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Richard’s Classic Crispy-Tender Peanut Butter Cookies

A close-up stack of four tender peanut butter cookies showing classic crosshatch fork marks on a white plate.
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A beloved recipe for homemade peanut butter cookies that achieves the perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft center, featuring the classic crosshatch pattern.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 1 3/4 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 F (175 degrees C). 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, then 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 your cookie dough.
  6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Use a fork to press down on each ball to create the classic crosshatch pattern, pressing once in one direction and then again perpendicular to the first press.
  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 sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up properly.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a standard creamy peanut butter, not the natural separation type.
  • If you prefer a slightly chewier cookie, reduce the baking time by one minute.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling if your kitchen is very warm; this helps prevent spreading.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/perfect-peanut-butter-cookies-tender-bites/