The Best Peanut Butter Cookies

If you're on the hunt for the ultimate peanut butter cookie experience, your search ends here. These are not just any peanut butter cookies; these are "The Best Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies" that will make your taste buds dance with delight. With their super soft, chewy centers and an abundance of rich peanut butter flavor, this easy cookie recipe is a true peanut butter lover's dream come true. To make these extra special I added in chocolate chips, but those are optional.

Before we embark on this mouthwatering journey, ensure you have the following ingredients at your disposal:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheating for Perfection:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step sets the stage for baking cookie perfection.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this flour mixture aside as it will play a crucial role in the cookie's texture.

3. The Peanut Butter Cream:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, work your magic by beating the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a light and fluffy peanut butter cream. It's the heart of your cookies.

4. Adding the Magic:

Now, add in the large egg and a touch of vanilla extract to your peanut butter cream. These ingredients are the magic that binds it all together.

5. Blending it All:

Gradually add in the flour mixture on low speed. Stir until the dough forms, and you can already smell the promise of deliciousness in the air.

6. Cookie Creation:

Using a large cookie scoop, take about one heaping tablespoon of dough and drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between them for the magic to happen while they bake. If you want a little sparkle on your cookies, sprinkle the tops with extra granulated sugar – it's an optional but delightful touch.

7. Baking Bliss:

Now, let the oven work its magic. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly browned. The aroma will be irresistible, but try to resist devouring them straight from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheets before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Enjoy Every Bite:

Store these delectable peanut butter cookies in an airtight container. Technically, they can last up to five days, but let's be honest, they probably won't make it that long.

Conclusion:

These Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a testament to the delicious simplicity of classic baking. With their chewy centers and an abundance of peanut butter flavor, they are bound to become your new favorite. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to savor the best peanut butter cookies you've ever had. Your taste buds will thank you.

For more inspiration and the original recipe, visit The Novice Chef Blog.