Peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat loved by many for their rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture. This classic recipe is easy to follow, requiring just a few simple ingredients to create a batch of delicious homemade cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a delightful snack, these peanut butter cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and pure vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix the ingredients until smooth and well combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking powder and salt over the peanut butter mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using your hands, roll the cookie dough into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. You can make them slightly larger if you prefer bigger cookies. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
- Create Crisscross Pattern (Optional): To give the cookies their classic appearance, use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each dough ball. Press the fork gently into the dough in one direction, then repeat perpendicular to the first impression.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the peanut butter cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The cookies will be soft when they come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, indulge in the delightful nutty aroma and enjoy the chewy goodness of your homemade peanut butter cookies!
Storage Tip:
These peanut butter cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to savor their freshness for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
Customization Options:
- For a touch of indulgence, you can add a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough before baking.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, make sure to use certified gluten-free baking powder and ensure your peanut butter is gluten-free.
- You can experiment with different types of natural peanut butter, such as almond peanut butter or honey-roasted peanut butter, to add unique flavors to your cookies.
With their delightful combination of nutty goodness and chewy texture, these classic peanut butter cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Share them with family and friends or keep a stash for yourself to enjoy with a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat any time of the day!
