Peanut Cookies

For even baking, place the tray in the middle of the oven and swap the two trays halfway through the time if baking on two sheets.

Use unsalted peanuts or reduce the amount of salt in the dough if using salted peanuts.

The butter should be at room temperature so it combines faster and becomes nicely airy.

The longer you beat, the smoother the surface of the cookies will become.

Mix only until no dry flour is visible so the cookies remain tender.

For more flavor, briefly toast the peanuts in a dry pan beforehand and let them cool.

For evenly sized cookies, try to portion the teaspoonfuls as uniformly as possible.

The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges; the centers may still feel slightly soft.

Suitable decorations include melted chocolate, icing, or extra chopped peanuts.