Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic. They are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this peanut butter cookie recipe is simple to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.

Ingredients

To make these delicious peanut butter cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Salt

Add the baking soda and salt to the mixture. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, form balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 5: Create the Classic Crosshatch Pattern

Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top. This not only gives the cookies their signature look but also helps them bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and peanut butter are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients mix together more smoothly.
2. Don’t Overbake: Peanut butter cookies can go from perfect to overbaked quickly. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden.
3. Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra touch of flavor.
4. Storage: Store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them later for fresh cookies anytime.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through your home. This easy recipe is a great way to bring a little comfort and joy into your day. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!