Name: Easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup old-fashioned oats

These soft and chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookies combine two classic flavors into one irresistible treat. With their golden edges and tender centers, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
Quick prep time – ready in under 30 minutes
Perfect balance of peanut butter flavor and hearty oats
Chewy centers with slightly crisp edges
No chilling required – make and bake right away
Kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes
Versatile base recipe that’s easy to customize

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter provides richness and helps create that tender, chewy texture in these cookies. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming with the sugars.

Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cookies but helps them spread slightly during baking and creates those crispy edges.

Brown sugar brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully. It’s also responsible for the cookies’ soft, chewy texture.

Creamy peanut butter is the star ingredient that gives these cookies their distinct nutty flavor. You can use natural peanut butter, but the cookies may spread more during baking.

Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies. They also add moisture and richness.

Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the cookie and adds depth and warmth to the overall taste profile.

All-purpose flour provides the structure for these cookies. Be careful not to overmix once you add the flour to avoid tough cookies.

Baking soda and baking powder work together as leavening agents to give the cookies a bit of lift while maintaining that perfect chewy texture.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the peanut butter. Don’t skip this ingredient, even in sweet recipes!

Old-fashioned oats add wonderful texture, nutty flavor, and a hearty quality to these cookies. They also make the cookies more filling and satisfying.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the oats by hand.
Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons and place onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 24 cookies and takes just 20 minutes from start to finish:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, making them a reasonable treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Variations

Chunky Monkey: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped banana chips for a fun twist.

Nutty Delight: Substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy and add 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for extra texture.

Chocolate Lover’s: Add 1/3 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the dough.

Fruity PB&J: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins to mimic the classic PB&J flavor combination.

Spiced Version: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.

Trail Mix Cookies: Add 1/4 cup each of raisins, mini chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts for a trail mix inspired cookie.

Honey Peanut Butter: Replace half the granulated sugar with honey for a different flavor profile (reduce other liquid slightly).

Storage/Reheating

Counter Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help keep the cookies soft.

Refrigerator Storage: While not necessary, you can refrigerate these cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freezer Storage: These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Cookie Dough: You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To restore that fresh-baked taste, warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes, or microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, you can substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats will create a more uniform, less textured cookie. The measurement remains the same.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Cookies can spread too much if the butter was too soft, the dough was too warm, or the oven wasn’t hot enough. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking or adding 2 additional tablespoons of flour to the recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Also, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats may have cross-contamination.

Why are my cookies dry?

Dry cookies usually result from overbaking or using too much flour. Try reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes, or measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the total sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture. However, reducing it further may result in less chewy cookies and affect their spread during baking.

Is it possible to make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.

How can I make these cookies more crunchy?

For crunchier cookies, flatten them more before baking and extend the baking time by 2-3 minutes. You can also substitute some of the brown sugar with additional granulated sugar.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the cookies may spread more and have a different texture. If using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Why aren’t my cookies as chewy the next day?

Cookies naturally dry out over time. To maintain chewiness, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread, or slightly underbake them initially so they stay softer longer.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles very well. Just make sure to use a large enough bowl for mixing and maintain the same baking time and temperature.

Conclusion

These Easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies bring together the best of both worlds – the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and the wholesome texture of oats. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, they require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re packing them in lunchboxes, serving them with afternoon tea, or satisfying a late-night sweet craving, these versatile cookies are sure to become a family favorite. The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this a recipe you’ll return to again and again, possibly with your own special variations. Happy baking!