Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar, gently packed
1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (natural or processed, based on preference)
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla:
Mix in the peanut butter and continue beating until fully combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and incorporated.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Chill the Dough (Optional):
For thicker cookies, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough (or use a medium cookie scoop) and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches of space between them. For a classic look, gently flatten the tops of the dough balls with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking, as they will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool the Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Tips for Perfect Cookies:
For extra peanut butter flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
If you prefer crunchier cookies, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
You can add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for variation.
Enjoy these rich and chewy p
eanut butter cookies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage!
