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These crispy peanut butter cookies are crunchy and salty and need just 4 ingredients. Made in just one bowl, I love that there’s no chill time required!
Want more peanut butter cookie recipes? Try my healthy peanut butter cookies, 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies, and peanut butter oatmeal cookies next.
I LOVE all things peanut butter, but of course, nothing beats my classic peanut butter cookies. The center stays slightly tender and soft, while the edges get the perfect crunch, and the roasted peanuts on top add a subtle saltiness to each bite.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- There is no chill time needed. Just make the dough, shape the cookies, and bake them in the oven.
- Made in one bowl. So clean-up is done in minutes.
- 4 ingredients. All you need is peanut butter, eggs, sugar, and roasted peanuts to garnish on top.
- Addictive texture. With crunchy edges and soft centers, every bite has a crisp yet chewy texture.
- Extra peanut butter flavor. Compared to other peanut butter cookies, these are overloaded with peanut butter in every bite.
Ingredients needed
- Peanut butter. Smooth and creamy peanut butter with no added sugar. Avoid using crunchy peanut butter, which will make the cookie dough too crumbly.
- Large eggs. I always use room-temperature eggs so the dough comes together easily. If they’re not at room temperature, gently place the eggs in a bowl of lukewarm water for 5 minutes.
- Sugar. Any type of sugar will do, though I’m partial to the taste of light brown sugar. White sugar or sugar-free brown sugar both work, too.
- Roasted peanuts. Specifically dry roasted peanuts. These will get chopped finely and garnish the cookies to give them a crunchy bite.
How to make crispy peanut butter cookies
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the chopped peanuts. Once mixed, stir in half of the peanuts.
Step 3- Shape and bake. Using a cookie scoop, form 12 balls of dough. Roll each dough ball in the chopped peanuts and transfer to the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden.
Step 4- Cool. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the cookie sheet completely.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a hand mixer. While definitely optional, I find using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes mixing the dough easier.
- Make thicker, chewier cookies. Chill the dough for 2 hours before baking them.
- Give them that peanut butter cookie “look.” Press the dough balls with a fork to create that signature criss-cross pattern.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. They’ll continue to cook as they cool, so pull them from the oven as soon as they begin to golden, and the edges pull away from the parchment paper.
Variations
- Swap the peanut butter. While they’re technically “peanut butter cookies,” you can easily swap the peanut butter for other types of nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter.
- Skip the eggs. Make a chia or flax egg substitute instead.
- Add mix-ins. Like chocolate chips, chopped Reese’s pieces, or crushed pretzels.
- Add some sea salt on top. Optional, but I love adding a sprinkle of salt over the cookies to create a salty-sweet flavor combo.
Storage instructions
To store: Peanut butter cookies will keep well at room temperature in an airtight container. They will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 month.
To freeze: Place the cookies in a freezer-friendly container or ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More cookies to try
- Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies
- Cheesecake cookies
- Biscoff cookies
- Or any of these cookie recipes
Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar * See notes
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup salted peanuts roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large cookie sheet or baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, egg, and sugar and mix well. Gently fold through half the peanuts.
- Form 12 balls of dough. Roll each ball in the chopped peanuts mixture and transfer to the lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges go golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the baking sheet completely.
Notes
Originally published August 2020, updated and republished June 2024
I must buy peanut butter but crunhy one. Already have “normal”.
Very sorry for the last comment. Did not know how this works. Very tasty.
There’s no measurements. What am I post to do?
?
Thank you so much!
Can I sub monkfruit granulated for the coconut sugar? Your recipes have saved me from depriving myself of eating what I want. I’m in better shape now than when I was withholding! Thank you…
I don’t see why not!
My brother wanted me to make peanut cookies similar to the ones Aldi sells! So happy to find this recipe, it’s crispy and peanutty just like the Aldi ones, only better because they’re home made. This is a fantastic recipe ?
😀 YES!!! That was my inspiration!
Made these crispy peanut butter cookies for my dear hubby and he ❤️them! Says they remind him of the ones his mom made when he was a kid. #pbscore
😀 LOVE IT! Thanks so much, Tammy!
Hi just about to make some of these delicious looking biscuits.
Sorry to be thick the cup size used is it Australia or American?
Hi Karen! They are American sized (but the difference is very minor 🙂 )
How many carbs are in a cookie?
Hi Hailey! If you add the ingredients into a calorie calculator, it will provide it for you! Enjoy!
I’ve been making these cookies for several years and they are a house favourite. But the amount of sugar or sweetener is way too much. You can easily cut it by half and still have a really good cookie. I also change it up by adding dark chocolate chips in place of the peanuts.
Thanks for the suggestion, Tammy!
they look awesome 😀 how many do you get out of this, vagualy if you’re making them golf ball big? because I want to bake them as a present 🙂
Hi Katrin!! To be honest, I can’t remember, but I think it was around 9-10 🙂
I am such a sucker for peanut butter! These would be a BIG hit in this house!
You are correct in that we all like different textures for our cookies…for me, it just depends on the type of cookie. Some must be soft and chewy, other crispy. These are wonderful.
We should have a cookie party. All types invited…And coffee… Oh yes.
I can’t wait to try the cookies.
Please do, Brenda!
I tried your Arman and I LOVED it! Thank you for sharing your recipe! Your awesome!!!
I meant your cookies! Sorry
Hahaha this is the best comment- Thank YOU so much for trying it out- Absolutely appreciate it! 🙂
These look SOOO amazing!! I actually do love crispy cookies(chewy too… Ok I just love cookies hahahahha 😉 ). And what kind of person doesn’t like cookies??!! Hahah… Weird lol Jkjk 😉
You don’t discriminate cookies? You are awesome!
They look AMAZING! Shame Mr M hates peanuts…I would have to eat them all with the kids help!
That is the perfect excuse to whip them up- more for you!
I was just eating peanut cookies this week and thinking that I should find a recipe to make my own. These look delicious and so simple to make.
I’m with you on cookies, generally I prefer them soft, but I’ll make an exception for a peanut cookie – definitely best with a crunch.
Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays Party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you share next time!
-Cindy
Thanks for sharing- appreciate it!
Oh Arman! I am a Cookie Monster at heart! And since my mom always made crispy cookies…so my dad could dunk them in his coffee…that’s what I favor. Hubby likes soft. Every now and again he gets them, but mostly we enjoy crispy and chewy cookies. Thanks for sharing this ‘lovin’ recipe with us at Weekend Potluck. Enjoy your weekend. Oh – and OF COURSE I have foodie discussions with family….it’s a ‘given’. =)
Haha, thank you! I knew we were friends- We are both cookie monsters- and these were most definitely dunked in black coffee!
One day, we have share a meal and talk about food 😉
Sweet!
These are fantastic looking cookies!
If I could I’d grab a few and eat them right now 🙂
Feel free to come over and have some! 🙂
Such a great recipe!! Love how few ingredients too 🙂
Thanks, Chelsea! Appreciate it!
I am a texture whore… totally on board with these! Peanut butter cookies were my favorites to make as a kid.
YES. Texture all the way!
I like chocolate chip cookies overcooked slightly—not burned, but dark brown around the edges. I don’t eat those sugar bombs these days, but I remember always going for the slightly charred cookies. I also like crust on bread and pizza. I like the crunch (but not if it’s burned). I talk about food stuff with the fam, but they don’t eat what I eat, so it’s exhausting. I like my nuts raw, except for almonds. Almonds take on flavors and spices better than other nuts—Blue Diamond totally dominates the market. But I don’t care much for nuts that are coated in salt. This recipe looks really good! I might give it a try with stevia and egg whites and unsalted nuts, and maybe sprinkle sea salt on top to make up for using unsalted nuts.
I love blue diamond almonds! Good luck using stevia- I can’t vouch for that, I don’t cut calories from recipes.
Yeah…stevia sometimes makes baked goods a little chewy…but it’s worth a try! I could always overcook them for even more crunch. 😉
Let me know if you do 🙂
These look awesome!
Thank you!
Stop with the cookies stop – stop – don’t stop!!! 😉
Never haha!
Mmmmm….cookies. I want the peanuts with a side of peanut butter.
Have you ever had lace cookies? They’re very thin, crunchy, sweet and oh so glorious. They’re perfect when cooked to a crisp and they somewhat remind me of these.
I keep telling you to listen to your mum.
OHhhh I’ll have to google them- they sound delicious. (Actually, they sound like bondage. Lace and all :p) .
I’ve always liked my cookies soft and chewy… but these may make a convert out of me!
My family pretty much always talks about food. Before we eat, while we eat, in our sleep… it’s how we bond lol.
I think your family need to adopt me. Please.
So these cookies would literally be the death of me. Stay away!
And I’m a soft and chewy cookie kind of girl. With oats. And chocolate. And raisins… which I used to hate as a little kid, but apparently now love.
I’ll have to come up with an almond version for you!
I love PB cookies! I usually like my cookies slightly underdone so I get a bit of the doughy taste.
But you’ll get worms 😉
(That’s what my mum told me growing up. She’s such a pinochio).
I can’t believe that these cookies are held together with just peanut butter and eggs, and they’re topped with more NUTS! Where’s my tea? I’m totally dunking these!
YES- I literally dunked five of them in coffee……I mean to see if it would disintegrate or not.
I’m an undercooked cookie kinda gal all the way because then it’s like cookie dough, except more acceptable in a social setting. BUT I do absolutely love the crispy edges of some cookies. I also love peanut butter and roasted sweet and salty peanuts, I need these cookies.
What a hand model, Arman! Check out those beautiful nail beds.
LOL. Did you know my mum used to put this disgusting polish on my nails because I bit them?
….I then accustomed myself to the taste of it lol!
Dude (or should I say mate?), those are totally my kinda cookies. Couple of ingredients, easy, quick and delicious. AWESOME!
Cheers, mate. dude. pal. (enter other lingo here). I’d trade for your black pepper chicken.
Major yummy vibes here, just want to reach through the screen and grab some cookies!
Thanks, Pamela- don’t hurt your hand doing so 😉
oh good god! you are going to turn me into a cookie monster with this recipe. LOOK at those NUTS… peanuts that is. hehe
Thanks Linds- so good!
Moms just know everything, don’t they? I don’t know how they do it, but it’s honestly annoying sometimes. But when it comes to cookie convo it’s not annoying at all. THANKS MOM, or in your case, mum.
They do…but not between the ages of 15-20. They are clueless in our eyes then!
Your mum is a genius!!! I love a crispy treat with my coffee 🙂 Can you smuggle a few of these in your suitcase when you come for me??
YES. Well, crumbs. Is that acceptable 😉
Cookies – soft in the middle, crunchy on the outside! Yum!
David and I always talk about food! Then again we are such foodies! I do talk about food to my mum a lot, she is paleo too so is always coming to me for ideas!
And I just LOVE roasted and salted nuts – especially cashews… And pistachios… And almonds… Oh and pecans!
Mmmm roasted and salted cashews are amazing- stay tuned for an upcoming recipe featuring that!
Wow that is pretty awesome. I couldn’t even tell they lacked flour.
Thanks Hollie!
5 ingredient flourless cookies? YES puhleez – I will eat ’em all!!!
Arman – your pictures look fantastic! Hope your weekend is just as fantastic!
Thanks Shashi- hope your weekend is good too.
These sound delicious! I absolutely could not trust someone who doesn’t like cookies… or ice cream, or burgers, or fries… haha
Haha me neither!
I’m usually a soft and chewy cookie kinda girl but let’s be honest…I won’t turn down a cookie of different consistency. I am 100% against cookie discrimination!
I’m not picky when it comes to nuts. GIMME ALL THE NUTS! (errr….you know what I mean)
You and me both. All cookies are equals….even dry used by ones which I may or may not have eaten at work.
Don’t you just hate it when your mum is right? My mother would have read this post and immediately started with the ‘I told you so’ texts. She’s considerate like that
Hahaha I know right. The worst. The best.
Ahhh love everything about this recipe. Especially love that they’re flourless and actually super healthy… you sneaky little baker you! And looove the salted peanuts on top. Let’s make these when you come to LA… but more like eat the batter and maybe pop one or two in the oven to half bake them!
I know right. So damn sneaky 😉
THAT is genius thinking. Will message you.
I like cookies in my face; I’m not picky. Salted dry roasted nuts are THE BEST. I know they’re not “healthy” but IDGAF.
YES. SO GOOD.
They are totally healthy.
I LOVE that you used coconut sugar!
Thanks Josie! It’s my go-to sugar!
Those look sooooo good – I’ve only made chewy pb cookies but if I were going to add big nuts like this (lol) I can definitely see why crispy ones would be better. Nuts HAVE to have salt on them. I’m sorry…I know it’s “healthier” to have them roasted w/o salt but then they taste so much worse haha
Hahaha big nuts. The big nuts give it the ‘crisp’ factor.
Nuts without salt are punishment. Well, not really but still.
These look great! Peanut butter cookies are my favorite! 🙂
Thanks Kelly- mine too!
mmmm.. these looks super good, can’t say I’ve ever made cookies with peanuts on top! I’m a crispy on the outside soft in the middle cookie girl
I don’t discriminate with cookies so they sound pretty damn epic 😉
Those are gorgeous. Going to have to give them a go with almond butter– peanuts are death to me! 🙂 I am an all cookie person. And a not-cooked cookie person. Yum, cookies!
YES- I’ve been working on an almond one and I just need to work out the adjustments!
Once again, you said mum 🙂 There are really not enough mums in the blogging world, too many MOOOOMMS. These do sound good, and they remind me of a BISCUIT! Although unfortunately we have both conformed and are using the American word…..but its okay, we both know what they really are. Look good, I am sure they taste good!
haha i love calling my MOTHER in law MUM
Thanks, Tina- promise they taste epic.
Brilliant! Here comes the weekend, and here comes lots of cooking and baking 🙂
Having recently returned from Las Vegas, where I got addicted to anything Reece’s, I figure their Peanut Butter will go nicely into this recipe.
It’s just as well I run Marathons……. 😉
Have a great weekend!
I need to take up marathon running…purely to eat more 😉
I bet these are amazing! Especially with a cup of coffee.
I like my cookies to be soft and chewy usually. But I love all cookies.
So good- especially when dunked 😉