as a classic <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/tipslibrary/baking-tips/how-to-make-peanut-butter-cookies">from-scratch peanut butter cookie</a>, but the filling is what really makes it special. The Reese’s peanut butter cups miniatures, which are included in tons of our favorite desserts, make this recipe easy and tasty.

More About This Recipe:

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/3b3b77bb-939a-4607-bd0f-428f1876903f

Dreaming of a dessert with a sweet, creamy, nutty flavor? A simple peanut butter frosting is the perfect way to finish off your creation and satisfy those cravings. Follow this Easy Peanut Butter Frosting recipe, and you'll have a delicious frosting whipped up in no time. You can use Easy Peanut Butter Frosting for brownies, cupcakes, cookies, cakes and any other desserts that could benefit from a nutty topping.

easy peanut butter frosting

Whip up delicious Easy Peanut Butter Frosting! This top-rated recipe is sweet, creamy, nutty perfection. Perfect for all your desserts and ready in just 10 mins.

To soften butter, cut in small pieces and leave at room temperature. A faster method is to microwave butter in 5-second intervals, turning the butter frequently so butter is softened but not melted.

Try crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra crunch!

Be sure to scrape side of bowl occasionally while mixing so all ingredients get incorporated. 

Here's how to store any leftover Easy Peanut Butter Frosting.<h3>Refrigerator</h3>Transfer any leftover frosting to an airtight container and store for up to 1 week. Let frosting sit at room temperature for 30 - 60 minutes to soften before using.<h3>Freezer</h3>Place in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Let frosting thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature for about an hour. Once softened, give the frosting a good stir or re-whip it with an electric mixer on low speed for a minute or two until it's smooth and fluffy again. You might need to add a tiny splash of milk (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) if it seems too stiff.

How to Store Easy Peanut Butter Frosting

easy-peanut-butter-frosting

Easy Peanut Butter Frosting

contentservice.generalmills.com/v2/c134e190-6177-4248-9bbf-dd27633c6ed5/Content/78806839-e0bd-4710-8b10-82abbece7ce5

Whether you need the “just right” choice for the annual holiday cookie exchange, or whether you’d like to make a special dressed-up version of the classic peanut butter cookie, you'll find that adding sweet chocolate kisses to this salty cookie goodness creates peanut blossom cookies, a match made in baking heaven.

peanut butter blossoms cookie exchange quantity

Cookie dough can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.  If it's too firm, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

While even a classically plain peanut butter cookie can be a perfect snack or dessert, there are so many ways to up your cookie-baking game by adding sweet chocolate kisses to the top of still-warm dough to make peanut blossom cookies. It’s easy to bake up all sorts of <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/cookie-recipes/peanut-butter-cookies">delicious versions of peanut butter cookies</a>. This peanut blossom cookie recipe is a perennial favorite, not just at the holidays, but all year long. When it comes to decorating, you can consider some fun variations like rolling the peanut blossom cookie balls in chocolate sprinkles. Or roll them in multi-colored sprinkles for a batch of “unicorn blossoms” that are uniquely your own. Check out <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/tipslibrary/baking-tips/how-to-make-peanut-butter-cookies">Betty’s guide to making the best-ever peanut butter cookies</a>. You’ll find tips for those who like them extra soft and some pointers for those who prefer them on the crisp side. There are gluten free baking options, too.

Make things special! If you’re the host of an exchange, invest in some fun packaging for your beautiful baked goods. Browse the aisles of a craft supply place for small lidded boxes, tins, food-safe tissue, and fun ribbons or baker’s twine. Set up a wrapping station so guests can create gifts for family and friends, making the most of the variety of cookies at hand.

Cookie sheets should be at least 2 inches smaller than the inside of your oven to allow the heat to circulate around the cookie sheets.

Try a new twist on this classic cookie: stir in 1-1/3 cups melted and slightly cooled semisweet chocolate chips in with the sugar mixture. Roll the shaped dough in chocolate decorating decors for chocolate peanut butter blossoms!

peanut-butter-blossoms-cookie-exchange-quantity

Peanut Butter Blossoms (Cookie Exchange Quantity)

{stars} out of 5 stars, average rating value out of {ratingCount} reviews.

Servings Per Container

Servings

Nutrition facts are not available for this recipe

Serving Size

Please enable all cookies to use this feature.

Prep instructions are not available for this product

Because nutritional information can change, please see the physical product’s packaging for the most up-to-date information relating to ingredients, nutrition facts, allergen statements and more.


Sorry, we can't find what you're looking for. Please search again or check out some of our most-searched pages:

Loading component...

10 Top-Rated Peanut Butter Cookies

Loading component...

Try these

Loading component...

Bake Up Something Special

Loading component...

Try these

Bake Up Something Special

Let's be Social