Easy Peanut Butter Cookies: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Treats
Are you craving a sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying treat? Look no further than these easy peanut butter cookies! This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, promising soft, chewy cookies that will disappear in a flash. No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed – just simple pantry staples and a whole lot of love (and peanut butter, of course!).
What You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Let's get started!
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the cookies.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cookie Perfection
This recipe couldn't be simpler! Follow these easy steps to bake up a batch of delightful peanut butter cookies.
Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 3: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended!)
For the best results, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie (this is optional, but adds a nice touch!).
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, gooey peanut butter cookies while they're still fresh!
Tips and Variations for Extra Deliciousness:
- Add-ins: Get creative! Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even pretzels to your peanut butter cookie dough.
- Different Peanut Butter: Experiment with crunchy peanut butter for a different texture.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
These easy peanut butter cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With minimal effort, you can create a batch of delicious treats that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Enjoy baking!
