Description
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a tender, chewy texture. Unlike crisp peanut butter cookies, these are thick and soft with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. The distinctive crisscross pattern on top is often made with a fork, giving these cookies their iconic look.
They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for an after-dinner treat, a snack with a cup of tea, or a cookie to share at a bake sale.
Ingredients
•1 cup creamy peanut butter
•½ cup unsalted butter, softened
•1 cup granulated sugar
•½ cup packed brown sugar
•1 large egg
•1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
•1 tsp baking soda
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Mixing the Dough
1.Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2.Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3.Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4.Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Rolling and Baking Tips
1.Form the Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
2.Create the Crisscross Pattern: Gently flatten each dough ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top.
3.Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
4.Cool on the Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Variations and Add-Ins
While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can add a twist with some optional ingredients:
•Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
•Chopped Nuts: Try adding chopped peanuts or almonds for added crunch.
•Toffee Bits: Stir in some toffee bits for a sweet, buttery flavor.
•Coconut: For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the dough.