Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Who can resist the warm, gooey goodness of freshly baked peanut butter cookies? Whether you’re navigating a busy afternoon or cozying up for a movie night, these delightful treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple yet delicious peanut butter cookie recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Before you dive into baking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar (granulated)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until everything is combined. If you’d like to add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them into the dough at this point.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
Step 5: Flatten and Create Impressions
To give your cookies that signature peanut butter look, use a fork to gently flatten each cookie and create a criss-cross pattern on top.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them; cookies can go from perfect to overbaked in a matter of moments!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delectable peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
- Variations: Experiment with different mixes, such as adding oats for a chewy texture or using almond butter for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Nut allergies: If you’re cooking for someone with a nut allergy, consider trying sunflower seed butter as a substitute!
Conclusion
Baking peanut butter cookies at home is not only simple but also a delightful way to create memories with friends and family. With this recipe in hand, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of cookies that embodies warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a timeless treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser! Happy baking!
