The Hands-Down Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Peanut butter cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many, often considered a timeless classic. Whether you’re looking to make a batch for a family gathering or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the best peanut butter cookies, complete with variations, storage tips, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for added texture)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie, dipping the fork in sugar to prevent sticking.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use Quality Peanut Butter: Stick to a well-known brand of creamy peanut butter (like Skippy or Jif) for the best texture and taste. Natural peanut butter can yield a grittier texture.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for a few hours helps maintain the cookie shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- Use Sugar on the Fork: Dipping the fork in sugar before pressing down on the dough will help prevent it from sticking.
Fun Variations
- Roll in Sugar: Before making the fork marks, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar for an extra sweet touch.
- Add a Hershey’s Kiss: Instead of making the fork pattern, leave the dough in balls and bake as directed. Press a chocolate Hershey’s kiss into the center immediately after removing from the oven.
- Use Almond Butter: For a nutty twist, substitute peanut butter with almond butter.
Storage and Freezing
- Storing Baked Cookies: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to 3 months.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll cookie dough into balls, place them on a lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Peanut butter cookies are a beloved treat that can be enjoyed in various forms. Whether you prefer them soft and chewy or with a chocolate surprise in the middle, this recipe is versatile and easy to follow. Happy baking!
More Peanut Butter Treats
- Peanut Butter Buckeyes
- Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
- Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Enjoy your baking journey with this delightful peanut butter cookie recipe!
[0] The Hands-Down Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe - Simply Recipes
[1] Classic Peanut Butter Cookies - Allrecipes
[2] 29 Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes That Are So Good It’s Nuts - Taste of Home
[3] Easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies