Peanut Butter Cookies with Shortening Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Soft and Chewy Treats

If you're on the hunt for the perfect peanut butter cookies with shortening recipe, look no further! This comprehensive guide will not only provide you with……

If you're on the hunt for the perfect peanut butter cookies with shortening recipe, look no further! This comprehensive guide will not only provide you with a tried-and-true recipe but also delve into the techniques and tips that ensure your cookies come out irresistibly soft and chewy every single time.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To get started with this peanut butter cookies with shortening recipe, gather the following ingredients:

- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter

- 1 cup of shortening (you can use butter-flavored shortening for an extra layer of flavor)

- 1 cup of granulated sugar

- 1 cup of brown sugar, packed

- 2 large eggs

- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda

- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.

#### 2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.

#### 3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and moisture, while the vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor.

#### 4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

#### 5. Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the top. This step is not only traditional but also ensures even baking.

#### 6. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The centers should still look slightly underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

#### 7. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

### Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

1. **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for optimal leavening.

2. **Don't Overbake**: The key to soft and chewy cookies is to bake them until they are just set. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.

3. **Chill the Dough**: If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.

4. **Experiment with Mix-Ins**: For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.

### Why Use Shortening?

Using shortening in this peanut butter cookies with shortening recipe ensures that your cookies remain soft and tender. Shortening has a higher melting point than butter, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking. Additionally, shortening contributes to a lighter, airier texture.

### Conclusion

This peanut butter cookies with shortening recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and cookies. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create cookies that are perfectly soft, chewy, and full of rich peanut butter flavor. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Happy baking!