Are you craving a warm, gooey cookie that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This original peanut butter cookie recipe is your answer. Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists; this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend baking project. These cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with loved ones. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a medium bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon for this – both work perfectly well! This step is crucial for achieving that signature peanut butter cookie texture.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. A little extra effort here ensures your cookies will be extra soft and chewy.
Step 3: Incorporate the 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. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie. This step adds a touch of rustic charm and helps the cookies spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. The baking time might need slight adjustments depending on your oven.
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. Once cool, enjoy these delicious homemade peanut butter cookies!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra chocolatey cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- For a richer flavor: Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Add some crunch: Fold in chopped peanuts or pretzels for added texture.
- Make them mini: Roll the dough into smaller balls for bite-sized cookies.
- Chill the dough: For easier handling, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories. This can vary based on the specific ingredients used. For precise nutritional information, use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.
This original peanut butter cookie recipe is a delightful way to experience the simple joy of homemade baking. The ease of preparation coupled with the incredible taste makes this a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Happy baking!