My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that holds a special place in my heart: My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are everything you could dream of in a treat—soft, chewy, and bursting with the rich flavor of peanut butter. Whether you’re a peanut butter aficionado or simply in search of a delightful cookie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These peanut butter cookies are not just any cookies—they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

• Perfect Texture: Achieve the ideal balance of a chewy center with slightly crunchy edges.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of peanut butter and optional mix-ins like chocolate or butterscotch chips makes for a delightful taste sensation.
• No Waiting: No need to refrigerate the dough; you can bake these cookies as soon as you mix the ingredients.
• Endless Variations: Customize with your favorite add-ins to suit your taste.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Fork

Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until well blended.
3. Gradually add the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Press each ball down with a fork dipped in sugar or flour to create the classic crisscross pattern.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake: Check the cookies after 10 minutes to ensure they remain chewy.
• Uniform Size: Roll the dough into even-sized balls for uniform baking.
• Mix-Ins: Feel free to add peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips for extra flavor.

Additional Tips or Variations

Experiment with different mix-ins or try drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a special touch. For a nutty twist, add chopped peanuts to the mix.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each cookie is loaded with a delightful peanut butter flavor and offers a satisfying treat with moderate sugar and fat content—perfect for a little indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the cookies.

How should I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze the dough? Yes, the dough freezes well. Just roll into balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

I hope you find these peanut butter cookies as delightful as I do. They’re simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!