This recipe for One Peanut Butter Cookie makes a 6-inch cookie that’s the perfect size for sharing (or not) and is almost dangerously easy to make.
Feeling like your day could use a little peanut butter pick-me-up?
You could probably use a peanut butter cookie…a really big peanut butter cookie.
See Also: One Chocolate Chip Cookie for Two (Three Ways)
A Really Big Peanut Butter Cookie
At 6 to 7 inches across (about the size of your hand with fingers outstretched), this cookie’s the perfect size for sharing (or not) and dangerously easy to make. You’ll just need:
- Peanut butter
- Melted butter
- One egg yolk
- Standard cookie basics (flour, sugar, baking soda, etc.)
Since this recipe uses melted butter and you don’t need to bring your egg yolk to room temperature, it takes next to no time to make. You can whip up the cookie dough and have it ready to go by the time your oven’s done preheating.
The finished cookie is dense and very peanut buttery. The texture is the ideal combo of crumbly and chewy with edges that are just a little crispy. (This is a mini version of these Small-batch Peanut Butter Cookies, so if you’ve tried and like those, you like this.)
If you love a softer, gooier peanut butter cookie, you can slightly underbake the dough, and if crunchy is more your style, adding a minute or two to the maximum cooking time will produce a crunchier cookie.
Cookie Trouble Shooting
Really small-batch cookies like these are much less forgiving than larger batches because you’re working with such small amounts of ingredients. For best results, be sure to measure your flour by weight or using the spoon and sweep method as described in the recipe.
Occasionally, even when you do everything right, something will go wonky. This usually happens when you get a particularly large or small egg yolk, so you end up with dough that’s too wet or too crumbly. If that happens, here are a couple troubleshooting tips:
- Dough is too wet: This dough should be easy to handle and roll into a ball. If it is too sticky, add up to 1 and 1/2 tablespoons more flour, until you can handle the dough.
- Dough is too dry/crumbly: If the dough won’t come together, add milk by the half teaspoon, just enough so that everything comes together and there are no dry bits of flour at the bottom of the bowl.
Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe Notes
- Feel like making a peanut butter cookie sundae? Top the warm cookie with a couple scoops of ice cream and Easy Chocolate Sauce or Quick Peanut Butter Sauce and Whipped Cream.
- Please note, the cookie in these photos was shot on a quarter baking sheet, not standard. It will be 6-7 inches across, not cookie-pizza sized.
- For more desserts for two, try Small-batch Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Soufflés, Small-batch Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, and Small-batch Cupcakes.
One Peanut Butter Cookie for Two
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (50g) peanut butter (creamy or chunky, not natural peanut butter)
- 1 tablespoon (14g) salted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour measured by weight or using the spoon and sweep method*
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt if using unsalted butter, use 1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, melted butter, brown and granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until well-combined.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt, and use a spoon to stir until just combined.
- Form cookie dough into a ball and place on prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to press crosshatch patterns over the dough until pressed to about 1/2-inch thick (the cookie will spread more as it bakes).
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges of the cookie are just beginning to darken and the top looks set. Cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes so the cookie has time to firm up. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using them. There is absolutely no additional cost to you.
phyllis dippert says
thank you so much for these recipes. my hubby and I are the only ones at home and finding recipes for two is a miracle!
Tracy says
Thanks, Phyllis! So happy you’re finding the recipes useful!
Kathy Hall says
Definitely going to try soon and will report back. Looks so good!
Tracy says
Hope you enjoy it, Kathy!
Seraphina L says
Great recipe! Perfect for when my hubby wants some cookies but I don’t want too many sweets in the house. Thanks!
Tracy says
Thanks, Seraphina!! Glad to hear this is one that works for the both of you. 🙂
Nancy Peters says
With the canceling out family Easter day, your recipe for Big Cookie will be perfect for my grandsons. They have become rather obsessive about no candy but like a sweet treat once in awhile. I will bake each one this super cookie and their dad will take to their house. I may add a springlike candy on top or enclose an Easter candy treat. have to admit that I usually go overboard on Easter baskets each year so this will be healthier tradition change. I bet they ask for this next year! Thanks so much for your recipes.
Jessica says
I made this with natural crunchy salted PB and it was fantastic – totally worked with natural PB! So if you’re at home and only have natural PB around, give it a try!
Karin says
This came out terrific! I added two pinches of colorful sprinkles (I was having that kind of day!). This really is for two people. I could not finish it by myself. The center was chewy and the outside edge was tender crisp like a shortbread cookie.
Tracy says
So glad you enjoyed it, Karin!! Love the sprinkles idea!
Madi says
So good!!! Perfect size for two and easy to make 🙂 thank you for this recipe.
Tracy says
Thanks, Madi! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Kate says
I made this for my husband and me the day before yesterday. He has asked me to make another one each day since! I baked it in my air fryer at about 320 F — top comes out a little bit dark and quite crisp, which is fine, and the inside is deliciously soft.
Tracy says
Lol so glad you both have been enjoying the recipe!!
k says
Hi Tracy, This receipe for Peanut Butter is just right amount. I followed the receipe, than I divide the dough into 4 parts, press with folk than sprinkle little sea salt on top for the Sweet and salty taste. thanks for sharing all your receipes and tricks/ tips. Sure helps all the empty nesters.
kay says
I made this cookie, portion dough into four, flatten with folk and small amount of sea salt on top for the sweet and salty taste. PB cookies has been the only cookie I can eat. thanks for sharing.