Mrs. Sigg's Peanut Butter Cookies

Makes 3 dozen

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cream the butter, butter flavored shortening, and sugars. Add eggs and blend. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and stir until well blended.

2. Measure out tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls. Place 3 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Make criss-cross pattern with fork.

3. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) 8-10 minutes until set, but not hard. Do not over bake. Leave on sheets for 2 minutes before removing. Cool, and store in covered container.

*Jeff doesn't appreciate the rich, flavorful taste of peanut butter.  Yum.  So when Jeff has to work late, we indulge in a little extra peanutty treat!  Maybe it is vindictive, but at least it is sweet!  I gave Jacob one of theses delights when he came home from preschool and I got an unsolicited, "I really love you, Mom!"  I've made these with crunchy or creamy peanut butter.  Both work beautifully, you decide whether or not you want little nuts in your cookies.  Rather than grease the cookie sheets, I just use parchment paper.

*Ever wonder what happens when you forget to use the fork to flatten the cookies?  I tried it on the last batch (no, not on purpose).  The only reason I blog about it is to report that Jeff liked them that way!  Score one for peanut butter!