Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a truly classic and utterly delicious treat, this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe will not disappoint. It combines rich, creamy peanut butter with just the right amount of sweetness, creating cookies that have a tender crumb and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just looking to bake up something crowd-pleasing, these peanut butter cookies deliver on flavor and nostalgia in every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this recipe is how straightforward and pantry-friendly the ingredients are. Each one plays an important role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color.

• 1 cup shortening: Provides a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s crucial for soft cookies.
• 1 cup peanut butter: The star ingredient, giving the cookies their signature nutty flavor and moistness.
• 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that classic cookie crunch on the edges.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings warmth and moisture, plus a hint of caramel depth.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and contribute to a soft, chewy bite.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies structure and that perfect heft.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Ensures lovely rise and a light crumb texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Fats and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 375°. In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening, peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes and is essential for creating a cookie with the perfect texture — this step incorporates air into the dough, making the cookies soft and tender.

Step 2: Add Eggs One at a Time

Next, add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures your wet ingredients combine smoothly and helps maintain the rich flavor and moistness peanut butter cookies are famous for.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the rising agent and salt, which helps avoid pockets in the dough and ensures your cookies bake evenly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or you could end up with tougher cookies. The dough should be coherent and hold together easily when rolled.

Step 5: Shape and Flatten

Form the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them about 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each ball gently using a fork or meat mallet to create that iconic crosshatch pattern, or simply press them down slightly with your fingers. This step not only helps them bake evenly but also adds a rustic charm.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your peanut butter cookies for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Remove the baking sheets and let the cookies cool on wire racks. This resting lets the cookies firm up just enough while staying delightfully chewy inside.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple elevate-your-cookie moment, dust the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over them. A pinch of sea salt on top just before baking enhances the peanut butter’s natural richness, creating a sophisticated sweet-and-savory contrast that guests will rave about.

Side Dishes

Peanut butter cookies pair wonderfully with classic beverages like cold milk or a rich cup of coffee or hot chocolate. If you’re serving a dessert platter, complement these treats with fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices to add a refreshing note alongside the cookie’s deep nutty flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by turning your peanut butter cookies into sandwich cookies with a generous layer of vanilla or chocolate frosting spread between two cookies. Alternatively, crumble some over vanilla ice cream for an instant peanut butter sundae that will wow your family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your peanut butter cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and flavorful for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or treat to share throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies longer, freeze the dough balls ahead of time or freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag. When frozen properly, they maintain their great taste and texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm your cookies for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave to bring back that freshly baked softness and gooey peanut butter goodness. Be careful not to overheat — you just want a hint of warmth that wakes up all those nutty flavors.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter will give your cookies a more intense, true peanut flavor, though the texture might be a bit different due to its oil content. You might want to chill the dough slightly before baking to make it easier to handle.

Why do my peanut butter cookies turn out dry?

Dry cookies often result from overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure flour carefully—using a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method—and take the cookies out as soon as the edges are golden while centers still look slightly underdone.

Can I substitute shortening with butter?

Yes, but keep in mind butter will make the cookies spread more during baking and yield a slightly different texture. For a richer flavor, butter is a great option, but you might want to chill the dough before baking to keep the shape intact.

How do I get the classic fork-tine crisscross on my peanut butter cookies?

Just dip a fork in a little sugar or flour to prevent sticking, then gently press down on each dough ball twice in perpendicular directions, creating that iconic pattern. It’s both decorative and practical for even baking.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?

Of course! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts like roasted peanuts adds extra texture and flavor that complement the peanut butter beautifully. Fold them into the dough in the last mixing step.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe a whirl because it’s the kind of recipe that never fails to bring smiles around the table. From the simple ingredients to the nostalgic taste, every bite feels like a warm hug. Once you try it, these cookies are sure to become one of your favorites to bake again and again.

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