CRISS-CROSS PEANUT

BUTTER COOKIES

Homemade peanut butter cookies are best when they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To accomplish this, the cookies shouldn't be cooked longer than 8 minutes. If you choose to use a natural peanut butter, the cookies will be less sweet.

    1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
    1/2 cup butter
    1/2 cup granulated sugar
    1/2 cup dark brown sugar
    1 large egg
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    3/4 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 . Set out a nonstick baking sheet.

2.  In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream peanut butter and
     butter. Beat in granulated and brown sugar, then egg and
     vanilla. Measure the flour, baking soda and baking powder
     into egg mixture. Beat on low speed to form a soft dough.

3.  Roll heaping tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Press onto
     baking sheet with palm. Use a fork dipped in flour to press          
     lightly into dough, turn fork 90 and press again forming a
     criss-cross pattern. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes.

     Makes 30 cookies