Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Craving a classic sweet treat with a nutty twist? These chewy peanut butter cookies are the perfect solution! Soft on the inside with a slight crunch on the edges, each bite delivers a delightful burst of peanut butter flavor.

The crisscross fork pattern adds a signature touch that makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite!

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect chewy peanut butter cookies requires just a handful of basic ingredients. Here’s everything you need to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies:

Cookie Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right kitchen tools can make your cookie-baking experience more enjoyable and efficient. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to make these chewy peanut butter cookies:

1. Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer): A stand mixer with a paddle attachment works best for creaming the butter and sugars together, making the dough smooth and fluffy. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer will also do the job!
2. Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper, these are essential for preventing cookies from sticking and ensuring even baking.
3. Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop makes portioning the dough into uniform balls easy, ensuring consistent baking results.
4. Fork: This is used to create the signature crisscross pattern on top of the cookies, a key step in the classic peanut butter cookie look.
5. Cooling Rack: Allowing the cookies to cool properly on a rack prevents them from getting soggy and helps maintain their chewy texture.

Cookie Preparation

Follow these simple steps to prepare your chewy peanut butter cookies, from mixing the dough to shaping and baking. It’s easy to make, and the results are always delicious!

Mixing the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the Peanut Butter:
   Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the peanut butter to the mixer and mix for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, then mix until fully combined, ensuring there are no clumps.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add in the flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky.

Shaping the Cookies

1. Form the Dough Balls:
   Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the dough into 16 equal-sized balls.
2. Roll in Sugar:
   Place the sugar for rolling into a small bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in the sugar to give it a sweet coating before baking.
3. Flatten and Create the Crisscross Pattern:
   Place each rolled dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to gently flatten the dough, then turn the fork and press again in the opposite direction to create the classic crisscross pattern on top of the cookies.

Baking and Cooling

Baking the chewy peanut butter cookies to golden perfection is crucial for achieving that deliciously chewy texture. Here’s how to get them just right:

Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.
2. Bake the Cookies:
   Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and firm on the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—these cookies should be soft in the middle.
3. Cool the Cookies:
   After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them set on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring. After that, use a spatula to move the cookies onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage

Once your chewy peanut butter cookies are completely cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Here’s how to serve and store them:

Serving Suggestions

These chewy peanut butter cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with a glass of milk for an extra treat. If you want to elevate the flavor, you can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage Instructions

To keep your cookies fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their chewy texture.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating the layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Conclusion

These chewy peanut butter cookies are the ultimate comfort treat. With their perfect balance of sweetness and nutty richness, they are sure to please everyone. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies are a timeless classic.

Follow the simple steps outlined in this recipe, and you’ll have a batch of perfectly chewy peanut butter cookies in no time. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the cookies!