My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Baking Time: 10-12 minutes

Servings: About 24 cookies

Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Additional sugar for rolling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Peanut Butter:
   • Add the creamy peanut butter to the butter-sugar mixture and continue to mix until well combined.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Form Cookie Dough Balls:
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the balls in additional sugar for a slightly crunchy exterior.
8. Place on Baking Sheets:
   • Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie.
9. Flatten with a Fork (Optional):
   • Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on the cookies by gently pressing down on each ball.
10. Bake in the Oven:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may appear slightly underdone but will firm up as they cool.
11. Cool on Baking Sheets:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
12. Enjoy Your Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies!
    • Once cooled, these peanut butter cookies are ready to be enjoyed with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

Note:

• Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a Hershey’s Kiss on top of each cookie before baking for variations.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.