Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Sugars and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy or chunky peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. If you’re adding chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them in at this stage.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Flatten the Cookies: Gently flatten each cookie dough ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top. This not only gives the cookies a classic look but also helps them bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake!
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Enjoy: Serve your peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Choice: Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor. Natural peanut butter works well, but if it’s too runny, adjust the flour slightly to maintain the dough’s consistency.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Variations: Experiment by adding ingredients like oats, raisins, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a unique twist.
Conclusion
These classic peanut butter cookies are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor make them a favorite among cookie lovers. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or as a sweet treat throughout the week, these cookies are sure to please! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!