March 07, 2008

The Best Peanut Butter Cookies

These big cookies are a bit more work than regular peanut butter cookies, but the fabulous flavor that results from the generous use of brown sugar, vanilla, and roasted peanuts makes it all worthwhile. My husband likes these so much that he won't let me make any other type of peanut butter cookie!

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup Jif extra-crunchy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup roasted salted peanuts, ground in food processor to resemble bread crumbs

Adjust oven racks to upper- and lower-middle positions and preheat oven to 350. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer until creamy. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar; beat until fluffy (about 3 minutes), scraping down bowl as necessary. Beat in peanut butter until fully incorporated, then the eggs (one a time), and then the vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir into wet mixture. Add peanuts and stir gently until just incorporated.

Working with generous 2 tablespoonfuls at a time, roll dough into 2-inch balls. Place on cookie sheets, leaving 2-1/2 inches between balls. Press each dough ball twice with a dinner fork dipped in cold water to make a crisscross design. Bake, reversing position of cookie sheets (top to bottom, front to back) halfway through baking time, until cookies are puffed and slightly brown along edges but not on top, 9 to 12 minutes. (Cookies will not look fully baked.)

Cool on cookies sheets until set, about 4 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack with a wide spatula to cool completely.

Makes 3 dozen.

From America's Test Kitchen

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