Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are a nostalgic treat that never go out of style. With their signature criss-cross pattern, nutty aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a casual get-together, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this classic cookie is a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies
- Quick and easy: The dough comes together in under 10 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry.
- Perfect texture: Crisp edges with a soft, chewy center.
- Rich peanut flavor: Thanks to creamy peanut butter and brown sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or processed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a fork, creating the classic criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough if it feels too soft to roll; 15 minutes in the fridge can help.
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions and uniform baking.
Variations to Try
- Add chocolate chips for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
- Sprinkle with sea salt before baking for a gourmet touch.
- Dip in melted chocolate for a festive twist.
- Use crunchy peanut butter if you like bits of peanut texture.
- Make them gluten-free by using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—just store them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.
Final Thoughts
Peanut butter cookies are the kind of comfort food that brings people together. Whether you enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or sneak one with your morning coffee, they’re a simple pleasure worth savoring. Once you master this classic recipe, you can make endless variations to suit your cravings.
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