Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe: A Timeless Treat

There’s something magical about the aroma of peanut butter cookies baking in the oven. Whether you’re craving a simple dessert or looking for a nostalgic trip back to childhood, these soft and chewy treats never disappoint. Ready to whip up some cookie magic? Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s make these crowd-pleasers together!

 

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Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s a list of pantry-friendly ingredients. Chances are, you already have most of these on hand:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy – your call!)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy (around 2-3 minutes). A hand mixer works best here, but a wooden spoon and elbow grease will also do the trick!
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough just comes together.
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Press the dough balls down with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern. If the fork sticks, dip it in sugar first.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don't worry if the cookies seem soft – they’ll firm up as they cool.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

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Baking Tips and Tricks

• Crunchy or Creamy? Go with what you love! Creamy peanut butter makes a smoother cookie, while crunchy adds texture.
• If you want softer cookies, reduce the baking time by a minute or two. For crisper cookies, let them bake the full 12 minutes.
• Freezing the dough: You can freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but naturally peanut butter may make the dough slightly oilier. Give it a good stir to incorporate any separated oils.

2. How do I store peanut butter cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer them softer, toss a slice of bread into the container – the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

4. How can I make them vegan?
Replace the butter with plant-based butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

5. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in cookie heaven. Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.

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Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Serving Size1 Cookie

Calories	150
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	15g
Protein	4g
Sugar	8g

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Why Peanut Butter Cookies Are a Classic

Peanut butter cookies have been warming hearts (and kitchens) since the 1930s, thanks to their simple ingredients and nostalgic flavor. The signature crisscross pattern was initially used to help flatten the dough and ensure even baking – and it stuck around as an iconic look!

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Time to Bake Your Own Batch!

Next time you need a quick dessert or want to impress guests with a homemade treat, this classic peanut butter cookie recipe has your back. Whether you enjoy them with a tall glass of milk or sneak one right off the cooling rack (we won’t tell), these cookies will bring a smile.

Got your own twist on this recipe? Share your version in the comments below – we'd love to hear about it!