Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these classic cookies:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Timing

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 6- Shape the cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.

Step 7- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips for Baking Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

1- Don’t overmix the dough. Once the dry ingredients are combined, stop mixing to keep the cookies soft.

2- Watch the oven closely: Peanut butter cookies can overbake easily. They might look underdone when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.

3- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth, creamy dough.

How to Achieve the Perfect Peanut Butter Flavor

• High-quality peanut butter is key. You can use smooth for a more classic texture or crunchy if you like extra texture.
• If you love a stronger peanut butter taste, feel free to increase the peanut butter to 1 1/4 cups, but reduce the butter slightly.

Peanut Butter Cookie Variations: Crunchy, Chocolate, and More

1- Crunchy version: Use chunky peanut butter or add chopped peanuts to the dough.

2- Chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips to the dough, or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the baked cookies.

3- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie right after they come out of the oven.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookie Options

• Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.

How to Store and Keep Your Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Peanut Butter Cookies

1- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they can go from perfect to too crispy in just a minute.

2- Not flattening the dough: Peanut butter cookies won’t spread much in the oven, so make sure you flatten them before baking.

3- Using cold butter: This will lead to dense cookies. Always use room temperature butter for the best results.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Peanut Butter Cookies

Pair these cookies with a glass of milk, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. You can even use them to make ice cream sandwiches—just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.

Can You Freeze Peanut Butter Cookies? Tips for Freezing and Reheating

Yes, you can. Once baked, let them cool completely before storing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes, or enjoy them as-is.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter Cookies: Are They a Guilt-Free Treat?

While these cookies are a sweet treat, peanut butter does offer some health benefits. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins like E and B6. Of course, moderation is key.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (one cookie) contains approximately:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 8g

Conclusion

There’s something so comforting about a warm, homemade peanut butter cookie. Whether you’re a long-time fan or trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. I encourage you to give it a try and experiment with the variations that suit your taste.