Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! Weāre diving into a warm, nostalgic treat thatās as comforting as a hug on a chilly day: peanut butter cookies. These delightful cookies are not only a classic, but they also have the magic power of turning any moment into a sweet memory. Whether youāre a seasoned baker or just stepping into the kitchen with a little curiosity, this recipe is here to guide you on your journey to cookie bliss. Trust me, you’re going to want to stick around for this one!
Why Make This Recipe
Why make these peanut butter cookies, you ask? Well, let me tell you why they deserve a special place in your baking repertoire. First of all, theyāre straightforward, no fancy techniques or obscure ingredients needed. Just pure, simple, and satisfying cookie goodness. Peanut butter cookies are also incredibly versatile! You can make them chewy or crispy, add chocolate chips or nuts, or leave them plain and perfect as they are. Plus, there’s something wonderfully therapeutic about the act of mixing that creamy peanut butter with sugar and eggs, letting your creativity flow with every fold.
Letās not forget about the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. It’s like a warm hug inviting everyone to gather around for a little taste of happiness. And if youāre like me, youāll know that baking isnāt just about what you create; itās about the joy it brings. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your apron, and letās make something delightful together!
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Ready to create your own batch of these peanut butter cookies? Follow along with me, and I promise weāll whip up something thatāll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). This step is vital to get that perfect bake later on!
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer and mix until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to ensure your cookies have the right texture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining them until well-mixed. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, now is the time to fold in those chocolate chips or nuts!
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create that iconic crisscross pattern. This gives them that classic peanut butter cookie look and helps them bake evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them, you want that perfect balance of chewy and slightly crispy.
- Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it, a simple recipe for peanut butter cookies thatās just waiting for you to dig in!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies
Whether you serve them warm right out of the oven or let them cool completely, these cookies shine no matter how you choose to present them. For a cozy treat, pair them with a tall glass of milk or a cup of your favorite tea. They also make for delightful gifts when packed into a cute tin or a pretty jar. Donāt be surprised when you become the person everyone asks for cookie advice from, thatās just the magic of these sweets!
How to Store Peanut Butter Cookies
Now, letās talk about keeping these cookies fresh! To store your peanut butter cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Theyāll last for about a week, if you can resist eating them all! For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and theyāll be ready for a sweet escape whenever you crave a taste of nostalgia.
Tips to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
- Choose Your Peanut Butter Wisely: Natural peanut butter may require a bit more flour for the right consistency, whereas creamy commercial peanut butter works beautifully.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer sturdier cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them retain their shape.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Donāt hesitate to try different flavor combinations. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can elevate the flavors, or a dash of cinnamon can add warmth!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in half a cup of chocolate chips or chunks for a redefining peanut butter chocolate experience.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a crunchy texture.
- Flavored Peanut Butter: Use flavored peanut butters, like honey or cinnamon, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a delightful texture and an extra peanutty flavor.
2. What can I use instead of sugar?
If you want to experiment, try using coconut sugar or brown sugar as alternatives. You may need to adjust the flour amount slightly, depending on moisture content.
3. How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for the edges to be golden brown while the centers appear slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheet.
So there you go! With this straightforward recipe rooted in love and nostalgia, you are well on your way to baking the perfect peanut butter cookies. Happy baking, my friend! š
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and nostalgic peanut butter cookies that are easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
<liGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Pair with milk or tea. These cookies also make delightful gifts when packed nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg