I had called my mom last year around this time because I couldn’t remember what the name of the cookies are with the chocolate stars in the middle. My dad answered the phone and had quite the chuckle when he said, “Well, they’re called star cookies, of course!” I was like, “No way, that’s too simple. There’s gotta be another name.” Later my mom called to confirm that Dad was right; they are, quite simply, star cookies.

This is what you need:

• 2-1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter (room temp)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup sugar to coat dough

This is how you make it:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. Beat together the butter, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla until well blended.
4. Slowly add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Form dough into 1″ balls and roll in 3/4 cup sugar to coat. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 9 minutes. Remove from the oven and quickly press one chocolate star into the center of each cookie. You can leave the cookies on the sheet for a few minutes to cool, but don’t leave them on too long as they will continue baking and the bottoms will burn. Place on a wire rack or towel to cool.