Chicago Deep Dish Sugar Cookies

Chicago Deep Dish Sugar Cookies are a delightful take on the classic sugar cookie, inspired by the iconic deep-dish pizza style that Chicago is famous for. These cookies offer a chewy, sweet taste with a buttery flavor, baked in a deep dish to create a thick, satisfying treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are sure to be a favorite among family and friends.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup packed |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond extract | ½ teaspoon |
| Sprinkles (optional) | as desired |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a deep dish pan (about 9 inches) with butter or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow by incorporating the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If you desire, gently fold in sprinkles to the dough for added color and fun.
- Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared deep dish pan, spreading it evenly to fill the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the deep dish sugar cookie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out using the edges of the parchment paper (if used) or turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice into wedges or squares and serve. Enjoy your Chicago Deep Dish Sugar Cookies warm or at room temperature!
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Giardiniera Biscotti

Giardiniera Biscotti are a unique and savory twist on the traditional Italian biscotti, inspired by the renowned Chicago-style giardiniera – a pickled vegetable relish. These crunchy, double-baked cookies incorporate the flavor of giardiniera, making them a perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or as a standalone snack. With a delightful blend of spices and a satisfying crunch, Giardiniera Biscotti are an intriguing addition to any holiday spread.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Giardiniera (drained and chopped) | 1 cup |
| Pecans or walnuts (chopped) | ½ cup (optional) |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the giardiniera, chopped nuts (if using), and red pepper flakes (if desired), guaranteeing that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches wide and 12 inches long. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Remove the logs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Once cooled, using a sharp knife, slice each log diagonally into ½ inch thick slices.
- Return the biscotti to the baking sheet, placing them cut side down. Bake again for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to guarantee even crisping.
- After the second bake, remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Serve your Giardiniera Biscotti as a savory snack or alongside your favorite dips and soups. Enjoy!
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Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies

Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies are a decadent twist on the classic cookie, designed to be thick, chewy, and bursting with chocolate flavor. This recipe transforms the beloved chocolate chip cookie into a deep dish format, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or any special occasion. With their gooey centers and crispy edges, these cookies are bound to become a favorite.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Brown sugar, packed | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 2 cups |
| Milk chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Nuts (optional) | ½ cup (chopped) |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a deep dish pizza pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the semisweet and milk chocolate chips, along with the nuts if you’re using them. Confirm that everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Pour the cookie dough into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center has set but is still soft.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan before slicing into wedges or squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
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Italian Beef Medley Cookies

Italian Beef Medley Cookies are a playful and unique treat that beautifully combines savory and sweet flavors. These cookies borrow inspiration from the iconic Italian beef sandwich, featuring spices and flavors that are reminiscent of the hearty dish, creating an exciting dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or a fun twist on traditional cookie recipes.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Brown sugar, packed | ¾ cup |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground beef, cooked and drained | 1 cup |
| Beef broth (reduced) | ¼ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Blend just until combined; do not overmix.
- Mix in Beef and Broth: Fold in the cooked ground beef and the reduced beef broth, making sure that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still appear soft; they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a touch of freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these inventive cookies warm or at room temperature. They make for a delightful conversation starter at any gathering!
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Windy City Oatmeal Raisin Delights

| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | 2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Brown sugar, packed | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Chopped walnuts (optional) | ½ cup |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to help prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and light, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and blend again until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the oat mixture to the wet mixture, mixing slowly on low speed. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Add Raisins and Walnuts: Fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts (if using) evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
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Chicago-Style Pepperoni Pizza Cookies

Chicago-Style Pepperoni Pizza Cookies are a unique twist on traditional cookies, presenting a delightful blend of savory and sweet. These cookies capture the essence of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza, offering a fun and unexpected snack that combines the flavors of pepperoni, cheese, and a hint of Italian seasonings all baked into a chewy cookie format. Perfect for football game days or festive gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | ¾ cup |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Grated mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Mini pepperoni slices | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg to the butter mixture, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Stir in Cheese and Pepperoni: Gently fold in the grated mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni slices, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these savory snacks warm or at room temperature!
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Deep Dish Caramel Pecan Bars

Deep Dish Caramel Pecan Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert that perfectly blend the flavors of buttery shortbread, sweet caramel, and crunchy pecans. These bars are reminiscent of a classic deep-dish dessert, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes that make them an irresistible treat for the holiday season or any special occasion. They are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | ¾ cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
| Caramel sauce | 1 cup |
| Chocolate chips (optional) | ½ cup |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This guarantees even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently. Mix until just combined—do not overmix as this can lead to dense bars.
- Fold in Pecans and Chocolate (if using): Gently fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips (if using) into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the batter. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the caramel into the batter for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper (if lined) or cut right in the pan into squares or rectangles.
- Serve: Serve the bars warm or at room temperature. They make a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table! Enjoy your Deep Dish Caramel Pecan Bars!
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Layered Cheesecake Cookies

Layered Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, chewy cookies filled with creamy cheesecake. These cookies bring a unique twist to traditional holiday treats, featuring a rich cheesecake layer nestled between two cookie layers. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, they are sure to impress with their delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Brown sugar, packed | ¾ cup |
| Chocolate chips (optional) | ½ cup |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Form Cookie Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, take a small amount of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, then wrap the cookie dough around the filling. Roll it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Optional Chocolate Chips: If you are using chocolate chips, gently press a few into the tops of each cookie ball for added decoration.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. The centers may appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Layered Cheesecake Cookies with family and friends during the holiday season!
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Hot Giardiniera Holiday Treats

Hot Giardiniera Holiday Treats are a savory twist on traditional holiday snacks, bringing a zesty, flavorful kick to your festive gatherings. These treats feature a combination of cream cheese and hot giardiniera, spread on crispy bread or crackers, making for a delicious appetizer that balances richness with a spicy crunch. Perfect for holiday parties, they are sure to be a hit among guests looking for something different from the usual sweets.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Hot giardiniera | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Bread or crackers | 1 loaf or 1 box |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) | To taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: If you plan to toast the bread, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, hot giardiniera, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend the ingredients until they are smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Bread or Crackers: If using bread, slice it into thin pieces, about ½ inch thick. Lay the slices on a baking sheet. If using crackers, arrange them neatly on a serving platter.
- Spread the Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese and giardiniera mixture onto each slice of bread or cracker, ensuring they are generously coated.
- Toast the Bread (optional): If you are using bread and want a crispy texture, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the mixture is bubbly.
- Garnish: Once the bread (if toasted) has cooled slightly, or if using crackers, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the hot giardiniera holiday treats on a serving platter, and enjoy them warm or at room temperature. These treats are perfect for sharing at any holiday event!
Feel free to adjust the amount of giardiniera based on your spice preference to make the dish suit your taste!
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Chocolate Layered Cookie Bars

Chocolate Layered Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cookie dough in a convenient, easy-to-cut form. These delicious bars consist of a buttery cookie base, a luscious layer of chocolate, and a chewy cookie top, making them a perfect dessert for any festive occasion or family gathering.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 ½ cups |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare Half of the Dough: Take about half of the cookie dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a flat base layer.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the cookie dough layer in the pan.
- Add the Remaining Dough: Take the remaining cookie dough and drop it by spoonfuls over the chocolate chips, carefully spreading it out to cover as much of the chocolate layer as possible. It doesn’t have to be perfect, as it will spread while baking.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine for a chewy texture).
- Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled, lift the cookie bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) or cut directly in the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles, serve, and enjoy these rich and delicious chocolate layered cookie bars at your next gathering!
Feel free to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week!
Prairie State Peanut Butter Cookies

Prairie State Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that brings together the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a soft, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an everyday snack, these cookies are easy to make and sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | ½ cup |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in Peanut Butter and Eggs: Add the creamy peanut butter and blend until well combined. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated into the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop once you see no more dry flour.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, take spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten and Create Patterns: To create the classic crisscross pattern, use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball. Press the fork into the cookie to make a crosshatch design, dipping the fork in flour if it becomes sticky.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked, which is normal as they will continue to set while cooling.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After cooling, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Prairie State Peanut Butter Cookies with a glass of milk or as a sweet snack on their own!

