Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy conventional peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together thoroughly, then line two baking sheets with parchment for even release.
2. Step 2.Beat softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until lighter, creamy, and fully blended.
3. Step 3.Beat in the egg and vanilla just until smooth, scraping the bowl so no streaks of butter or peanut butter remain near the bottom.
4. Step 4.Add the dry ingredients and mix on low only until the last flour disappears; overmixing at this stage can make the cookies tough.
5. Step 5.Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes so it firms enough to hold the fork pattern and spread at a controlled rate in the oven.
6. Step 6.Heat the oven to 350°F, roll dough into 1 1/2-tablespoon balls, coat lightly in sugar, and space them 2 inches apart on the sheets.
7. Step 7.Flatten each ball gently with a fork in two perpendicular directions, creating a clear crosshatch without pressing the cookie paper-thin.
8. Step 8.Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden while centers remain soft, then cool 5 minutes before moving to racks.