Description
These soft peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat featuring a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and sweet sugars. With a tender, chewy texture and classic crisscross fork marks, they offer a nostalgic, comforting flavor ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a soft texture for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated to ensure even flavor and binding.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing that could toughen the cookies.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Flatten Dough Balls: Use a fork to press each dough ball in a crisscross pattern, slightly flattening them to help with even baking and the classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. This ensures they are cooked through but remain soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, preserving their soft texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming results.
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft and chewy texture.
- For a crunchier texture, you can add chopped peanuts to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
