Peanut Butter Cookies 🥜
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions:
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and tlutty. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool
Making peanut butter cookies at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when you get to enjoy the fresh aroma filling your kitchen. One tip I’ve learned through trial and error is the importance of chilling the dough. Refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and intensifies the peanut butter flavor. While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour and baking soda, I’ve sometimes experimented with substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber, which works surprisingly well without compromising texture. Using creamy peanut butter gives an even blend, but if you prefer a bit of crunch, natural peanut butter with peanut pieces adds a delightful texture contrast. For those who like their cookies a bit softer, underbaking by a minute or two keeps the centers chewy. On the other hand, if you prefer crisp edges throughout, baking closer to 12 minutes works best. Flattening the cookie dough balls with a fork to create the signature crisscross pattern not only makes them look classic but helps them bake evenly. Finally, I recommend letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. This resting time allows them to firm up just enough to handle without breaking apart. These homemade peanut butter cookies make a perfect snack, gift, or treat alongside a glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee. Enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste!
