Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: A Recipe for Unforgettable Gooey Goodness
Are you a peanut butter lover? Do you crave that melt-in-your-mouth sensation of a perfectly soft peanut butter cookie? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe delivers on all fronts, promising soft, chewy, and intensely peanut buttery cookies that will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the ultimate cookie nirvana!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. Make sure you have these on hand before you begin:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter ensures a smooth, soft texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and structure.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect soft peanut butter cookies:
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
Before you start, make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. This will help create a smoother dough. Also, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream Together the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually Add Dry to Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
6. Shape Your Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie ball. This is a classic peanut butter cookie touch!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still be soft and slightly gooey.
8. 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.
Tips for Extra Softness:
- Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked cookies will be softer.
- Use creamy peanut butter: Crunchy peanut butter will result in a chewier cookie.
- Let the cookies cool completely: This allows them to set properly and achieve that perfect soft texture.
Variations to Try:
- Chocolate chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Sprinkles: For a festive touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top before baking.
- Different sugars: Experiment with other types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or maple sugar.
This soft peanut butter cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking adventures and tag us in your photos! Happy baking!
