Description

These peanut butter cookies are everything you want in a treat: soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. The sweet aroma of peanut butter fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking just one — or maybe two — right off the cooling rack. Whether served alongside a glass of milk, added to school lunchboxes, or shared with friends during a cozy gathering, these cookies will become a staple in your repertoire. Best of all, they are quick to whip up, meaning you can enjoy freshly baked cookies in no time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups of sifted flour
• 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, which is essential for achieving the ideal baking conditions that result in perfectly baked cookies. Starting with the proper temperature ensures your cookies will bake evenly, creating that highly coveted soft and chewy interior.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. You can use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The buttery texture combined with the robust flavor of peanut butter forms a delicious base for your cookies.

Next, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This step is crucial as it helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking soda and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This dough should be pliable enough to shape but not overly wet.

Once your dough is ready, it is time to shape the cookies. Roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced a couple of inches apart to allow for expansion while baking.

For that classic peanut butter cookie look, take a fork and dip it in sugar or flour. Press down on each cookie ball to create the traditional crisscross pattern. This not only gives them a recognizable appearance but also helps the cookies bake more evenly.

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the cookies bake for twelve to fifteen minutes. You'll want to keep an eye on them; the edges should be lightly browned while the centers may still appear soft. This is completely normal as the cookies will firm up once they cool down outside the oven.

After baking, allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for about five minutes. This brief cooling time helps them set, making them easier to transfer. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed either straight away or stored for later.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra touch, feel free to experiment with some mix-ins. Chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can elevate these cookies even further. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, consider folding in some crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty combination that peaks both texture and flavor.
Baking these peanut butter cookies is a joyful experience that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and produces a batch of delicious cookies perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or allow them to cool, their soft, chewy texture combined with the rich taste of peanut butter creates a treat that will bring comfort and happiness. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients means you can whip up these cookies whenever the craving strikes. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a classic treat that’s bound to delight your taste buds!

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For those eager to keep the festive spirit alive or spread cheer among loved ones, consider packaging these cookies in a beautiful tin or jar, adorned with a rustic ribbon. They make thoughtful gifts for holidays, birthdays, or just because — thoughtful gestures that are sure to be appreciated. Enjoy sharing this delightful recipe with family and friends. Happy baking!