Perfectly Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- ¼ c48 g] vegetable shortening
such as crisco
- ¾ c169 g] unsalted butter
melted
- 1 ½ c300 g] packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsppure vanilla extract
- 2 largeeggs
cold
- 1 c255 g] smooth peanut butter like jif or skippy
not all-natural
- 1 tspbaking soda
- ¼ tspbaking powder
- ¾ tspfine salt
- 2 ⅓ c325 g] all-purpose flour
- 1 c200 g] granulated sugar for rolling
- flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Directions
- 1
Heat the oven to 375F [190C]. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
Place the shortening in a large bowl. Pour the melted butter over the top and whisk until the shortening melts (if there are still a few little solid bits of shortening, don’t worry). Whisk in the brown sugar and vanilla, and then the eggs, one at a time, and, finally, the peanut butter. Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl, one at a time, vigorously whisking after each addition. Gently fold in the flour with a flexible spatula, just until the last streak disappears.
- 3
Pour the granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Portion the (very soft and sticky) dough using a ¼ cup portion scoop or measuring cup and nudge each ball of dough around in the sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheets. You should be able to fit about 6 per sheet. Sprinkle with the flaky sea salt and bake cookies one sheet at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking, until the tops are puffed and crinkly and the cookies are just beginning to brown around the edges.
- 4
Once removed from the oven, gently press each cookie with a spatula to flatten. Repeat the with remaining dough. Let the cookies cool to room temperature before eating (or don’t…). Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Perfectly Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
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About this Recipe
Craving that perfect, bakery-style peanut butter cookie with just the right amount of chew? These Perfectly Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies deliver irresistible flavor and texture right from your home kitchen. You'll love how straightforward it is to achieve such a professional-tasting treat.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to these exceptional peanut butter cookies lies in a thoughtful combination of ingredients and specific preparation. Using both vegetable shortening and melted unsalted butter creates a unique texture—think crisp edges that yield to a beautifully tender and chewy center. The careful balance of light brown sugar ensures a rich, deep sweetness, while a smooth, non-natural peanut butter like Jif or Skippy is essential for that classic, robust peanut flavor without separation.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly satisfying cookie experience. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of intense peanut butter flavor, a delightful chewiness, and those coveted crisp edges. The dough bakes up into generously sized cookies that are substantial yet never heavy. Finishing them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the taste, creating a perfect sweet-and-savory contrast that makes these cookies utterly addictive. They're surprisingly quick and easy to make, making them an ideal choice for last-minute cravings or an impressive homemade gift.
Customization & Variations
While these cookies are designed for perfection, you can subtly customize them. The recipe includes granulated sugar for rolling, which contributes to their signature texture and appearance. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adjusting the amount of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top to your preference, or even experiment with different types of coarse sea salt to highlight the rich peanut butter taste.
Serving & Context
These peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. They pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate dessert experience. Share them with friends and family, or simply enjoy them as a comforting indulgence.