Recipe

Peanut Butter Cookies

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Peanut Butter Cookies

Photo by James Ransom

  • Chef

    merrill's Notes: My mother used to make these cookies regularly when I was growing up, and they continue to be the standard to which I compare all other peanut butter cookies. This recipe is adapted from one...

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Makes about 4 dozen cookies

  1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand blender, cream together the butter and peanut butter. Beat in the two sugars until light, about 3 minutes.

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  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl once to make sure they're evenly incorporated. Add the salt, baking soda and flour and beat just until combined.

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  3. Give the dough one last fold with a spatula. You can chill the dough and then roll it into balls (about 3/4-inch in diameter), or arrange heaping teaspoonfuls of the soft dough directly on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Use the back of a fork dipped in flour to gently flatten each cookie and make a crosshatch pattern

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  4. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, until lightly golden and just firm around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a baking rack to cool completely. These will keep in an airtight container for several days, but they are best while fresh!

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20 Comments on Peanut Butter Cookies

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Not sure if it hasn't been mentioned but, replace with Nutella and add Peanut Butter chips.
You know the results!!!!

Reply

perfect recipe. Perfect cookie. little chocolate piece in a couple was nice at the end. Thank you for the recipe.

Me Reply

Test #2 from Li

Me Reply

Test from Li

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Baked the recipe exactly as written, 2 more times since also. Such a wonderful cookie. Closed my eyes and breathed in the aroma as they were baking and felt like a kid again in the kitchen with my Mom, thank you. I've searched and tried many other recipes , this one was perfect. Just the right mix. Very glad I found the Food 52 site..........

Ev_and_ella5 Reply

Probably the best peanut butter cookie recipe I've ever tried. This one is a keeper! I loved the crispy ends.

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My quest for a great peanut butter cookie recipe finally ended!

Made a batch yesterday and the cookies came out just perfect; crunchy and delicious. Thank you, Merril.

Img_1337_2 Reply

You're very welcome. So glad you liked them!

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These cookies are fantastic. I chilled the dough for about 2 hours and it was a breeze shaping and flattening them. Really delicious! Will have to make a double batch next timr.

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I mailed these to my son in Afghanistan, and just wanted to let you know they've gotten the Marine Corps seal of approval! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Img_1337_2 Reply

Wow, that's quite something!

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I'm tasting mine right now as I type this... perfect right out of the oven.

Mrs Reply

Yum! Sconegirl and I made these last night. We added 3/4 cup Heath Bar bits, 3/4 cup choco chips, and 3/4 cup crushed pretzels. Super easy and delicious recipe. Thanks, Merrill!

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I make these and do a loose crosshatch "drizzle" of melted 72% cacao chocolate (Ghirardelli, my favorite!) on top after taking them out of the oven, then put them in the fridge for a short time until the chocolate cools.

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So, do you mean the supermarket peanut butter, like Skippy, Jif...and not the natural peanut butters made from JUST peanuts?

Img_1337_2 Reply

Those would work, yes. There are also "natural" peanut butters that are smooth and creamy and have a little sugar or honey in them -- I would just avoid something with too much texture and no added sweetener.

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My mom, a couple of friends and I are getting together before Christmas to do a big holiday cookie and lemon bar bake -- I will definitely be trying this recipe (we have always used the one from an old, old edition of Betty Crocker's cooky book), probably a double or triple batch!

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Merrill, I want to make these NOW. Will report back.

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Another winner!

Oldies_joemare_bd Reply

I have to try these, every peanut butter cookie recipe I have made uses shortening, love the butter in these they look gorgeous!

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