Yesterday was cookie day. Zander had recently asked if I could make some peanut butter cookies, and yesterday was as good a day as any to whip some up. I was shocked though, when I looked in The Recipe Trove and did not see a recipe for peanut butter cookies. How did I miss that? I could swear I’ve posted about them before!
These are our standard peanut butter cookie. They bake up crispy and delicious every single time. I have successfully made this with almond butter as well, so if you are a peanut-free home, another nut butter will fill in beautifully, and you won’t sacrifice texture. From time to time I also add a handful or two of mini chocolate chips, but mostly, we like them straight up, just the way they are.
I can never go wrong with peanut butter cookies in the house. They’re one of the kids absolute favorites. And I find they’re not so bad myself.
Peanut Butter Cookies
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter 1/4 cup shortening 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 egg 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Granulated sugarDirections:
Combine the sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, shortening and butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. Stir in flour baking powder, baking soda and salt. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerated until well-chilled, about 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Roll the dough into balls about 1 1/4 inch wide. Place about 3 inches apart on a baking sheet. Flatten the balls using a potato masher or a fork that has been dipped in the extra granulated sugar.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool for 1 minute on the baking sheet before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.
This is a recipe classic. I made some for Christmas presents this year adding crushed peanuts to the batter and a finer ground for a dusting on top. They looked great. I also use the bottom of a patterned glass for a fancier look.
I think I’ll have to keep my eye out for a glass or something with a fun new pattern on the bottom. The potato masher is working, but something more fancy would be fun!
Potato masher, that’s a pretty good idea.