Of course! Peanut butter cookies are a classic for a reason—they’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and that classic criss-cross pattern is just so inviting.
Here are two fantastic recipes: the first is the Classic 3-Ingredient Recipe for ultimate simplicity, and the second is a Classic Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie that’s a little more traditional.
Recipe 1: The Incredibly Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
This is a miracle of a recipe. It’s gluten-free and comes together in minutes. The key is using a standard, conventional peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy), not a natural one that separates, as the stabilizers are needed for the structure.
Ingredients:
· 1 cup (250g) smooth peanut butter
· 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar
· 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix with a wooden spoon or hand mixer until perfectly smooth and combined.
- Scoop and Shape: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- The Classic Criss-Cross: Use a fork to gently flatten each ball. Press down once, then press down again at a 90-degree angle to create the classic grid pattern. If the fork sticks, dip it in a little sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will look soft and puffy; they will not look “done.” This is crucial!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They need this time to set and firm up.
Recipe 2: The Classic Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie
This recipe yields a richer, chewier cookie with that classic soft-baked texture and a more complex flavor from the brown sugar and vanilla.
Ingredients:
· ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
· ½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar
· ½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
· ½ cup (125g) smooth peanut butter
· 1 large egg
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
· ½ teaspoon baking powder
· ½ teaspoon baking soda
· ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For a thicker, chewier cookie, cover the dough and chill it for 30-60 minutes. This prevents overspreading.
- Shape and Flatten: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the baking sheets and use a fork to make the classic criss-cross pattern, flattening them to about ½-inch thick.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to brown. The centers will still look very soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
· Don’t Overbake! This is the #1 rule. Take them out when they still look a little underdone in the center for the perfect chewy texture.
· Measuring Flour: Don’t scoop the flour directly with your measuring cup, as this packs it in. Instead, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
· For Extra Crunch: Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before flattening them with the fork.
· Add-Ins: Feel free to stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even Reese’s Pieces into the dough of the classic recipe before baking.
· The Fork Trick: If your fork is sticking to the dough while making the pattern, simply dip the tines in a small bowl of sugar between each press.
Enjoy the wonderful, comforting smell of peanut butter cookies filling your kitchen