Introduction
There's something distinctly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, and chewy peanut butter cookies are a classic choice that never disappoints.
These cookies strike the perfect balance between nutty richness and sweetness, offering a delightful texture that gives way to a satisfying chew.
Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe will guide you to achieve those perfectly chewy peanut butter cookies that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Directions & Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press each cookie ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern to flatten slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
FAQs
What can I do if my cookies are too dry?
If your cookies turn out dry, consider reducing the baking time slightly or adding a touch more peanut butter to the dough.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies less chewy.
What if I want to make these cookies more chocolatey?
You can fold in chocolate chips or chunks into the dough before baking for a delightful chocolate-peanut butter combination.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup and adjust the balance with a pinch more salt.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
If your dough is sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to scoop and shape.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the texture may differ slightly, resulting in a denser cookie.
Conclusion
Chewy peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat that can bring a smile to anyone's face. Their simplicity makes them an ideal choice for bakers of all levels.
Remember to share these delicious cookies with friends and family, or enjoy them all to yourself with a glass of milk for that perfect indulgence.
Recipe Card
Irresistibly Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press each cookie ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern to flatten slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
