No-chill peanut butter cookies are quick and easy to make! With creamy peanut butter, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, these cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious.
Who can resist a warm, gooey cookie right out of the oven? I love making these on a lazy afternoon—one bowl, no chill time, and smiles all around! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is the best choice since it has a pleasant depth of flavor. If you’re allergic or don’t have peanut butter, almond or cashew butter can be great alternatives.
Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and a bit of chewiness. If you’re looking to cut sugar, you can reduce the amount by 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar.
Egg: The egg helps to bind the ingredients together. If you want a vegan option, try a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
Baking Soda: This leavening agent is crucial for helping the cookies rise slightly. If you don’t have baking soda, you could use baking powder but it won’t give the same texture.
Flaky Sea Salt: This is just a finishing touch for flavor. If you don’t have it, regular table salt works fine, but be sure to use it sparingly.
How Do I Make the Perfect Criss-Cross Pattern with a Fork?
The criss-cross pattern not only looks great but also helps the cookies bake evenly. To achieve this, follow these simple steps:
- After forming cookie balls and placing them on the baking sheet, take a fork and press down lightly on each ball.
- Instead of pressing straight down, press at a slight angle to create the first set of lines.
- Then, turn the fork 90 degrees and press down again to form the criss-cross design.
- Make sure not to flatten them too much; you want to maintain their doughy shape for that soft texture.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of it and can create beautiful cookies every time!
How to Make No-Chill Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (preferably natural, smooth)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and only 9-11 minutes to bake! No waiting time for chilling means you can enjoy fresh cookies in about 30 minutes total. Perfect for satisfying those cookie cravings quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, get everything else ready!
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make clean-up easier. You might need an extra baking sheet depending on how many cookies you make!
3. Mix the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a wooden spoon or a mixer for this step!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Crack the egg into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined. Make sure there’s no egg left unmixed.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle in the baking soda and salt. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cookies might not be as tender!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, grab portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each. Place them spaced apart (about 2 inches) on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Create the Classic Fork Pattern:
Take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball to make a criss-cross pattern on top. This not only looks great but also helps the cookies bake evenly!
8. Add Sea Salt (Optional):
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for that extra flavor burst!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden with set edges, but still soft in the middle—don’t overbake!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature!
These no-chill peanut butter cookies come together quickly with pantry staples and will surely give you a delightful, slightly chewy bite that everyone will love! 🍪
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Regular Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter is a fantastic choice as it adds great flavor. Just make sure to stir it well if it has separated, and use the same amount as in the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No worries! You can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar; use the same amount. For a closer match to brown sugar’s flavor, mix in a teaspoon of molasses with the granulated sugar!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months—just thaw before enjoying!
Can I Add Mix-Ins or Variations?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even oatmeal to the dough for a fun twist. Just fold them in after combining all the dough ingredients!