Get ready to fall in love with these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies—a delightful treat that combines hearty oats and creamy peanut butter for the ultimate gooey-chewy experience! Whether you’re a baking newbie or a cookie connoisseur, these classic cookies are simple to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. From after-school snacks to holiday trays, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you’re set up for success! Each ingredient plays a key role, making the cookies moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured—you’ll see how each brings its magic to every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a rich, tender cookie base while letting the peanut butter flavor shine through.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Delivers that classic nutty taste and irresistibly chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and just the right amount of crisp edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Introduces caramel undertones and helps the cookies stay soft for days.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds lovely richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the cookie’s aroma and rounds out the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Gives the cookies structure without making them cakey.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures just the right lift and lightness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter taste.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Infuses texture, chewiness, and a wholesome touch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Set the stage by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and lift off without any sticking or cleanup drama.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and inviting. This aerates the dough and helps your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies develop their signature soft centers and lightly crisp edges.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the large egg and splash in the vanilla extract. Beat these in until your dough turns smooth and all the ingredients meld beautifully—this step locks in extra richness and a lovely aroma.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is spread throughout, so every single cookie gets the perfect rise and texture.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then fold in the rolled oats, making sure they’re evenly distributed for that irresistible chewy bite.
Step 6: Portion and Shape the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives each cookie plenty of room to spread and bake up with golden, crunchy edges.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, watching as the edges turn golden brown while the centers stay soft and just set. Your kitchen will be filled with the most nostalgic, mouthwatering aroma!
Step 8: Cool and Savor
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (they’ll be fragile at first), then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience pays off—this little pause ensures your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies achieve the perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
Give your cookies a gourmet touch by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on each right after baking, or drizzle with a little melted chocolate. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a festive vibe for special occasions.
Side Dishes
While nothing beats a warm Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie with an ice-cold glass of milk, try pairing them with creamy vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in a mason jar tied with a colorful ribbon for a homemade gift, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand at your next gathering. You can even crumble leftover cookies over parfaits or ice cream sundaes for a fun and tasty twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay incredibly soft and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for grab-and-go snacks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
For longer keeping, layer cooled cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever the cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love that “just-baked” warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften it up. The peanut butter gets extra gooey and the aroma is enough to make anyone’s mouth water all over again!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture and nutty bites throughout the cookies. Just know they might spread a touch less, but the flavor will be just as amazing.
Are quick oats okay if I don’t have old-fashioned?
You can substitute quick oats in a pinch, but your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies may be a little softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best hearty texture!
Can I make these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies gluten free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your preferred gluten-free blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The cookies come out just as delicious with that simple change.
How do I keep these cookies soft for days?
Storing your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps them stay fresher longer. The bread provides extra moisture, so your cookies won’t dry out.
What add-ins work well with this recipe?
Feel free to personalize! Chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts, or even peanut butter chips give your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies new flavors and fun textures.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie that’s easy to make, comfortingly nostalgic, and always a hit, these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are calling your name. Pour yourself a glass of milk, gather your baking supplies, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these irresistible homemade cookies—you won’t regret it!
Print
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful combination of nutty peanut butter flavor and hearty oats. They are soft, chewy, and perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Add oats: Stir in the oats until evenly distributed.
- Scoop and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For added flavor and texture, stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped peanuts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~140 kcal
- Sugar: ~9 g
- Sodium: ~90 mg
- Fat: ~7 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~16 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: ~15 mg
