If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring together the perfect crunch and the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with delightful bursts of crispy Rice Krispies and melty pockets of chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a buttery peanut butter dough. This recipe is wonderfully simple, yet packed with flavor and texture that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or impressing your friends at a gathering, these cookies hit the sweet spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic behind these crunchy, chewy, peanut buttery delights. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it adds flavor, texture, or the perfect balance of sweetness, making these cookies irresistible.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, providing structure to the cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them soft and tender.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and tenderness to the dough.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with spreading.
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor for chewy goodness.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients while contributing to a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that bring the cookie flavors alive.
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter: The star of the show, delivering that classic peanut punch with a delightful bite.
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal: Adds unexpected crispy bursts that make these cookies truly special.
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips: Sweet, melty pockets of chocolate that perfectly complement the peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures a perfectly clean release for your cookies and even baking, setting a strong foundation for success.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, so your cookies bake to perfection with balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars at medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy—about three minutes. This aerates the dough, giving your cookies a light, tender texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and crunchy peanut butter to the fluffy butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is combined into a gorgeous creamy dough that smells like a dream already.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, reducing your mixer speed to low. Beat just until the flour disappears, avoiding overmixing which could result in tougher cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Rice Krispies and Chocolate Chips
Gently stir the Rice Krispies cereal and chocolate chips into the dough by hand. This step adds texture and surprise elements—a nostalgic crispy crunch and bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Flatten them gently with a spatula or the back of a fork for an even bake and that inviting classic cookie shape.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. You’re looking for centers that feel firm but still soft, with edges just turning a beautiful golden brown.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This final touch lets the cookies firm up just enough to handle while locking in all those glorious textures and flavors.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little flair by sprinkling a few extra Rice Krispies or mini chocolate chips on top as soon as the cookies come out of the oven. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate across the tops for a fancy twist that’s easy to achieve.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. The creamy, cool sides complement the crunchy and chocolaty warmth of the cookies perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try stacking the Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe with alternating layers of peanut butter frosting or marshmallow fluff. Or sandwich two cookies together with chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining that delightful crispy and chewy texture that you love.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough or baked cookies. For dough, scoop balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers with parchment layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Warm frozen or leftover Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness and melt the chocolate just a hint.
FAQs
Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Absolutely! Using creamy peanut butter will yield a slightly smoother cookie texture without the added crunch from peanut bits, but the flavor stays just as delicious.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s suitable for cookies, to enjoy a gluten-free version.
Can I substitute the Rice Krispies cereal?
You can try other crispy cereals, but Rice Krispies offer a unique light crunch that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter. Using a heavily flavored cereal might change the taste and texture balance.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when creaming, and avoid overmixing once the flour is added. Chilling the dough before baking can also help keep their shape.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap butter for vegan margarine, use a flax or chia egg in place of the egg, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The cookies will still be fantastic with these adjustments.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that make baking truly joyful. With its crunch, chew, and melty chocolate goodness, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bake again and again. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’re going to earn a cherished spot in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to share the love through every cookie bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Krispie Cookies are a delightful twist on classic peanut butter cookies, enhanced with crunchy Rice Krispies cereal and rich semisweet chocolate chips. With a soft, chewy texture and crispy bits throughout, they are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, ready in just over half an hour.
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) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar at medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which helps create a light texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg thoroughly, followed by the vanilla extract and crunchy peanut butter. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture. Beat just until incorporated to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Add Cereal and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough to maintain crunchiness and distribute sweetness.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball gently with a spatula or fork for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through the cook time for even browning. The centers should be firm with lightly browned edges.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set properly before eating.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Flattening the cookie dough balls helps them cook evenly and achieve the desired shape.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
