Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that are easy to make and full of flavor. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar for extra richness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional if your peanut butter is salted)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
- If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- For the classic crisscross pattern, use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating a crisscross design. Be sure to press gently so the cookies don’t flatten too much.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
- If you prefer slightly softer cookies, bake them for 8 minutes, and for a crisper texture, bake for the full 10 minutes.
5. Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For Chewier Cookies: If you like chewier cookies, you can substitute 1/4 cup of the sugar with brown sugar, which adds moisture.
- Crunchy vs. Smooth Peanut Butter: If you use crunchy peanut butter, you’ll get a bit more texture in your cookies, while smooth peanut butter results in a softer, more uniform cookie.
- Adding Chocolate: To make these even more decadent, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
- Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoy these Peanut Butter Cookies with a glass of milk or as a sweet snack whenever you’re craving something comforting and delicious!