Description
Delight in these chewy peanut butter cookies that perfectly balance rich, creamy peanut butter with a hint of sweetness. Soft and tender with a classic fork-tine pattern, these cookies are easy to make and bake up beautifully soft with a slightly crisp edge. Perfect for peanut butter lovers seeking a quick and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Sugars
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups unbleached flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Soften Butter: Soften the unsalted butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds, adding an extra 5 seconds if necessary to achieve a pliable consistency.
- Mix Peanut Butter and Sugars: Combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and pure vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture, blending thoroughly for an even texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the unbleached flour, baking soda, and baking powder until the dough is fully combined.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out dough portions (approximately 2 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Classic Pattern: Using a fork, gently press down the dough balls to flatten slightly, making horizontal and vertical lines for the traditional peanut butter cookie appearance.
- Add Sea Salt and Bake: Optionally sprinkle sea salt over each cookie and bake them in the preheated oven for 9 minutes. The cookies should look slightly pale and under-baked as they’ll continue cooking while cooling.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to set completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Sea salt on top enhances the peanut butter flavor but can be omitted for a sweeter cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Make sure the butter and peanut butter are softened to ensure proper mixing and texture.
