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Soft Peanut Butter Cookies: The Classic Fork-Cross Recipe

A stack of four and one loose Soft peanut butter cookie with classic crosshatch marks on a light ceramic plate.

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Make classic, chewy peanut butter cookies with the perfect fork-cross pattern using this straightforward recipe. This is a reliable recipe for homemade comfort.

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
  • 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°F (175°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 light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate 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.
  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 a crisscross pattern.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set. The centers will 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 chewiest cookies, slightly underbake them; they firm up as they cool.
  • Use standard creamy peanut butter for the best texture in this easy baking recipe.
  • If you prefer a slightly firmer cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling.

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