Description
These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are a classic American dessert treat that combines creamy peanut butter with a perfect balance of sugars for a soft, flavorful, and irresistibly chewy texture. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they are ideal for cookie lovers seeking a nostalgic homemade delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, providing a well-combined base for your dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain texture. Then mix in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, mixing gently after each addition until a thick dough forms without overmixing.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop approximately 2-tablespoon portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Using a fork, gently press down the tops of each dough ball in a crisscross pattern, which is a classic peanut butter cookie signature and helps flatten the cookies evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra indulgence, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the dough before baking.
- These cookies freeze well; store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
