If you’re craving a delightful, crunchy, and utterly irresistible treat, look no further than this Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe. It perfectly blends creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and melty chocolate chips into a cookie that’s chewy, crunchy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies bring together a nostalgic twist with textures and tastes that feel both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the velvety peanut butter to the crisp crunch of cereal and the sweet punch from chocolate chips, every element contributes to making the Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe truly special.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for these cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while staying soft inside.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds just the right amount of lift to keep the cookies tender and slightly airy.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors, tying everything together beautifully.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies delightfully soft.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Brings a delicate sweetness and helps with that irresistible cookie texture.
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: Infuses the cookies with a deep, caramel-like flavor and chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for perfect cookie consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings creamy, nutty goodness and a little extra texture.
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal: Adds a delightful crisp crunch that’s unique and fun in cookies.
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips: Sweet, melty pockets of chocolate that balance the salty peanut butter beautifully.
How to Make Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by warming up the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper ensures the cookies won’t stick, making cleanup easy and keeping your cookies perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed so every cookie bakes consistently.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Use a mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy—usually about 3 minutes. This process is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Peanut Butter
Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and crunchy peanut butter until everything is smoothly combined. The peanut butter here is a game-changer, infusing every bite with classic warmth and nuttiness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the flour mixture. Mix just until everything comes together to avoid overdeveloping gluten, which could make your cookies tough.
Step 6: Fold in Rice Krispies and Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and semisweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed without crushing the cereal. These ingredients provide irresistible texture contrasts and bursts of sweetness.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. Flatten each ball gently with a spatula or fork — this helps them bake evenly and develop that perfect cookie shape.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. You’re looking for centers that are set but still soft, with edges lightly browned—the signature sign of a perfectly baked cookie.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting allows the cookies to firm up just enough while retaining their chewy and crispy textures you love.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over warm cookies to accentuate the peanut butter’s rich flavor. For a festive touch, try drizzling melted white chocolate or adding a few chopped peanuts on top right after baking.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic experience or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also complement a cup of coffee or tea perfectly, balancing the cookie’s sweet-salty profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe treats on a rustic wooden board with colorful napkins for a cozy gathering. You can also sandwich softened peanut butter and chocolate ganache between two cookies for an indulgent twist that wow guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly chewy and crunchy for up to 5 days, making them ideal for sharing or enjoying a sweet treat throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and then transferring to a freezer bag once firm. When ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven. Baked cookies also freeze well when sealed tightly and thawed at room temperature.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-baked warmth, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. This brings back the melty chocolate and soft peanut buttery center just like when they were first baked.
FAQs
Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Absolutely! Creamy peanut butter will give the cookies a smoother texture but won’t have the nutty crunch that crunchy peanut butter provides. Both versions taste delicious so feel free to use your preference.
Are Rice Krispies necessary?
The Rice Krispies cereal adds a unique crispy texture that sets this recipe apart, but you could substitute with similar puffed rice cereal if needed. Just be mindful the cookie will have a slightly different crunch.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough balls briefly before baking if your kitchen is warm. Also, spacing cookies at least an inch apart helps maintain their shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just check that your other ingredients, like baking soda and chocolate chips, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How long will the Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. Beyond that, freezing is your friend for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the blend of creamy peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and rich chocolate chips all baked into one cookie. This Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe is perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a loved one on a cozy evening. I can’t wait for you to try baking these cookies and discovering just how delightful peanut butter treats can be!
Print
Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies are a delightful combination of crunchy Rice Krispies cereal, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips. With a soft yet crispy texture and a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The addition of Rice Krispies adds a satisfying crunch that elevates the classic peanut butter cookie to a fun and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
Add-ins
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and seasoning for consistent texture.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar at medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This creates a light base for your cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and crunchy peanut butter. Mix until all wet ingredients are fully combined, ensuring even flavor and moisture throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Beat just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Add Cereal and Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and semisweet chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly mixed. This adds crunch and chocolatey bursts in every bite.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball gently with a spatula or fork to help them bake evenly and achieve a classic cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking. The cookies are ready when the centers are firm and the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. This ensures the cookies set properly and develop the perfect texture before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter with creamy if preferred, though the texture will change slightly.
- For a nut-free version, you can experiment with sunflower seed butter, but flavor will differ.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing cookie dough balls before baking can help maintain shape and improve texture; bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to baking time.
