Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Fork Marks

Introduction

Few cookies are as nostalgic and instantly recognizable as Peanut Butter Cookies with their classic crisscross fork marks. These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies deliver everything you want in a treat: rich peanut flavor, a tender bite, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using pantry staples, you can create a batch of cookies that are both timeless and irresistible. The fork marks aren’t just for decoration—they help flatten the cookies for even baking, creating that signature look everyone loves.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together the comfort of homemade baking with the bold, nutty flavor of peanut butter. Unlike dry or crumbly versions, these cookies stay moist and chewy thanks to the right balance of sugars and butter.

They’re also wonderfully versatile. You can make them plain for a classic taste, or you can enhance them with chocolate chips, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt. No matter how you make them, these cookies always hit the spot.

And let’s not forget the joy of making those fork crisscross patterns—it’s a small step that makes these cookies both fun to bake and instantly recognizable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

These Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Fork Marks are a must-try because they embody everything we crave in a homemade cookie—comfort, nostalgia, and flavor packed into every bite. The rich nuttiness of peanut butter blends beautifully with the sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla, while the chewy centers make them irresistible.

The signature fork crisscross marks not only make the cookies visually iconic but also ensure that they bake evenly, giving them that timeless homemade charm. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making them universally loved by kids, adults, and anyone who appreciates a classic treat.

They’re also incredibly versatile—equally perfect for after-school snacks, holiday cookie platters, bake sales, or late-night indulgences. Plus, the dough is quick to prepare and forgiving, making this recipe a beginner-friendly bake that still delivers bakery-quality results.

In short, this is a must-try dish because it’s:

• Comforting and nostalgic
• Easy yet impressive
• Perfectly chewy with bold peanut flavor
• Adaptable with endless variations (chocolate chips, sea salt, or even stuffed with candy)
• Loved by everyone, every time

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 25 minutes (not including optional chilling)
• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: ~180 calories per cookie

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (or chunky for texture)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the egg until smooth.
2. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls.
2. Place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
3. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a glass of milk or hot chocolate.
• Arrange on a platter for parties or cookie exchanges.
• Sandwich with chocolate or peanut butter filling for a fun twist.
• Crumble over ice cream for a nutty topping.

Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature butter and egg for smooth mixing.
• Don’t overbake—the cookies should look slightly underdone in the center.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft or sticky.
• For stronger peanut flavor, use natural peanut butter (but make sure it’s well stirred).

Variations

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips.
• Double Peanut Butter: Stir in peanut butter chips for extra nuttiness.
• Salted Peanut Butter Cookies: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.
• Stuffed Cookies: Wrap dough around a chocolate square or peanut butter cup.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for about 1 week.
• Freezer (Dough): Roll dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2 minutes to baking time.
• Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze cooled cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Fork (for crisscross marks)

Conclusion

These Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Fork Marks are the perfect mix of nostalgia and indulgence. With their tender texture, rich nutty flavor, and classic crisscross design, they’re a cookie that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Whether you make them plain, with chocolate chips, or topped with sea salt, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Simple, satisfying, and full of peanut butter goodness—these cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast.