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Classic Peanut Butter Cookies: Crispy Edges, Tender Centers

A close-up stack of freshly baked peanut butter cookies showing the classic crisscross fork marks.
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Follow this straightforward recipe for the best peanut butter cookies, achieving that perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, chewy middle with the classic crosshatch top.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  6. Scoop the dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Use a fork to press down on each dough ball to create the classic crosshatch pattern, pressing once in one direction, then turning the fork 90 degrees and pressing again.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still look slightly soft.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use creamy peanut butter rather than natural or oil-separated varieties.
  • If you prefer a slightly chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by about one minute.
  • For an extra peanutty flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of finely chopped peanuts to the dough.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/best-peanut-butter-cookies-crispy-tender/