Name: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup old fashioned oats; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, for rolling dough

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 10 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love that perfect blend of chewy, nutty, and just a hint of cinnamon warmth, then you’re going to adore this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies come together so easily, and honestly, they’re some of the best you’ll ever taste — tender on the inside with just enough crunch on the edges. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every little trick to get them just right in your own kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, making it easy and fuss-free.
Balanced texture: The oats add chew, while peanut butter keeps each bite tender and moist.
Flavor harmony: A dash of cinnamon brings warmth that elevates the peanut butter and oats beautifully.
Perfect baking technique: Rolling dough in sugar gives a lightly crisp exterior without drying out the cookie inside.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, chewy oatmeal cookies with peanut butter, easy peanut butter cookies, cinnamon oatmeal cookies, homemade peanut butter treats - Several round cookies with cracked light golden-brown tops rest on a metal cooling rack. The cookies have a slightly uneven texture with some darker golden spots, showing a soft inside and a lightly crisp outside. The cooling rack is placed on a white marbled surface, and the cookies overlap each other slightly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe plays a key role to get that perfect cookie bite every time. I always recommend using good quality peanut butter (creamy for smooth texture) and fresh oats for best flavor. Here’s a quick rundown:

Old fashioned oats: Provides chewy texture and heartiness that defines oatmeal cookies.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookie without making it too dense.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and get those beautiful light edges.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that pairs so well with peanut butter.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter creams perfectly with sugars for tender, rich cookies.
Creamy peanut butter: Creamy texture melds right into the dough, giving that signature flavor.
Granulated sugar & light brown sugar: The combo gives a great balance of sweetness and moisture.
Large egg: Binder that holds everything together and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract: Just a small hit to deepen flavor complexity.
Granulated sugar (for rolling dough): Adds a sweet, slightly crunchy shell that’s so satisfying.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love to switch up this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. You can make it your own by playing with the add-ins or even the type of peanut butter you use. It’s all about finding what makes your cookie perfect.

Add-ins: I often toss in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for a little extra crunch and chocolatey goodness.
Dietary swaps: Use gluten-free oats and flour to make these gluten-free—they work wonderfully!
Peanut butter variants: Natural peanut butter gives a more intense, fresh nutty flavor if you prefer.
Sweetness adjustment: Feel free to reduce sugar slightly if you like your cookies less sweet—just watch that texture stays moist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients & Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—that way, your cookies won’t stick, and cleanup’s a breeze. I always get my dry ingredients ready next, whisking oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together so it’s well combined and easy to incorporate later.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter & Sugars

Pop the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into your stand mixer or bowl if you’re using a hand mixer. Cream them together on medium speed for about 2 minutes — you want the mixture light and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides with a spatula now and then to make sure everything blends evenly.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Drop in the egg and vanilla extract next, mixing until the batter looks smooth and glossy. This step adds moisture and flavor, so make sure everything’s fully combined before moving on.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Switch your mixer to low speed and gently add the dry oat and flour mixture. Mix just until you don’t see any more flour streaks—overmixing can cause tougher cookies, and we want soft and chewy!

Step 5: Scoop, Roll, and Sugar-Coat

Here’s a fun part: scoop out cookie dough balls using a medium cookie scoop (I use a #40, which holds about 1.5 tablespoons). Roll each ball in the small bowl of granulated sugar so they get a lovely sparkly, crisp coating once baked. Place them on your prepared sheets about 2 inches apart because these cookies do spread a bit.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 11-12 minutes, until they’re golden brown and smell amazing. One little trick I picked up: once out of the oven, give the cookie sheet a couple of firm raps on the counter to break any large air bubbles under your cookies — it helps keep their perfect shape and chew. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before snacking.

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Use room temperature butter: It creams better and helps you get that fluffy texture in your dough.
Don’t skip the sugar roll: It’s my secret weapon for a crispy exterior without drying out the cookie.
Bake just until golden: They may look slightly underdone, but they’ll continue to cook as they cool for ultimate chewiness.
Prevent overmixing: Mix dry ingredients in just until combined to keep cookies tender, not tough.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these cookies, I often sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right on top before baking—it brings out the peanut butter’s richness. If I want to dress them up, I’ll dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate so it looks fancy but doesn’t stop that comforting vibe.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk (classic, right?), but I also love enjoying them with a cup of coffee or chai tea—perfect for mid-day breaks or cozy evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to stack these cookies in a jar tied with twine and a handwritten tag. They also make charming gifts when paired with homemade flavored butter or jam in a pretty basket. Nothing beats sharing these little treasures with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them soft and chewy as if freshly baked, I place a slice of sandwich bread inside the container — the cookies absorb the moisture and stay wonderfully tender for days.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Just scoop and roll them in sugar, pop on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

To revive slightly stale cookies, pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. They’ll soften up beautifully, almost like right out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works just fine, though it’s a bit thinner and oilier, so your cookies might be slightly softer. Just make sure to stir the peanut butter well before measuring.
Why do you roll the cookie dough in sugar before baking?

Rolling the dough in sugar creates a delicate crunchy crust on the outside, providing a nice contrast to the chewy inside—it’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
Can I substitute quick oats for old fashioned oats?

You can, but old fashioned oats give a much better texture with more chew. Quick oats tend to make the cookies softer and less structured, so I recommend sticking with old fashioned if possible.
How do I keep my Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of sandwich bread inside—this simple trick keeps them moist and soft for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe holds a warm spot in my heart. It’s the kind of cookie that feels like a hug in dessert form — simple, comforting, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re baking for your family, a cozy afternoon, or last-minute guests, these cookies always impress without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try them and make these little delights your own. Trust me, your cookie jar will thank you!