Indulge in the deliciousness of these classic peanut butter cookies. A perfect blend of sweet and salty, these cookies boast a delightful crunch and a rich, peanut butter flavor. Easy to make, they are an ideal treat for any occasion, satisfying the sweet tooth of kids and adults alike.
Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are commonly found in households, such as all-purpose flour, baking powder and soda, cornstarch, salt, butter, granulated sugar, and eggs. However, you might need to get peanut butter from the supermarket if not readily available at home. Also, while the recipe calls for light brown sugar, dark brown sugar can be a suitable substitute if you prefer a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies
All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the cookies.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise.
Cornstarch: Creates a soft and tender texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in creating a crisp exterior.
Peanut butter: Imparts the primary flavor to the cookies.
Vanilla extract: Gives additional flavor.
Eggs: Acts as a binding agent.
One reader, Demetre Stroud says:
These peanut butter cookies are a game-changer! The recipe is easy to follow, and the cookies turn out perfectly every time. They're soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. My family can't get enough of them! Highly recommend trying this recipe.
Techniques Required for Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
How to prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the peanut butter until smooth, then add the vanilla and eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl down after each addition. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just incorporated, being careful not to over-mix.
How to form the dough into balls: Take 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a round ball. If desired, roll each ball in a bowl of granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
How to create the criss-cross pattern: Use a fork to press a criss-cross pattern into each dough ball to flatten it, ensuring that each ball is at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
How to bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly puffy.
How to cool the cookies: Once removed from the oven, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool.
How to store the cookies: Serve warm, or store the cookies in a sealed container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
How To Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Serve a delicious yet guilt-free dessert on your weeknight dinner with these peanut butter cookies that are totally gluten-free topped with chopped nuts.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2eggs
- ½cupbrown sugar
- 1tspBaking Soda
- ¼tspsalt
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 1cupnatural peanut butter
- 1cupold-fashioned oats
- ½cupsemisweet chocolate chips,or chopped nuts, optional, plus Maldon salt for sprinkling
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs and brown sugar together until smooth. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the top of the mixture, and stir until combined.
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Add in the vanilla and peanut butter, and stir until combined and smooth. Stir in the oats until combined.
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Use a large cookie scoop to scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers or a spatula to slightly flatten the tops of the dough balls, and sprinkle with a pinch of flaked salt if desired.
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Bake for 10 minutes then remove from the oven, and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet itself.
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Serve warm or store in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 190.39kcal
- Fat: 12.30g
- Saturated Fat: 3.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.62g
- Carbohydrates: 17.12g
- Fiber: 1.82g
- Sugar: 10.47g
- Protein: 5.91g
- Cholesterol: 22.85mg
- Sodium: 104.08mg
- Calcium: 21.46mg
- Potassium: 161.65mg
- Iron: 0.92mg
- Vitamin A: 9.83µg
Technique Tip for Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies
When making peanut butter cookies, it's important to not over-mix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to tough, dense cookies. Instead, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. This will result in a tender, crumbly cookie that melts in your mouth. Also, when pressing the criss-cross pattern into each dough ball with a fork, dip the fork in a little bit of flour or sugar. This prevents the fork from sticking to the dough and helps achieve a clean, distinct pattern.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop will help you quickly and evenly portion the dough, saving time and ensuring consistent cookie sizes.
Chill the dough: Pop the cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and to enhance flavor.
Batch baking: Use multiple baking sheets and rotate them in the oven to bake more cookies at once, cutting down on overall baking time.
Cleanup as you go: Wash and put away utensils and bowls while the cookies are baking to minimize post-baking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, adding a nutty flavor and more fiber to the cookies.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Baking soda and cream of tartar can be used as a substitute for baking powder, providing the necessary leavening agent for the cookies.
baking soda - Substitute with double-acting baking powder: Double-acting baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, providing the necessary leavening agent for the cookies.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to help thicken the cookie dough and improve texture.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener, adding a unique flavor and moisture to the cookies.
light brown sugar - Substitute with dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute for light brown sugar, providing a richer flavor and chewier texture to the cookies.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, providing a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture to the cookies.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a sweet and aromatic flavor to the cookies.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs, adding moisture and binding the ingredients together in the cookies.
Best Way to Present These Delectable Cookies
Elevate the cookie size: Instead of traditional small cookies, create a larger, more indulgent cookie that demands attention on the plate. This will make a bold statement and showcase the deliciousness of the cookie.
Incorporate a drizzle: Add a decadent chocolate or caramel drizzle to the plate. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also complements the flavors of the peanut butter cookie.
Garnish with fresh berries: Introduce a pop of color and freshness to the plate by garnishing with a selection of fresh berries. This adds a visually appealing element and a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness of the cookie.
Create a cookie tower: Stack the cookies in an artful tower formation, allowing them to lean against each other. This visually striking presentation adds height to the plate and showcases the cookies in a unique way.
Accompany with a scoop of ice cream: Serve the warm cookies alongside a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures creates a delightful sensory experience for the diners.
Essential Tools for Making the Perfect Batch
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cookie dough. It provides a spacious and sturdy vessel for the mixing process.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer, particularly one with a paddle attachment, is used to cream the butter and sugars together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture for the cookie dough.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking and making cleanup easier.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet provides a flat, heat-conducting surface for baking the cookies in the oven.
Fork: A fork is used to create the classic criss-cross pattern on the cookie dough balls, flattening them before baking.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack allows the freshly baked cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
How To Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Cookies
Once your peanut butter cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them extra fresh, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and keep your cookies crisp and delicious.
If you want to enjoy your peanut butter cookies for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. To prevent the cookies from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer. Your peanut butter cookies will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to indulge in a frozen peanut butter cookie, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a slightly warmed cookie, you can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
Pro tip: If you want to enjoy freshly baked peanut butter cookies on demand, freeze the raw dough balls instead of the baked cookies. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. When you're ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
How To Reheat Leftover Peanut Butter Cookies
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover peanut butter cookies:
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method helps restore the cookies' original texture and flavor.
Microwave method: If you're in a hurry, you can reheat the cookies in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become too soft or rubbery. This method is quick but may result in a slightly different texture compared to freshly baked cookies.
Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. This method is a great alternative to the oven, as it provides similar results in less time.
Toaster oven method: Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a small baking sheet or directly on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. This method is perfect for reheating small batches of cookies.
Stovetop method: If you want to enjoy your peanut butter cookies with a slightly gooey center, try reheating them on the stovetop. Place a non-stick pan over low heat and add the cookies. Cover the pan with a lid and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly soft in the center. This method is ideal for those who prefer a softer, chewier texture.
Random Fact About Peanut Butter Cookies:
The peanut butter cookies recipe is a classic favorite for many. Peanut butter is a rich source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to these sweet treats. Peanut butter is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, from cookies to savory dishes. It's a popular choice for those looking to add a nutty flavor to their baked goods.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The peanut butter cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Peanut butter and basic baking ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making this recipe budget-friendly. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its simplicity, popularity, and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an affordable and delightful treat for the family.
Are Peanut Butter Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This peanut butter cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients that raise concerns are:
- High amounts of butter and sugar: The recipe calls for 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and 2 cups of sugar (1 cup granulated and 1 cup brown sugar). These ingredients contribute to the cookie's high calorie, fat, and sugar content.
- Refined all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and essential nutrients found in whole grain flours.
- Peanut butter: While peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, it is also calorie-dense and can contribute to the overall high calorie count of the cookies.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used in the recipe. You can experiment with using applesauce, mashed bananas, or yogurt as partial substitutes for butter to lower the fat content.
- Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, oat flour, or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the cookies.
- Choose a natural, unsweetened peanut butter to avoid added sugars and oils.
- Incorporate additional healthy ingredients such as rolled oats, ground flaxseed, or chia seeds to boost the nutritional value of the cookies.
- Reduce the size of each cookie to help control portion sizes and overall calorie intake.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the classic peanut butter cookie while still enjoying its satisfying taste and texture.
Editor's Thoughts on This Classic Cookie Recipe
The peanut butter cookies recipe you provided is a classic and timeless treat. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich butter, and a hint of vanilla creates a delightful flavor profile. The addition of cornstarch gives the cookies a soft and chewy texture, while the optional sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it a great recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy!
Why trust this Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe:
This recipe guarantees delicious peanut butter cookies every time. With a perfect balance of butter, sugar, and peanut butter, these cookies are a classic favorite. The precise measurements of flour, baking powder, and baking soda ensure the perfect texture. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while the optional granulated sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. Trust this recipe for irresistible homemade cookies that will surely impress your family and friends.
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