Blog, Sweets & Appetizers

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Name: Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

February 23, 2025

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The warm aroma of freshly baked classic peanut butter cookies wafts through your kitchen like a cozy hug. You know that moment when you take a bite and your taste buds dance? That’s what these cookies do – they sing sweet melodies of nostalgia and comfort.

Imagine sharing these delightful treats with family or friends during a rainy afternoon or at a festive gathering. You can almost hear their cheers as they indulge in the buttery, nutty goodness that is sure to evoke smiles and happy memories!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These classic peanut butter cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for any skill level
Their rich flavor and soft texture will have everyone asking for seconds
Visually appealing with a crisscross pattern on top, they’re fun to bake and share
Ideal for kids’ parties or cozy nights in with milk!

Baking these cookies has always brought my family together; the laughter we share in the kitchen is priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor; it helps achieve the right texture.
Baking Soda: This leavening agent creates that perfect lift; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; opt for sea salt if you want an extra kick.
Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature; it blends perfectly with sugar for creamy goodness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar for added moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy choose your favorite! This is the star ingredient of our cookies.
Eggs: One large egg binds everything together; make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile; avoid imitation if possible!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake for those lovely cookie edges.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This step is crucial no one likes flour lumps!

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. The mixture should look like clouds on a sunny day fluffy!

Add Peanut Butter and Egg: Stir in your chosen peanut butter until well combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. It should be luxurious like a warm bath!

Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! We want those cookies tender yet robust.

Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly using a fork to create that iconic crisscross pattern.

Now you’re ready to bake those beauties!

Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden around the edges but still soft in the middle—that’s perfection!

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time allows their structure to set while still being delightfully chewy.

And there you have it! Your very own batch of classic peanut butter cookies ready to be devoured by friends and family alike! Happy baking!

You Must Know

Classic peanut butter cookies are simple yet satisfying; the aroma fills your kitchen with nostalgia
Ensure your peanut butter is creamy for the perfect texture
Don’t forget to let them cool warm cookies might crumble before you get that first bite of goodness

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in the peanut butter. This order helps achieve a perfect texture, ensuring each cookie is soft and chewy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular peanut butter for crunchy or even almond butter for a twist! Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture that makes every bite a surprise.

Storing & Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, and they’ll be gooey again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure they blend well
Don’t overbake; cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out
Finally, always flatten dough balls before baking for that classic cookie shape

There’s nothing quite like sharing warm classic peanut butter cookies fresh from the oven with friends; their smiles made all those flour-covered moments worth it!

FAQ

Can I use natural peanut butter for classic peanut butter cookies?

Yes, natural peanut butter works well but may alter texture slightly.

How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?

Chilling the dough before baking helps create chewier cookies.

What can I add to make these cookies more interesting?

Consider adding chocolate chips or crushed pretzels for added flavor and crunch.