Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Over the many years that Ramon and I have been together, we have formed little traditions, which I treasure, no matter how simple, because they are our own. 

One of these traditions is that, every year at Christmas time, and only at Christmas time, we make these cookies. Their ingredients are so simple, and the result so delicious, especially with a tall glass of cold milk. 

When we have finished eating the entire batch (which doesn't take long), I always want to make a second, but never do. Because part of the tradition is that we only have these once a year, which makes them very special.

Here is the recipe, based on one from the ever wonderful Betty Crocker. I hope you will enjoy them as much as we do!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Pre-heat oven to 375°F or 190°C

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup softened butter

1 egg

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

granulated sugar for rolling

chocolate candies, chunks, or pieces for the middle

Stir the sugars, the peanut butter, the softened butter, and the egg in a standing mixer.

Stir in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the vanilla and mix.

Form small balls of dough; roll in the granulated sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookies sheets. No need to press them; they will spread on their own.

Bake for about 8 minutes, being careful not to let them get brown, so that they stay chewy.

Immediately after removing then from the oven, press one chocolate firmly into the center of each cookie. 

Cool on a wire rack.

xoxo