Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies (Lunch Lady Recipe) (2024)

Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies are one of our all-time favorite cookie recipes. If you’ve got a soft spot for peanut butter and love that satisfying crunch, you’re in for a treat!

Remember those delicious cookies from the school cafeteria that made lunchtime so much better? Yeah, we’re talking about those golden brown little jewels. Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies always hit the spot!

I’ve tested this recipe so many times I’ve lost count, and guess what? It’s perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth while giving you that feeling of nostalgia.

My Dad was the one who said it reminded him of the school cafeteria. Once he said it, I couldn’t forget it. He’s absolutely right!

There are some things that stick in our memories more than anything else. For whatever reason (I’m not getting into the sciency stuff, haha), memories about taste and smell are the things we remember most.

This crisp cookie, partly thanks to my Dad, reminds me SO MUCH of my younger days. Those were times when a simple cookie recipe made my day. I could probably say that this classic peanut butter cookie was a reason I grew to love baking so much.

​Everyone needs a delicious recipe like this in their recipe box. At the drop of a hat, you’ll have some of the best peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted!

So grab your apron, and let’s get baking! This little jewel of a recipe will teach you how to bake Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies that will bring you back to better days!

Some of our other favorite peanut butter recipes we have on our site include: Reese’s Stuffed Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies, Peanut Butter Cake, and No Bake Peanut Butter Pie.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

1. Super Crunchy: The perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and light brown sugar gives you that delicious crunch. It’s seriously magical how these cookies come together.
2. Foolproof: The handful of ingredients are simple, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry! You’ll turn those ingredients into old-fashioned peanut butter cookies that have stood the test of time. Simple is best.
3. Long-lasting: These cookies actually taste better the next time you eat them and last for days on your counter. That peanut butter flavor is hard to beat!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

• Creamy peanut butter
• Salted butter, softened
• Light brown sugar, packed
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda

HOW TO MAKE CRISPY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES RECIPE:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line sheet trays with parchment paper, set aside.
2. In the body of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream the peanut butter with the butter until smooth.
3. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, mix it in until combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time making sure it’s fully mixed in before adding in the next. Stir in the vanilla.
5. In a small bowl stir together the flour and baking soda. Add it to the wet mixture. Stir it in until combined with until there are no dry patches. Scrape down the sides as needed.

1. Place 2 tablespoons worth of dough about 3-inches apart on the prepared sheet trays. Using a fork, make a cross-hatch pattern in the cookie dough, gently pressing down the cookie dough.
2. Bake for 12-13 minutes until golden brown and they no longer appear glossy on the outside. Let cool on the sheet tray for 5 minutes, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

IS THIS AN OLD-FASHIONED RECIPE?

Absolutely! These cookies are a nostalgic throwback, reminding many of us of our school days or grandma’s recipe.

I love keeping recipes like this. I know that someday, my own kids will look back to their younger days and think of the memories they made with me!

CAN I USE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER?

Of course! If you’re all about that extra crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter for an even nuttier flavor.

I haven’t tried it myself, but I bet that crunchy peanut butter would blend nicely with the crispiness of the cookie itself!

ANY ADDITIONS?

I like these cookies just as they are. I can’t help but think of some variations, though! Here are a few ideas.

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped peanuts
• Reese’s pieces
• Sprinkle of extra salt on top
• A dash of cinnamon
• Mini M&M’s
• Drizzle of caramel sauce
• White chocolate chips
• Crushed pretzels
• A dollop of Nutella in the middle of the cookie

ANY SUBSCRIPTIONS?

Most definitely. Check these options out!

• Almond butter for peanut butter
• Coconut sugar for light brown sugar
• Gluten-free purpose flour for all-purpose flour
• Vegan butter for dairy butter
• Maple syrup for granulated sugar
• Flaxseed “eggs” for regular eggs

HOW TO STORE:

Room Temp: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. I typically keep these on the counter, but the fridge works, too!

Freezer: Freeze the dough or baked cookies in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

It’s always great to pull some cookies out of the freezer later on. Yay for easy snacks, right? These thaw perfectly on the counter.

There you have it, friends—the ultimate Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies recipe that’ll take you right back to your childhood cafeteria days.

With simple ingredients and an even simpler recipe, you’re all set to become the cookie master of your home!

So what are you waiting for? Go grab a large bowl, and let’s fill that cookie jar together!

If you’ve tried these CRISPY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!