Peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat loved by many. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. This classic recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional granulated sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla:
- Mix in the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls:
- Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten Cookies:
- Using a fork, gently flatten each cookie and create a crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
About the Main Ingredients
Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives the cookies sweetness and helps them achieve their classic chewy texture.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter provides the distinctive peanut flavor in these cookies. Use a well-stirred, creamy peanut butter for the best results.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the cookies together and create a soft texture.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies and adds a subtle sweetness.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used as the base of the cookie dough. It provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.
Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.
These classic peanut butter cookies are simple to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or on their own, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
