Baking Project #5: Peanut Butter Cookies

 Oh it's Christmas time already! 

Here in the Philippines, we celebrate the Christmas season the longest. We start hanging lanterns and wreaths and putting up the Christmas tree as soon as the first of September steps in. This  morning while I was watching a morning show, I could already hear them play Jingle Bells and on my way to work,  Christmas songs were popping from radio shows.

Despite the preparations that we put on so much effort, I, however don't have a  long list of gifts to buy. Instead, I spend a day in our kitchen baking cupcakes and cookies to be wrapped and given the next day. I don't spend that much. I really feel the act of giving when I make them on my own. I wish I can draw and make my own cards but I am not talented in that department. But baking has become a hobby and I love doing it, so cookies and cupcakes from our home have become a tradition.

Last year, I made boxes and boxes of peanut butter cookies. Julius loved them and became his favorite. Last Sunday, it was just Julian and I at home. If Julius had been there, we would be on our way to UP and Julian would be running around the park. Sadly, he wasn't there and we missed him. I then decided to make peanut butter cookies. 

They were really good. I ate about 5 pieces before I remember to give some to our neighbors. Oops, sorry! Julian is at his picky stage but that wasn't the case when he tasted it. I fed him with the cookies all afternoon.

RECIPE                                                                                                                                                    

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 175 deg Celsius. Grease or line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
3. Using a handheld mixer (don't use a stand mixer to avoid overmixing), beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add peanut butter and beat just until blended. Add egg and vanilla and beat again just until blended. Gradually add flour mixture and beat just until blended.
4. Using a cookie scoop or or your measuring spoon, place tablespoon-sized balls dough into prepared pans, 2 inches apart. Using a fork, make a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie, Be careful not to over-flatten the cookie. Bake cookies, one pan at a time for 12-14 minutes or until lightly brown. Allow to cook in baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

P.S.  You may also try Red Velvet Cupcakes


Recipe Source: Bake or Break