Name: Salted Peanut Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 72
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup shortening; 1½ cups brown sugar; 2 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all purpose flour; ½ tsp Baking Soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 cups peanuts

Indulge your sweet tooth with a comforting plate of salted peanut cookies. These divine treats are a perfect confluence of sweet and salty flavors, with a delightful crunch of peanuts in every bite. Easy to make, these cookies are a surefire hit for any occasion.

Photos of Salted Peanut Cookies Recipe

While most of the ingredients are pantry staples, you need to pay attention to the type of peanuts used. Opt for raw, unsalted peanuts as the recipe includes salt in the dough. Roasted peanuts may alter the taste. These are readily available in most supermarkets.

Salted Peanut Cookies Ingredients

Shortening: A type of fat used in baking to ensure the cookies are tender.

Brown sugar: Adds a rich molasses flavor to the cookies.

Eggs: They act as a binding agent, giving the cookies structure.

Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor that complements the peanuts.

All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough.

Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread.

Salt: Balances out the sweet and enhances the overall flavor.

Peanuts: Gives the cookies crunch and flavor.

One reader, Darci Herzog says:

These salted peanut cookies are a game-changer! The perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a delightful crunch from the peanuts. The recipe was easy to follow, and the cookies turned out absolutely delicious. I highly recommend trying them - you won't be disappointed!

Darci Herzog

Techniques Required for Making Salted Peanut Cookies

How to mix the dough: Combine the shortening, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly in a mixing bowl until well combined.

How to measure and sift the flour: Measure the flour and sift it into a separate bowl to ensure a smooth and even texture in the dough.

How to blend the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

How to incorporate the dry ingredients into the dough: Stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until fully incorporated, then mix in the peanuts.

How to shape the cookies: Drop rounded teaspoons of dough about 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten the dough with the bottom of a greased glass dipped in sugar.

How to bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

How to serve the cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool before serving and enjoying.

How To Make Salted Peanut Cookies

You’d never guess that these crunchy peanut cookies are made in under an hour! Enjoy the scrumptious sweet and salty mix of peanuts in every bite.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupshortening
1½cupsbrown sugar,packed
2eggs
2tspvanilla extract
3cupsall purpose flour
½tspbaking soda
1tspsalt
2cupspeanuts,salted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Mix the shortening, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly.
Measure flour and sift into a separate bowl. Blend together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
Stir into the egg mixture, then mix in the peanuts.
Drop rounded teaspoons of dough about 2-inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with bottom of greased glass dipped in sugar.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 80.65kcal
Fat: 5.01g
Saturated Fat: 1.01g
Trans Fat: 0.38g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.21g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.48g
Carbohydrates: 7.62g
Fiber: 0.49g
Sugar: 3.16g
Protein: 1.74g
Cholesterol: 4.44mg
Sodium: 38.31mg
Calcium: 7.75mg
Potassium: 40.01mg
Iron: 0.47mg
Vitamin A: 1.91µg

Crucial Technique for Perfect Salted Peanut Cookies

When incorporating the peanuts into the dough, consider roughly chopping some of them for added texture and a more pronounced peanut flavor in your cookies. Additionally, to ensure even baking, try to keep the size of your cookie dough drops consistent.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Salted Peanut Cookies Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This will save time on the day of baking.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help create uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and a consistent finished product.

Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather and organize all the ingredients and tools needed to streamline the cooking process.

Double the batch: Consider making a larger batch of cookies and freezing the extra dough for future use, saving time on preparation later.

Invest in a stand mixer: Using a stand mixer can significantly reduce the time and effort required for mixing the dough, especially for larger batches.

Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measure all the ingredients before starting the recipe to avoid interruptions during the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Salted Peanut Cookies Recipe

shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used as a 1:1 substitute for shortening in cookie recipes, providing a rich and creamy flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, offering a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for eggs in cookie recipes, adding moisture and binding properties.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor and extra nutrients.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, providing leavening properties in the cookie dough.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a subtle briny flavor to the cookies.
peanuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can be used as a substitute for peanuts, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Plating Ideas for Peanut Butter Cookies

Elevate the cookie: Place the cookie on a sleek, modern plate to showcase its simplicity and elegance.
Garnish with gold leaf: Add a touch of luxury by delicately placing edible gold leaf on the plate for a stunning visual effect.
Incorporate a drizzle of caramel: Create an artistic drizzle of rich caramel sauce around the cookie for a sophisticated and indulgent touch.
Present on a bed of crushed peanuts: Nestle the cookie on a bed of finely crushed peanuts for a textural contrast and added visual appeal.
Accompany with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream: Serve the cookie alongside a quenelle of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious and complementary pairing.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes: Enhance the flavors and presentation by delicately sprinkling sea salt flakes over the cookie for a gourmet touch.
Serve on a marble platter: Present the cookies on a sleek marble platter to exude sophistication and elevate the overall dining experience.
Create a cookie tower: Stack the cookies in an artful tower formation, garnished with edible flowers, to create a visually stunning centerpiece.

Essential Equipment for Making Salted Peanut Cookies

Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Greased glass: A glass that has been lightly coated with oil or butter to prevent the cookie dough from sticking when flattened.
Sifter: A kitchen tool used to sift dry ingredients such as flour, baking soda, and salt to remove lumps and aerate them for baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to accurately measure and portion ingredients for the recipe.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and cooking food by exposing it to dry heat.

Storing and Freezing Salted Peanut Cookies

Allow the salted peanut cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This will ensure that they maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Once cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. To keep them extra crispy, you can also place a piece of bread in the container, which will absorb any excess moisture.
Store the container or bag of cookies in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry or cupboard. They will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
If you want to keep the salted peanut cookies for an extended period, you can freeze them:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are frozen solid. This will prevent them from sticking together when stored.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer.
- Frozen salted peanut cookies can be stored for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. If you prefer a slightly warm cookie, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

How To Reheat Leftover Peanut Butter Cookies

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover salted peanut cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will help restore the cookies' original texture and enhance the peanut flavor.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Check the cookies and repeat the process if needed, heating them in 5-second intervals to avoid overheating. The microwave method will result in a softer, chewier texture.
If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent burning.
For a more indulgent treat, warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, salty cookies and the cool, creamy ice cream will create a delightful dessert experience.
If you have an air fryer, use it to reheat your salted peanut cookies. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. This method will give you a texture similar to freshly baked cookies.

Interesting Trivia About Salted Peanut Cookies

Peanuts are not actually nuts, but rather legumes. They grow underground and are part of the pea family.

Is Making Salted Peanut Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

This salted peanut cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as shortening, brown sugar, eggs, flour, and peanuts, are all relatively affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option for a sweet and satisfying snack. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Are Salted Peanut Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This salted peanut cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High in saturated fat due to the use of shortening
Significant amount of added sugar from the brown sugar
Refined carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour
High in calories and fat from the peanuts

However, peanuts do offer some nutritional benefits, such as protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The recipe also does not include any artificial ingredients or preservatives, which is a plus.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the shortening with a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or grass-fed butter
Reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or maple syrup
Use whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
Incorporate additional healthy ingredients, such as rolled oats, chia seeds, or ground flaxseed, to boost the nutritional value
Slightly reduce the amount of peanuts used or replace some of them with chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for variety

Editor's Opinion on This Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

The salted peanut cookies recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, creating a perfect balance. The use of brown sugar adds a rich depth of flavor, while the peanuts provide a satisfying crunch. The cookies are easy to make and have a wonderful texture, making them a great treat for any occasion. The combination of ingredients is well-balanced, resulting in a delicious cookie that is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is perfect for satisfying any sweet or savory cravings.

Enhance Your Salted Peanut Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the salted peanut cookies.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to perfection, adding a sweet and tangy contrast to the salted peanut cookies.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Tender Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, creating a delicious side to complement the salted peanut cookies.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Salted Peanut Cookies

Spicy Beef Tacos: These spicy beef tacos are a perfect combination of savory and spicy flavors, with a kick of heat that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This mango salsa chicken recipe is a refreshing and tropical twist on traditional chicken dishes, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this tomato basil soup, perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party.

Grilled Pineapple Dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this grilled pineapple dessert, featuring caramelized pineapple slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Salted Peanut Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a rich mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and flavorful dip by combining spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses. Serve with crispy tortilla chips or toasted bread for a satisfying appetizer that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy, decadent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with rich alfredo sauce. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a satisfying and comforting meal that will leave you craving more.

Beef Stroganoff: Treat yourself to a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce. This classic comfort food is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.

Why trust this Salted Peanut Cookies Recipe:

This recipe is a tried and true classic, using peanuts to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. The combination of brown sugar and vanilla extract creates a rich and indulgent sweetness, while the baking soda ensures the perfect texture. With a simple and straightforward method, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Trust in the timeless appeal of this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with irresistible, homemade treats that everyone will love.

Share your thoughts on the Salted Peanut Cookies Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you've tried with this recipe!

FAQ:

Can I use butter instead of shortening in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of butter for the shortening in this recipe. Keep in mind that using butter may result in a slightly different texture and flavor in the cookies.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of whole peanuts?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of whole peanuts. However, the texture of the cookies will be different, and the peanut flavor may be less pronounced.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies. I recommend making a small batch with the reduced sugar to see if it meets your preferences.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the cookie dough would be a delicious variation. You can add around 1 to 1.5 cups of chocolate chips to the dough.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply shape the dough into individual cookie portions, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen cookie dough portions to a resealable bag or airtight container for storage. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen cookie dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.