There’s something about the way peanut butter melts into warm dough that just feels like a hug from the inside. This peanut butter cookie dessert is exactly that—a soft, chewy escape when you need a little sweetness without any fuss. It’s not fancy, but sometimes simple is exactly what the kitchen calls for.
One evening, I found myself rummaging through the pantry, half-distracted by a podcast, with the clock somewhere between ten and eleven. The idea of baking something complicated was out of the question, but the urge for something comforting was impossible to ignore. Mixing peanut butter and sugar felt like a shortcut to happiness, even if I was a bit clumsy with the baking soda measurement. The smell of vanilla and peanut butter filling the kitchen was enough to make me pause and just breathe. When the cookies came out, all golden edges and chewy centers, I barely waited for them to cool—because sometimes, you just eat the first batch right off the tray.
It’s that kind of dessert that doesn’t just satisfy a craving but also turns a quiet night into a small celebration.
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Rich peanut butter flavor with a subtle hint of vanilla.
- Quick to prepare, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Makes a generous batch, so you can share or save some for later.
If you’ve ever hesitated to bake because it seemed like too much work, this cookie dessert might just change your mind. It’s forgiving, straightforward, and somehow comforting in its straightforwardness.
PrintPeanut Butter Cookie Dessert
A deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookie dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with rich peanut butter flavor and a hint of vanilla.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Mix until smooth.
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until fully combined.
Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the mixture. Stir until evenly incorporated.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Using a fork, gently press down on each ball to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Don’t worry about fancy equipment here—just a basic baking sheet and something to mix with will do. These cookies are great right out of the oven, but I usually like to pair them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of black coffee for a little contrast. If you feel like switching things up, you might try adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top before baking or folding in some chocolate chips, though I haven’t tested these tweaks enough to guarantee the same chewy texture. Sometimes a handful of chopped nuts could add a little crunch, too, but that’s more my personal curiosity than a must.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit different—more rustic and crunchy, which some people actually love.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage.
Will these cookies spread a lot during baking?
Not really; the dough holds its shape well, so spacing them about 2 inches apart is usually enough.
Can I make them vegan?
That would require some substitutions you might have to experiment with, like a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Ready to turn that peanut butter craving into a quick and satisfying dessert? Go ahead—bake a batch and see how a simple cookie can brighten your day.