Peanutbutter Cookies

www.peanutbutterboy.com

These peanut butter cookies are perfect for summer. They are super fast and easy to make on hot summer days.

2½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup crunchy peanut butter (not natural)

1 cup light brown sugar

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1½ cups chopped salted peanuts

To Finish:

½ cup granulated sugar, for rolling

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.

3. With an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for two minutes, until smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter and beat for another minute or so until combined and creamy. Add the light brown and granulated sugar and beat for an additional 3 minutes, until light and fluffy, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for about a minute after each addition, again scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Reduce the speed to low and add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing only until just combined. Mix in the chopped peanuts for about seconds.

4. Put the additional ½ cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Using a large cookie scoop (or about 3 tablespoons full of dough), scoop out the dough and roll into a ball. Drop the balls of dough into the sugar and roll around to coat, them place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Dip the tines of a fork in the sugar and press the tines against each ball in one direction, and then in a perpendicular directions - the balls of dough should now be flattened rounds with crisscross indentations.

5. Bake the cookies for about 10 to 11 minutes, until they are lightly browned and still a little soft. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. (If you are re-using baking sheets, be sure to cool the baking sheets between batches.) Cool to room temperature. The cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

These peanut butter cookies are great for any occasion, like barbecues, parties, or even just for fun.