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Classic Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Bite into pure peanut butter heaven! These classic soft cookies stay tender for days with crispy edges and cloud-soft centers. Ready in 30 minutes with 6 simple ingredients. Save for your next cookie craving! 🥜
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, about 1 minute.
  3. Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, forming balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball between your palms until smooth.
  4. Roll each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar, coating all sides generously.
  5. Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using a fork dipped in sugar, gently press down on each ball to create a crisscross pattern, flattening to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers still look soft and slightly underdone. The cookies will appear puffy and may have small cracks on top.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes — this is crucial for the soft texture. The centers will sink slightly and firm up during this time.
  8. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. They'll continue to set as they cool, achieving that perfect soft-yet-structured texture.