Description
These Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless treat combining creamy and crunchy peanut butter with a perfect balance of sweetness and a tender texture. Easy to make in just over 20 minutes, these cookies feature a classic crisscross fork pattern and bake to golden perfection, making them ideal for any occasion or a simple snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined. This helps bind the ingredients and adds flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, which could make the cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Create Pattern: Flatten each dough ball with a fork by pressing down gently twice to form a crisscross pattern, a classic look for peanut butter cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set and maintain their shape.
Notes
- For a crunchier cookie, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft in the middle.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
