Next, scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. I usually find that a cookie scoop works wonders for this. Once you’ve formed your balls, roll them in the sugar to coat them. This step adds a lovely crackly texture to the cookies when they bake. Place them on a lined baking sheet, keeping some space between each one because they do spread out a bit while baking.
Now comes the best part—bake them! I pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. The smell while they bake is heavenly; it’s truly one of the best parts of baking. Keep an eye on them; once they’re slightly golden on the edges but still soft in the middle, they’re ready to come out. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
When they’re fully cooled, you’re ready to enjoy these delicious cookies. I love how they have a soft texture with just a bit of chewiness, making every bite so satisfying. And if you add chocolate chips, they melt into gooey pockets of goodness—just divine!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to see if I could perfect it. One time, I used the chocolate cake mix instead of yellow, and oh my goodness! The chocolate and peanut butter combo was to die for. So if you’re a chocolate lover like me, don’t hesitate to go that route!
Also, if you want to add a little flair, consider mixing in some chopped peanuts or chocolate chips into the dough before you scoop it. I find that varying the textures always elevates the cookie experience. Plus, it adds a little extra crunch!
Lastly, make sure not to overbake them! The secret to the perfect peanut butter cookie is that they should still look a little soft when you take them out of the oven. They firm up as they cool, and you want that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made the first time I tried this recipe was not measuring the cake mix accurately. I thought it would be fine to just eyeball it, but it resulted in cookies that were too dry. So definitely use a measuring cup for accuracy! (See the next page below to continue…)