Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, rich, and comforting, Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect treat. These cookies combine the nutty depth of peanut butter with a buttery sweetness that feels like home. Soft in the center and crisp around the edges, they’re the kind of classic cookie you’ll want to bake again and again. Perfect for family gatherings, school lunches, or a cozy evening snack, these cookies never disappoint.

What are Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a traditional American dessert known for their chewy centers, crisp edges, and signature crisscross fork marks. Made with smooth peanut butter, butter, and sugar, they deliver a comforting balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Ina’s version keeps it simple yet elegant — just the right balance of texture and flavor.

Other Ina Garten Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten White Chicken Chili
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Frosting
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Rich peanut flavor – Creamy peanut butter gives a deep, nutty richness that’s irresistible.
• Simple ingredients – You’ll need only pantry staples — no complicated shopping list.
• Perfect texture – Crispy edges meet a soft, chewy interior in every bite.
• Quick prep – The dough comes together in minutes, ideal for busy bakers.
• Freezer-friendly – The dough or baked cookies can be frozen for later.
• Kid-approved – Sweet, nutty, and fun to make with family.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1 – Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Cream the butter and sugars

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 3 – Add eggs and peanut butter

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then blend in the peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4 – Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5 – Mix wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet batter until a soft dough forms.

Step 6 – Shape the cookies

Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet and flatten each slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.

Step 7 – Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.

Step 8 – Cool

Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies

• A glass of milk – Classic pairing that complements the nutty sweetness.
• Vanilla ice cream – Sandwich cookies around a scoop for a delicious dessert.
• Hot coffee or tea – The warm beverage enhances the rich flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle – Melted chocolate on top adds a decadent twist.
• Fruit jam – Spread raspberry or strawberry jam for a peanut butter and jelly vibe.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies

• Use room-temperature ingredients – Soft butter and eggs mix better for smooth dough.
• Avoid overmixing – Mix only until combined to keep cookies tender.
• Chill the dough – A short chill helps cookies hold shape and prevents spreading.
• Use quality peanut butter – Choose creamy, natural peanut butter for a rich flavor.
• Don’t overbake – Remove when the edges turn golden for soft centers.
• Let them rest – Cooling helps cookies set perfectly chewy inside.
• Store properly – Keep in an airtight jar to maintain freshness for days.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies

• Chocolate chip twist – Add dark chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.
• Crunchy nut mix – Stir in chopped peanuts or almonds for texture.
• Salted caramel drizzle – Drizzle with caramel and a pinch of sea salt.
• Stuffed cookies – Place a chocolate candy in the center before baking.
• Oatmeal blend – Mix in oats for a hearty, chewy version.
• Peanut butter & jelly style – Add a touch of jam before baking for a fun surprise.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies

• Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator – Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to a week.
• Freezer-friendly – Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Layering tip – Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies

• Microwave method – Warm for 10–15 seconds for a soft, fresh-out-of-oven texture.
• Oven method – Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore crisp edges.
• From frozen – Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, then warm gently in the oven.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 130mg

FAQs

How do I make Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Cookies soft and chewy?

To make soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges turn lightly golden but the centers still look soft. They will continue to cook as they cool on the tray, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. It gives the cookies a nutty crunch without changing the flavor. Just ensure it’s not too oily, as excess oil can make the dough spread too much during baking.

Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks on top?

The crisscross fork marks help flatten the dense peanut butter dough, allowing it to bake evenly. They also give the cookies their classic look and prevent them from staying too thick in the center.

How do I stop Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, chill the dough for about 20–30 minutes before baking. Cold dough holds its shape better and results in thicker, softer cookies. Also, use parchment paper instead of greasing the baking sheet to avoid extra oil that can cause spreading.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With their rich peanut flavor, soft texture, and golden crisp edges, they make every bite worth savoring. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ideal for satisfying late-night cravings or impressing guests. So grab your baking tray, whip up a batch, and enjoy the warm comfort of homemade cookies straight from your kitchen.

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