If you’re a fan of classic, chewy cookies with a rich, nutty flavor, this easy peanut butter cookie recipe is for you. Perfectly soft and packed with peanut butter goodness, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you need a quick dessert or a comforting snack, these cookies come together in no time and will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, then whisk until well combined.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the peanut butter and continue mixing until it’s fully incorporated.
- Add the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again to combine.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until everything is just incorporated.
- Roll the dough into one-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
- Use a fork to press down on each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern. Bake the cookies for about 8 minutes, then let them cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up before transferring.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (113g)
- 1 cup peanut butter (250g)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5mL)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder (3g)
- Optional: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3474kcal | Carbohydrates: 288g | Protein: 90g | Fat: 234g | Saturated Fat: 90g | Cholesterol: 414mg | Sodium: 2070mg | Potassium: 2322mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 126g | Vitamin A: 3060IU | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 14.4mg
FAQ
- Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
- Peanut butter cookies are denser and don’t spread much during baking. The fork marks help flatten the cookies, ensuring they bake evenly.
- How can I achieve the perfect fork mark pattern?
- For a perfect crisscross pattern, consider using skewers instead of a fork. Snap a few skewers in half, line them up, and press down on the dough. This method may take a bit more time but yields excellent results. If you prefer using a fork, ensure it has long tines and pull it away for a clean release.
- What type of peanut butter is recommended for these cookies?
- A smooth, salted peanut butter works best. If using natural peanut butter without stabilizers, mix it thoroughly before use to avoid overly runny cookies. A sweetened peanut butter is fine but consider reducing the sugar in the recipe by two tablespoons.
- Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
- Chilling the dough is not required for this recipe. However, if you wish to prepare the dough in advance and chill it, the cookies will still bake up nicely.
Tips
- Bake the cookies until they are almost done; the edges should just start to change color. They will continue to cook with the internal heat after being removed from the oven.
- Properly measure your flour to avoid adding too much. Use a scale for accuracy, or if using a measuring cup, fluff the flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into the cup, and level it with a knife.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven. They will be very soft initially, but will firm up and become easier to handle once cooled.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (for lining the baking sheet)
- Kitchen Scale (for accurate flour measurement)
