Peanut Butter Cookies: A Classic Treat

Ah, the beloved peanut butter cookie - a staple of childhood memories and after-school snacks! This classic recipe is a simple yet delicious treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and no fancy equipment needed, you'll be baking up a batch in no time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until well combined.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and flour.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations & Adjustments

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Some suggested variations include:

• Adding in chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well) for added texture
• Using honey instead of sugar for a slightly different flavor profile
• Making giant cookies by using larger scoops of dough and baking for 15-18 minutes
• Creating a chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookie by melting some chocolate chips and dipping the cooled cookies in them

Enjoy your delicious homemade peanut butter cookies!