Classic Style Peanut Butter Cookies

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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Are you ready to whip up a batch of heartwarming, classic peanut butter cookies? This recipe shines in its simplicity, delivering rich flavors with minimal fuss. Perfect for a quick afternoon treat or a cozy dessert, these cookies will have your kitchen smelling divine in no time.

Ingredients for Classic Style Peanut Butter Cookies

The star of the show is, of course, the peanut butter. It provides that creamy, nutty base we all love. Choose smooth peanut butter for the best texture. Granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness, balancing the peanut butter's savory notes. A single large egg acts as a binder, helping the cookies hold together while baking. A splash of vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile. The baking soda ensures your cookies have just the right amount of rise, while a touch of salt enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
  • For a fun twist, add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough.
  • Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy presentation, serve them warm with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but it will change the texture slightly. Smooth peanut butter is recommended for a classic texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead and freeze it. When ready to bake, simply thaw and proceed with the instructions.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer.

Classic Style Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Add your peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until you have a smooth, cohesive dough.

Next, sprinkle in the baking soda and salt. Stir until these are well incorporated. This ensures your cookies have a nice, even texture and a bit of lift. Now comes the fun part: rolling the dough. Pinch off small amounts and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Once all your dough balls are lined up, grab a fork. Gently press each ball to flatten it slightly, creating a crisscross pattern. This classic touch gives the cookies their distinct look and helps them bake evenly. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you'll want the edges to be lightly golden.

When they're done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious peanut butter cookies ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: From mixing bowl to baked in under 30 minutes.
  • Minimal ingredients: Only 6 pantry staples needed.
  • Gluten-free option: Naturally flourless without compromising taste.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the baking soda and salt until well incorporated.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Flatten each ball gently with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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