My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies

Here’s a Peanut Butter Cookies recipe that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge. The rich peanut butter flavor is a classic favorite that’s sure to please everyone!

---

My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies

Makes about 18-24 cookies

---

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted peanut butter (creamy or chunky, depending on your preference)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips or peanut butter chips (optional, for extra flavor)
• Granulated sugar, for rolling the cookies

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Using an electric mixer (or a hand whisk), beat the ingredients together until well combined and smooth. This should take about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

1. Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until fully combined, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined. You don’t want to overmix, so stir until the dough forms and there are no visible pockets of flour.

Step 5: Add Optional Chips

1. If you’re using chocolate chips or peanut butter chips, fold them into the dough now using a spatula or wooden spoon.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in a little granulated sugar to coat it lightly.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Flatten the Cookies

1. For that classic peanut butter cookie look, gently press each dough ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern. You can also press the dough with your fingers if you prefer.
   • Press down firmly but not too hard; the cookies will spread a bit during baking.

Step 8: Bake

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
   • The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies towards the end. If you like softer cookies, bake them closer to 8 minutes; for crisper edges, leave them in a bit longer.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

---

Notes:

1. Peanut Butter:

• You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your texture preference. If you use chunky peanut butter, you’ll get little bits of peanut throughout the cookie for extra crunch.

2. Sugar:

• These cookies are sweet, but you can adjust the sugar levels to your preference. If you prefer less sweetness, you can cut the sugar by 1/4 cup without affecting the texture too much.

3. Flour:

• Make sure to measure your flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid adding too much flour, which could make the cookies dry.

4. Optional Add-ins:

• You can get creative by adding other mix-ins like chopped peanuts, M&Ms, or raisins for added texture and flavor.

5. Make Ahead:

• If you prefer to prep ahead, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
• Frozen Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, pop the frozen dough balls straight onto the baking sheet and bake for about 1-2 minutes longer than the original time.

6. Storing:

• These cookies stay fresh for 5-7 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

---

Conclusion:

My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor. The balance of sweet and salty makes them irresistible! This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal ingredients, and the cookies are perfect for all occasions—whether you’re baking for a family treat, a cookie swap, or just to satisfy your peanut butter cravings. Enjoy these delicious cookies with a cold glass of milk or share them with loved ones for a fun and tasty snack!