Peanut Butter Cookies with Crisscross Pattern

Peanut Butter Cookies with Crisscross Pattern are a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors with a rich nutty aroma. These cookies are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and marked with their signature crisscross pattern — a hallmark of classic home baking.

This recipe delivers everything you love about traditional peanut butter cookies — golden, chewy, and irresistibly fragrant. They’re simple to make, require pantry staples, and are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or baking for friends and family.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they bring a sense of warm nostalgia with every bite. They remind me of cozy afternoons and homemade treats shared with loved ones.

The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter combined with that slight crispness and chewy texture is simply unbeatable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic and timeless: A cookie loved by generations.
• Simple ingredients: You likely have everything already at home.
• Perfect texture: Crisp edges, soft centers, and a beautiful aroma.
• Customizable: Great base for creative variations.
• Freezer-friendly: Dough or baked cookies can be stored easily.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time (optional): 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Calories: ~160 kcal per cookie

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack / Tea-Time Treat

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (240 g) creamy peanut butter (unsweetened or regular)
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional:

• ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips or chopped peanuts (for extra crunch)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars.
2. Add egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in dry ingredients to form dough.
4. Roll dough into balls, press with fork in crisscross pattern.
5. Bake, cool, and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer.
2. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat again until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
3. If desired, stir in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for added texture.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball.
2. Place each dough ball on the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
3. Use the tines of a fork to press lightly in one direction, then rotate the fork and press again to create the classic crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
2. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooled, serve your Peanut Butter Cookies with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot cocoa — and watch them disappear in no time!

How to Serve

• Best served fresh and slightly warm, with milk or coffee.
• Perfect addition to holiday cookie trays or lunchbox treats.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use creamy peanut butter for smooth cookies or chunky peanut butter for extra crunch.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft or sticky before baking.
• Don’t overbake — cookies firm up as they cool.
• If using natural peanut butter, stir well before measuring.
• For even-sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop.

Variations

Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies: Dip half of each baked cookie in melted chocolate and let set.
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: Add ¼ cup mashed banana for extra softness and flavor.
Double Nut Cookies: Mix in ¼ cup chopped almonds or pecans.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough.
Honey Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace 2 tablespoons of sugar with honey for a mild caramelized sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To maintain freshness, add a slice of bread in the container (prevents cookies from drying out).

Freezing:

• Dough: Roll dough balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork (for crisscross pattern)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why do peanut butter cookies have a crisscross pattern?
The fork pattern helps flatten the dough for even baking and gives the cookies their signature look.

Q2. Can I make these cookies without butter?
Yes! Replace butter with equal parts peanut butter or coconut oil, though the texture will be denser.

Q3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q4. Why did my cookies come out dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Always measure flour properly and remove cookies when just golden.

Q5. Can I make them softer?
Add an extra tablespoon of butter or bake for only 9–10 minutes for softer cookies.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cookies with Crisscross Pattern are the definition of a perfect homemade treat — nostalgic, rich, and comforting. With their soft centers, golden edges, and signature fork marks, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

This recipe is simple enough for beginners but yields bakery-quality cookies every time. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, these cookies are pure peanut butter bliss.