Peanut Butter Cookies
- 1 and 1/2 cups of flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar?
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190 °C)
Step 2: In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the butter.
Step 4: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter and mix until just combined.
Step 5: Cream in the peanut butter.
Step 6: Add the egg and vanilla extract.
Step 7: Gradually add in the flour mixture little by little until all of the mixture has been added. The cookie dough will be slightly crumbly but should still hold its form.
Step 8: With a small spoon, scoop the cookie dough and form into a ball. About 1 inch in size. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet and space about 2 inches apart from each other. Using a fork make a crisscross patten to flatten the cookies.
Step 9: Bake the cookies for 8 - 10 minutes or until slightly golden on top. Let the cookies cool slightly before transferring to a plate. Store cookies in an airtight container to retain their chewy texture.
Making peanut butter cookies at home is both rewarding and enjoyable, especially with this straightforward recipe. One of my favorite tips is to use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, but you can also experiment with chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit more crunch in your cookies. When creaming the butter and sugars together, take your time to achieve a light, fluffy mixture; this helps create a tender cookie. I found that slightly underbaking the cookies results in a moist, chewy center, so I usually remove them from the oven right when they start to turn golden on the edges, then let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring. For storage, using an airtight container is key to keeping cookies fresh and chewy for several days. Adding a slice of bread inside the cookie container can also help maintain moisture. If you want to add flair, consider sprinkling a little sea salt on top before baking for a delightful salty-sweet contrast. Additionally, many people enjoy mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts to enrich the flavor and texture. Remember, the crisscross fork pattern not only flattens the cookies uniformly but also gives them that classic peanut butter cookie look. This technique is simple but essential. Overall, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and those wanting homemade treats with minimal fuss. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious peanut butter cookies with family and friends!
