Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepping the baking sheet ensures an easy release of the cookies once they are baked to perfection.
-
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as creaming helps to incorporate air, which gives the cookies a wonderful texture.
-
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients together while the vanilla adds a lovely warmth to the flavor profile.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle here.
-
Fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups if using. These delicious morsels create heavenly pockets of melted chocolate and peanut butter.
-
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
-
Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a crisscross pattern. This iconic pattern not only adds visual appeal but also helps create a better texture.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven, so don’t overbake.
-
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to avoid breakage and allow them to set properly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Continue reading on the next page 👇👇