There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the warm, nutty aroma of Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies baking in the oven. These classic cookies, known for their signature fork-pressed pattern, have been a beloved treat for generations. With a soft and chewy center and a slightly crisp edge, they deliver the perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re a lifelong peanut butter lover or just craving a homemade cookie with simple ingredients, this recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make, requires no fancy equipment, and is ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, these cookies stay fresh for days, making them perfect for lunchbox treats, bake sales, or simply indulging in a homemade dessert with a glass of cold milk.
Why You’ll Love These Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
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Soft, chewy, and buttery – The perfect combination of textures for a satisfying cookie.
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Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients – You probably already have everything you need.
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Fun and nostalgic fork pattern – The signature criss-cross design isn’t just pretty, it helps the cookies bake evenly.
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Quick and easy to make – No chilling required, so you can bake them right away.
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Perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors – The peanut butter shines without being overwhelming.
Preparation Time and Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
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Calories: 180
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 10g
Ingredients for Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step helps create a light and tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla enhances the warm, nutty flavors.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Step 5: Form the Dough Balls
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Create the Signature Criss-Cross Pattern
Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a criss-cross pattern. This flattens the cookies slightly, helping them bake evenly while giving them their signature look.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm, or store them in an airtight container for later!
Ingredient Background
Peanut butter is the star ingredient in these cookies, and its rich, nutty flavor comes from ground peanuts blended with a touch of oil and sweetness. The origins of peanut butter date back to the late 19th century, with Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and Dr. Ambrose Straub playing key roles in its development. Over time, it became a pantry staple and a beloved addition to baked goods, offering both taste and texture.
Brown sugar is another key player in this recipe. Unlike white sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor to the cookies. This ingredient is what helps give peanut butter cookies their chewy texture rather than being overly crisp.
The criss-cross pattern on peanut butter cookies isn’t just for decoration. Since peanut butter dough is naturally denser than other cookie doughs, pressing the cookies helps them bake more evenly. The tradition of using a fork to create the criss-cross design dates back to 1932, when it was first suggested in a Pillsbury cookbook to help flatten the cookies for a better bake.
Technique Tips for Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
For the best texture and flavor, follow these essential tips:
First, use room temperature butter. Softened butter creams better with sugar, trapping air to create a light, tender cookie. If the butter is too cold, the dough will be tough to mix. If it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too much while baking.
Second, when making the criss-cross pattern, don’t press too hard. A light press with a fork is enough to shape the cookies without making them too thin. If you press too hard, the cookies may turn out too dry or crumbly.
Lastly, don’t overbake. Peanut butter cookies continue to set after they come out of the oven. If you bake them until they look fully firm, they may end up too hard after cooling. Instead, take them out when the edges look set, but the center is still slightly soft. This will give you a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Want to elevate your peanut butter cookies beyond the classic look? Try these creative ideas:
For a gourmet touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. This creates a peanut butter-chocolate combo that’s irresistible!
If you love peanut butter and jelly, create sandwich cookies by spreading raspberry or strawberry jam between two cookies. The fruity sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich peanut butter flavor.
For a fun party-friendly twist, press mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the tops of the cookies before baking. This adds texture and an extra layer of indulgence to every bite.
Freezing and Storing Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
If you want to keep your cookies fresh, proper storage is key.
To store baked cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them soft, as the cookies absorb moisture from the bread.
For freezing the cookie dough, roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet, press with a fork, and bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
If you’ve already baked the cookies, you can still freeze them! Place them in layers with parchment paper between them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Healthier Twist Ideas
To make these cookies a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor, try these modifications:
First, swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This adds extra fiber and nutrients while still keeping the cookies soft and chewy. If you’re hesitant to go full whole wheat, try a 50/50 blend with white flour.
For a lower-sugar option, reduce the granulated sugar and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead. Keep in mind that this will slightly change the texture, making the cookies softer and less crisp.
Finally, for a higher-protein version, replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. This not only adds protein but also enhances the nutty flavor of the cookies.
Serving Suggestions for Events
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a special celebration.
For holiday gatherings, serve them alongside a hot chocolate bar with whipped cream, marshmallows, and cinnamon sticks. The nutty sweetness of the cookies pairs perfectly with warm, spiced drinks.
If you’re making them for a birthday party, consider turning them into cookie ice cream sandwiches. Just place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies and freeze for a fun, decadent treat.
For gift-giving, stack the cookies in a decorative tin or jar with a ribbon and a handwritten note. These homemade peanut butter cookies make an amazing edible gift for friends, family, or teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why do peanut butter cookies have a criss-cross pattern?
The pattern helps the cookies bake evenly since peanut butter dough is denser than other cookie doughs. It also gives them their classic look!
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add small peanut pieces to the dough, giving the cookies a more textured bite.
3. How can I make my cookies softer?
For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake them and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
4. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
5. What if my dough is too dry?
If your dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, and make sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free.
7. Why did my cookies turn out too hard?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the center is still soft.
8. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but because natural peanut butter has more oil separation, you may need to mix it well before adding it to the dough.
9. What’s the best way to measure peanut butter?
To prevent sticking, spray your measuring cup with a little nonstick cooking spray before adding the peanut butter. It will slide right out!
10. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips to create peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.
Conclusion
Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their soft, chewy texture and signature fork pattern. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, they’re a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or sandwiched with jam, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite.
So go ahead—preheat your oven, grab a jar of peanut butter, and whip up a batch of these delightful cookies. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, they’re guaranteed to bring warm, nutty goodness to every bite!
Print
Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step helps create a light and tender cookie texture.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla enhances the warm, nutty flavors.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a criss-cross pattern. This flattens the cookies slightly, helping them bake evenly while giving them their signature look.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm, or store them in an airtight container for later!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g