Description
These chewy peanut butter cookies are a delicious treat featuring a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Made with creamy or chunky peanut butter, they offer a soft and tender texture with a slightly golden edge. The optional addition of all-purpose flour allows for thicker cookies if desired. Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a homemade favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional for thicker cookies)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix the baking soda, salt, and optional flour until evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll them into smooth balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten with Fork: Lightly press down each dough ball with a fork in a criss-cross pattern to gently flatten them.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy these chewy peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the perfect snack or dessert.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, include the optional 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour; omit it for thinner, chewier cookies.
- You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Do not overbake to retain the soft, chewy center.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool, so allow them to cool completely for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
