Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

By CandyH

These classic peanut butter cookies are always a favorite. Easy to make and easier to eat! They are absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature*
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter*
• 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, for rolling (optional)

Details

Servings 30
Preparation time 10mins
Cooking time 190mins
Adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com

Preparation

Step 1

Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and both sugars together on medium speed until smooth. Add the egg and mix on high until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and peanut butter and mix on high until combined. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, toss the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. Add to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Dough will be thick, yet very sticky. Cover dough tightly and chill for at least 3 hours (and up to 2 days) in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Roll balls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie) and roll into granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Press fork into the tops to create the criss-cross pattern. Bake for 11 minutes or until very lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look very soft and undone. Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to "set" on the baking sheet during this time.

Cover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 1 week. Baked cookies and rolled cookie dough freeze well, up to 3 months.

*Make sure your butter is softened, not melted in the slightest. Do not soften in the microwave - that makes it sort of melty and greasy. Place out 1 hour before beginning. Room temperature eggs are preferred. Good rule of thumb: always use room temperature eggs when using room temperature butter.

*Chunky peanut butter works as well. I do not suggest using natural style, oily peanut butter. Brands such as JIF or Skippy work best.