Welcome to the world of Classic Peanut Butter Cookies! These timeless treats are quick to whip up and perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you'll have a warm batch of cookies that taste just like childhood.
Let's dive into what makes these cookies so special. Starting with creamy peanut butter, which provides richness and that unmistakable nutty flavor. Next, granulated sugar is used to sweeten and help create a delightful crunch on the outside. A large egg binds everything together, while vanilla extract enhances the flavor with its warm notes. Baking soda gives the cookies a slight lift, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but for an extra treat, sandwich some vanilla ice cream between two cookies. They also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or as a sweet side to a bowl of fresh berries.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It's always a good idea to get the oven going before you start mixing so it's ready when you are. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper — this will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend them until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. It's okay if your arm gets a little workout here!
Now, add in the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined. You want the dough to be smooth and uniform, with no streaks of egg or dry ingredients. This is where the magic happens as the flavors meld together.
Once your dough is ready, it's time to shape the cookies. Roll tablespoon-sized amounts of dough into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, giving each ball some space to spread as they bake.
To create that classic crisscross pattern, press each cookie ball down with a fork, first one direction and then the opposite. This not only looks great but also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the cookies bake for about 10 minutes. You're looking for lightly golden edges, which means they're ready — they'll continue to firm up as they cool.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it helps them set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
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