Classic Peanut Butter Cookies 🍪🥜

Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of homemade peanut butter cookies with this simple recipe! These cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The peanut butter flavor shines through beautifully, and these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee for the ultimate treat. ☕🥛

Ingredients

For the cookie dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, crunchy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

🥄 Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. This will help create a smooth batter.

2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until fully combined.

4. Once combined, cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape when baked.

❄️ Chilling the dough can also enhance the flavor! Feel free to make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight.

5. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

6. Roll the cooled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each ball.

7. Using a fork, flatten each ball gently, creating a crisscross pattern on top.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies begin to brown slightly.

👀 Keep an eye on them as they bake. Overbaking can lead to crunchy cookies instead of that perfect chewy texture!

9. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Chunky Style: Mix in some chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor! 🍫
• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.
• Dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter and ensure your peanut butter is dairy-free for a vegan-friendly treat.
• Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist to the classic flavor.

Enjoy the scrumptiousness of these homemade peanut butter cookies, and watch them disappear in no time! 🍽️✨