Betty Crocker's Peanut Butter Cookies

This is my favorite Peanut Butter Cookie recipe.  I've tried many but this is the one I always come back to.

1/2 cup shortening (can use half butter or margarine, softened or can use all softened margarine)
1/2 cup peanut butter (I prefer smooth and creamy)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 egg
*1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
*3/4 teaspoon soda
*1/2 teaspoon baking powder
*1/4 teaspoon salt

* If using self-rising flour, omit soda, baking powder and salt.

Mix thoroughly shortening, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and egg.  Blend in flour, soda, baking powder and salt.  Cover and chill.

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls.  Place 3 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet.  With fork dipped in flour, flatten in crisscross pattern to 2 inches.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not hard.  (I sometimes dip my fork into granulated sugar instead of the flour.  It makes the cookies shine even after they are baked).

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.  I always double this recipe because they don't last long.

Instead of having a plain peanut butter cookie, I sometimes place a Hershey's Kiss on the top of the cookies or stir in chocolate chips or plain M & M's into the cookie dough.  It makes them taste more like a Reese's Peanut Butter cup.