1-Gathering Your Tools and Ingredients: Before diving in, make sure you have all your ingredients measured out this makes baking peanut butter cookies a breeze! Start by pulling together a mixing bowl, a whisk, an electric mixer, baking sheets, and parchment paper. This prep step sets you up for success and keeps things fun and stress-free.

2-First Step: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 and 1/3 cups (170g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined. This creates a solid base that ensures your peanut butter cookies have the right texture set it aside for now!

3-Second Step: In a large bowl, beat the 1/2 cup (113g) softened unsalted butter on high speed for about 1 minute until it’s creamy and smooth. This step is crucial for that light, airy dough you’ll love in peanut butter cookies.

4-Third Step: Add the 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar to the butter mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until everything is fully creamed together, giving your cookies that perfect sweetness.

5-Fourth Step: Beat in the 1 large egg for about 1 minute, scraping down the sides Dates of thebowl to ensure it’s evenly mixed. Then, add the 3/4 cup (185g) creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, beating until combined for that rich, nutty flavor in your peanut butter cookies.

6-Fifth Step: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft and creamy don’t overmix! Cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours; here’s why: chilling is key to prevent spreading and achieve those thick, soft peanut butter cookies you want.

7-Sixth Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, place the remaining 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar. Roll the chilled dough into balls, about 1 scant tablespoon or 18g each, then roll them in the sugar and space them 2 inches apart on the sheets.

8-Seventh Step: Use a fork to press a criss-cross pattern on top of each ball, then gently reshape them into thicker discs to avoid over-spreading. Pop them in the oven and bake for 11-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft this timing keeps your peanut butter cookies wonderfully chewy.

9-Eighth Step: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For dietary tweaks, if you’re making it gluten-free, ensure your flour swap is in place before mixing. Voila, you’ve got a batch of 32 delicious peanut butter cookies ready to enjoy, with a total time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes!