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My family goes wild for these simple Peanut Butter Cookies. They've got that classic criss-cross design and deep nutty taste that makes them unforgettable. I love how straightforward they are to whip up—you've probably got all you need in your kitchen cupboards right now.
Their Origin Story
The story behind these tasty peanut butter treats goes way back. Ruth Wakefield created the version with the famous grid pattern we all recognize in 1936. Later on, Betty Crocker helped make them popular across America. What I'm sharing blends both approaches for cookies anyone can pull off without hassle.
What You'll Need
- Peanut Butter: Grab regular Jif or Skippy for the best results.
- Flour: Standard all-purpose works perfectly here.
- Butter: Go with the genuine stuff for amazing flavor.
- Sugar: You'll want both brown and white kinds for ideal texture.
- Egg: Just a single egg does the trick.
- Salt: A tiny bit makes everything taste better.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These give your cookies the right lift.
Simple Baking Guide
- Pick Your Spread
- Stick with popular creamy peanut butter brands for success. While natural options sound good, they often make cookies fall apart. Commercial brands have additives that help keep your cookies together just right.
- Set Everything Up
- Get your baking sheets lined with parchment and warm your oven to 350°F first thing. This makes everything run smoothly. Keep a small dish of sugar nearby for your fork marks.
- Creating The Pattern
- Try this handy tip: coat your fork with sugar between presses. This stops dough from sticking and adds a nice sparkly touch to your cookies. Don't push too hard—you want them slightly raised in the middle.
- Watching The Oven
- Keep an eye on them while they cook. You want just slightly golden edges with soft centers. They'll toughen up as they cool, giving you that wonderful chewy bite everyone craves.
- Let Them Rest
- Don't move your cookies right away. Give them about 5 minutes on the hot sheet first. They're super soft when fresh from the oven. Then slide them onto a cooling rack where they'll finish setting up nicely.
Tasty Twists
- Sugar Topped: Roll them in sugar for a sweet crunch outside.
- Chocolate Center: Push in a Hershey's Kiss while warm for a sweet surprise.
- Nutty Switch: Try swapping in almond butter for a different flavor profile.
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Keeping Them Fresh
Store your cookies in something airtight to maintain freshness. If you want to plan ahead, form and freeze the dough for up to 3 months. It's super handy—you can pop frozen dough balls straight into the oven, just cook them a bit longer.
What Makes Them Special
There's something about these Peanut Butter Cookies that always brings joy. They turn out great whether you've been baking for years or it's your first attempt. They're living proof that the tastiest treats don't need fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why not natural peanut butter?
The oil in natural peanut butter separates, making cookies spread too much and altering texture.
- → What does chilling the dough do?
It keeps the cookies' shape intact and reduces unnecessary spreading while baking.
- → Can crunchy peanut butter work?
Absolutely! It'll add a fun crunch, but smooth peanut butter gives a traditional result.
- → Why coat the fork with sugar?
The sugar stops the fork from sticking while making the crisscross design on the cookies.
- → Why bake one pan at a time?
For even baking and to get consistent browning on all cookies.