The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Delicious
Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistibly delicious peanut butter cookies? This recipe guarantees soft, chewy cookies that will have everyone asking for more. We've perfected the balance of peanut butter flavor, sweetness, and texture, making these cookies the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular, your preference!)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (for that extra chewy texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions for Peanut Butter Perfection:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked peanut butter cookies every time.
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. Use an electric mixer for best results!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional, but Recommended!)
For the chewiest cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Brown
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Use a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 6: 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 warm, or store them in an airtight container for later.
Tips for Extra Delicious Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Use good quality peanut butter: The flavor of your peanut butter will directly impact the taste of your cookies.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even pretzels for extra flavor and texture.
- Make them mini: For bite-sized treats, roll the dough into smaller balls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! Freeze the dough balls before baking for easy baking later.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week.
This recipe is your passport to peanut butter cookie perfection. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
