Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the peanut butter, shortening, and vanilla. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and mix until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, and continue mixing until well combined. Add the dry ingredients, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until the dough is firm.

4. Use a tablespoon to make 1-inch balls of dough and set them 3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using a fork, press down on each cookie twice, making a crisscross pattern on top of the cookie.

5. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 10 - 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Source: The Peanut Butter & Co. Cookbook