These Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy and crispy, featuring the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter complemented by the sweetness of brown and white sugars. This recipe is a timeless treat that brings simplicity and deliciousness together, creating cookies that are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a school event, or just a cozy evening at home.
The magic of these cookies lies in their texture and flavor balance. The use of both brown and white sugars enhances the depth of flavor, ensuring each bite is packed with a delightful sweetness that perfectly matches the savory hint of peanut butter. These cookies are not only easy to make but are also a crowd-pleaser, guaranteeing smiles all around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Each cookie is loaded with the hearty taste of peanut butter, making them irresistible to peanut butter lovers.
- Perfectly Textured: Achieve a delightful mix of chewy middles with slightly crispy edges.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are simple to whip up on a whim.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (180g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1 cup peanut butter (250g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed (100g)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3/4 tsp baking powder (3g)
- Optional: 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:
Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a bowl, then whisk them together to ensure they are well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can add an optional 1/4-1/2 tsp of sea salt here if you like a slight salty kick to balance the sweetness.
Add Peanut Butter:
Mix in the peanut butter until it is fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
Incorporate Egg and Vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Combine with Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until the dough comes together without overmixing.
Shape and Prepare Cookies:
Roll the dough into one-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each cookie with a fork in a criss-cross pattern to give them their characteristic look.
Bake:
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until they are just set and slightly golden around the edges.
Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to set as they cool, so it’s important not to move them too soon.
Tips:
- For Soft Cookies: Be careful not to overbake; they should still be soft to the touch when removed from the oven.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them chewy and fresh.
- Peanut Butter Options: For a different texture or flavor, experiment with chunky peanut butter or even add chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Enjoy your baking adventure with these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies, which are sure to bring warmth and joy to any cookie lover’s day. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, these cookies are a delightful treat that never goes out of style.
