How do you make peanut butter cookies without baking soda and brown sugar?

You can absolutely make peanut butter cookies without baking soda and brown sugar! Here's how:

Basic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe (No Baking Soda, No Brown Sugar):

Ingredients:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 1 cup granulated sugar

* 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

* 1 large egg

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla: Beat in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.

6. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Shape and bake cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each cookie. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.

8. Bake until set: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

9. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

* For a richer flavor, use natural peanut butter.

* For a crispier cookie, bake for a few extra minutes.

* Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.

* You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.

Why you can skip baking soda and brown sugar:

* Baking soda: The lack of baking soda means the cookies won't rise as much. This will give them a denser, chewier texture.

* Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor. You can achieve a slightly caramelized taste by using granulated sugar and adding a touch of molasses (about 1/4 teaspoon).

Enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies!