Traditional Peanut Butter Cookies

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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Peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic that never seem to go out of style. There's something about the rich, nutty flavor combined with a perfectly soft texture that makes them irresistible. This traditional recipe is your go-to guide for creating these delightful treats at home.

Ingredients for Traditional Peanut Butter Cookies

Butter is the base of our cookie dough, providing richness and a soft texture. Make sure it's softened for easy creaming. Creamy peanut butter is the star of the show, adding that unmistakable flavor and keeping the cookies moist. Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used to balance sweetness and add depth, with brown sugar also contributing to a chewy texture. Eggs act as binders and add moisture, while vanilla extract rounds out the flavors nicely. All-purpose flour gives structure, with baking soda and baking powder helping the cookies rise perfectly. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the butter is truly softened for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized cookies, which bake more evenly.
  • If you like a bit of crunch, consider using crunchy peanut butter instead.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can pair them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. For a fun twist, sandwich some marshmallow fluff between two cookies for a gooey, sweet delight!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may be a bit different. Natural peanut butter can make cookies spread more, so you might want to chill the dough first.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

Traditional Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy mixture; this means air is being incorporated, crucial for texture.

Next, beat the eggs into the mixture one at a time. This helps them integrate better and prevents the batter from splitting. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra aromatic touch. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined — overmixing can make the cookies tough. Now, roll tablespoon-sized amounts of dough into balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets. To get that classic crisscross pattern, gently flatten each ball with a fork.

Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This is your cue that they’re done. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial for them to firm up properly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of soft and chewy texture.
  • Rich peanut butter flavor that satisfies cravings.
  • Easy to make with ingredients you probably already have.
  • No special equipment required, just a couple of bowls and a baking sheet.
  • Great for gatherings, gift-giving, or just a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients

1 cup
unsalted butter, softened
1 cup
creamy peanut butter
1 cup
granulated sugar
1 cup
packed brown sugar
2 large
eggs
2 1/2 cups
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons
baking soda
1 teaspoon
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Roll tablespoon-sized amounts of dough into balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the top.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

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