Description
Alton Brown’s classic peanut butter cookie recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that delight cookie enthusiasts. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and rich peanut butter make these cookies an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) smooth peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- ⅔ cup (133 g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup plus 1 ½ tbsps (125 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven racks in upper and lower center positions. Preheat to 350°F. Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Mixing Base: Combine peanut butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large bowl. Press and smear mixture against bowl sides, ensuring thorough integration using a wooden spoon.
- Incorporating Ingredients: Fold in egg, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until uniformly distributed. Note: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight.
- Portioning and Shaping: Create 16 uniform dough balls using a measuring tool. Distribute 8 rounds on each prepared baking sheet. Roll each ball between palms for a smooth finish.
- Patterning Cookies: Use a fork to create classic cross-hatch patterns, gently pressing and swiping. Rotate fork 90 degrees to form perfect grid-like impressions. Each cookie should spread to approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Baking Process: Place in preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, rotating baking sheets between racks at the 5-minute mark to ensure even browning. Cookies are ready when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
- Cooling and Serving: Transfer baking sheets to wire cooling racks. Allow cookies to rest and firm up for at least 10 minutes before transferring or enjoying.
Notes
- Prep Ahead Strategy: Make dough one day in advance and refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap for enhanced flavor development and convenient baking.
- Precision Matters: Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon measuring tool to create uniform cookie sizes, ensuring consistent baking and professional-looking results.
- Mixing Technique: Press and smear peanut butter and sugars against bowl sides to guarantee complete ingredient integration and smoother dough texture.
- Baking Pro Tip: Rotate baking sheets between oven racks midway through cooking to achieve perfectly even golden-brown edges and soft, tender centers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg