Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies are classic, easy-to-make, and always a hit! They have that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavor, with a slightly chewy texture. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for peanut butter cookies:

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky, depending on preference)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for a fluffier texture)
• Pinch of salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda (if using).
   • Stir until fully combined and smooth. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Shape the Cookies:
   • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
   • For the classic crisscross pattern, use a fork to gently press down on each cookie ball, making a crisscross design. You can also press the dough down slightly with your fingers if you prefer a thicker cookie.
4. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden but the center is still soft.
   • Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to dry cookies!
5. Cool:
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Texture Variations: For chewier cookies, underbake them just slightly and let them sit on the baking sheet for a minute or two before moving them to the cooling rack. For crispier cookies, bake for a minute or two longer.
• Chocolate Lovers: If you love chocolate and peanut butter together, you can add chocolate chips to the dough or dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a double treat!
• Sugar Variations: If you want a more decadent cookie, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for extra richness and chewiness.
• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.

These Peanut Butter Cookies are quick, simple, and utterly delicious. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and a great way to use up peanut butter. Let me know how they turn out or if you try any variations!