What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft?

The secret is using enough peanut butter and egg to add moisture. Chilling the dough also helps keep them soft.

Why do they put fork marks in peanut butter cookies?

Fork marks help flatten the cookies evenly , ensuring they bake uniformly and give them their signature texture.

If they’re not chewy, try reducing baking time or adding more peanut butter or egg to the dough for extra moisture.

Cookies get hard if overbaked. Reduce baking time and remove the cookies when the edges are golden but the center is soft.

Scale

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky),

1 cup sugar (granulated),

1 egg,

1 tsp vanilla extract.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use a fork to press down on each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

You can adjust the sugar to your taste or try using a sugar substitute for a healthier version.

If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake the cookies.

For added texture, you can use chunky peanut butter.