My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies

Introduction

Peanut butter cookies have always held a special place in my heart. From the first time I tried them as a kid to today, they are a simple yet comforting treat that never disappoints. Recently, I decided to revisit an old family favorite recipe, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! These peanut butter cookies turned out to be exactly what I was craving: crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with that classic peanut butter flavor that everyone loves. My family absolutely devoured them, and it didn’t take long before I was asked to make another batch. They’re that good! Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just looking for a quick and easy treat to share with loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Let me share with you exactly how to make them!

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Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this peanut butter cookie recipe. First of all, it’s incredibly simple to make, with only a handful of ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry. The cookies come together quickly and bake in just 10-12 minutes, making them perfect for when you need a sweet fix in a hurry. These cookies offer the best of both worlds: a crisp exterior with a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth. The balance of peanut butter and sweetness from the sugar and brown sugar gives them a satisfying richness. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk or serving them as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any fancy equipment. No stand mixers or special tools are needed — just a bowl, a fork, and a cookie sheet. Plus, the ingredients are staples you likely already have on hand, making it an affordable and accessible option. If you’ve ever found yourself craving peanut butter cookies but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you!

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Ingredients

To make these delicious peanut butter cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups sifted flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness that defines a great peanut butter cookie. Make sure to use softened butter and peanut butter to ensure that everything mixes together smoothly.

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your peanut butter cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an ungreased cookie sheet with parchment paper or just leave it bare — no greasing required for this recipe.
2. Mix the first six ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to mix these ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy dough.
3. Add the dry ingredients: In the same bowl, add the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix everything well until the dough is fully incorporated. You should have a soft dough that is easy to handle and shape.
4. Form the dough into balls: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to get around 24 balls out of this batch.
5. Flatten with a fork: Dip a fork in sugar or flour, then gently press down on each dough ball in a crisscross pattern to flatten them slightly. This not only gives them their signature shape but also helps them bake evenly.
6. Bake: Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
7. Cool and enjoy: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, with a glass of milk!

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition facts for these peanut butter cookies. Keep in mind that the actual nutritional content will depend on the specific brands and quantities you use.

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on a total of 24 cookies)
• Calories: 150-160 calories per cookie
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

These cookies are a delightful treat but are best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. The protein and fiber content, though, can help curb your cravings for something sweet without overdoing it.

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

This recipe is incredibly quick, making it the perfect option when you want to bake up something delicious in a short amount of time. From mixing the ingredients to enjoying your first warm cookie, it’ll take no longer than 30 minutes!

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How to Serve

These peanut butter cookies are a versatile treat that pairs perfectly with so many things. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• With a glass of milk: A classic pairing! The creamy milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor of the cookies.
• For dessert: Serve them as a sweet ending to a family meal.
• With a cup of tea or coffee: Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon snack with your favorite hot beverage.
• As a gift: Wrap them in a cute tin or box and give them as a homemade gift for friends and family.
• In a cookie jar: Keep a batch on hand for an easy, grab-and-go snack throughout the week.

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Additional Tips

1. For extra crunch: Use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth to add texture to the cookies.
2. Make them larger: For big, bakery-style cookies, roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and bake for 12-15 minutes.
3. Add chocolate chips: For a fun twist, fold in some chocolate chips or peanut butter chips into the dough before rolling into balls.
4. Don’t overbake: These cookies continue to cook slightly once they’re out of the oven. Remove them when they’re golden brown at the edges but still soft in the center.
5. Chill the dough: If you have the time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?
   Yes, you can. Creamy peanut butter will result in a smoother cookie, but it’s just as delicious!
2. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
   Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, although the texture might differ slightly. Butter tends to give a richer flavor.
3. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
   Absolutely! Almond butter can be used in place of peanut butter for a slightly different but equally tasty flavor.
4. How long do the cookies stay fresh?
   Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
5. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, place them on a cookie sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place them directly on the cookie sheet and bake!
6. Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
   Yes! You can add chocolate chips, raisins, or even chopped nuts for an extra flavor boost.
7. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate or freeze them.
8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the baking soda is gluten-free too.
9. What’s the best way to flatten the cookies with a fork?
   Dip the fork in sugar or flour to prevent it from sticking to the dough as you press down on the cookies.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can double the recipe if you want to make more cookies. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, but start checking at the 10-minute mark.

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These peanut butter cookies are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or just as a treat to share with your family, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household as they are in mine!

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