If you're a fan of peanut butter, then this Very Peanut Butter Cookies recipe is a must-try. These cookies are packed with a hefty dose of peanut butter, resulting in a treat that's rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent. Perfect for snack time, dessert, or any time you need a sweet fix.
Our key ingredient is, unsurprisingly, peanut butter. But not just any peanut butter, we're using creamy peanut butter. This makes for a smoother, richer cookie. Additionally, we're also using light brown sugar, which has a slight molasses flavor that adds depth to our cookies. Both of these ingredients should be readily available in most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Very Peanut Butter Cookies
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies, giving them their characteristic chewy texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: These are both leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor. Unsalted is preferred so you can control the salt content.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookies.
Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, giving the cookies a richer, deeper flavor compared to using only white sugar.
Large eggs: Acts as a binding agent to hold all the ingredients together.
Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient. Creamy peanut butter gives the cookies a strong, smooth peanut butter flavor.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the cookie's flavor.
Peanuts: Adds crunch and intensifies the peanut flavor.
One reader, Hughie Matias says:
These peanut butter cookies are absolutely divine! The texture is perfect, and the peanut butter flavor is rich and satisfying. They are so easy to make and always a hit with my family and friends. I highly recommend trying this recipe - you won't be disappointed!
Techniques Required for Making Very Peanut Butter Cookies
How to prepare the dough: Mixing the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients ensures even distribution and proper incorporation of the leavening agents.
How to chill the dough: Chilling the dough in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape into cookies.
How to roll the cookie dough into balls: Rolling the dough into uniform balls ensures even baking and consistent size for each cookie.
How to make a crisscross indent on the cookies: Using a fork to create a crisscross pattern on the cookies not only adds a decorative touch but also helps flatten the cookies for even baking.
How to cool the cookies: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set and develop the perfect texture.
How To Make Very Peanut Butter Cookies
These wonderfully soft peanut butter cookies burst with rich peanut flavors and the perfect balance of salty and sweet that melt in your mouth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½cupsall-purpose flour,spoon & leveled
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspbaking soda
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupunsalted butter,(2 sticks), softened to room temperature
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- ¾cuplight brown sugar,or dark, packed
- 2large eggs,at room temperature
- 2cupscreamy peanut butter
- 1½tsppure vanilla extract
- ½cupgranulated sugar,for rolling
- ½cuppeanuts,finely chopped, optional
Instructions
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
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Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars together on medium speed for about 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Add the eggs and beat on high for about 1 minute until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the peanut butter and vanilla, then beat on high speed until combined.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then mix on low until combined. With the mixer running on low speed, add the peanuts, if using. Dough will be thick and soft.
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Cover and chill the dough for about 1 hour in the refrigerator (and up to 2 to 3 days). If chilling for longer than a few hours, though, allow to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling and baking because the dough will be quite hard.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 to 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside.
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Roll cookie dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, and then roll the balls in granulated sugar. Use a fork to make a crisscross indent on the top of each. Bake each batch for about 10 to 12 minutes until very lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look very soft.
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Remove from the oven. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
- Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- It’s best to use a processed peanut butter than the natural style, oily peanut butter. Crunchy peanut butter adds peanut chunks as well as a more crumbly texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200.06kcal
- Fat: 12.44g
- Saturated Fat: 4.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.15g
- Carbohydrates: 19.37g
- Fiber: 1.01g
- Sugar: 11.62g
- Protein: 4.51g
- Cholesterol: 21.50mg
- Sodium: 77.31mg
- Calcium: 22.77mg
- Potassium: 102.03mg
- Iron: 0.75mg
- Vitamin A: 42.82µg
Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Very Peanut Butter Cookies
When making these peanut butter cookies, it's important to remember not to overmix the dough once you've added the flour. Overmixing can lead to a tougher, denser cookie. Instead, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. This will ensure your cookies have a soft, tender crumb. Additionally, using room temperature butter and eggs can result in a smoother, more evenly mixed dough.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Very Peanut Butter Cookies
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour will make it easier to handle and shape, resulting in more uniform cookies.
Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help ensure that all the cookies are the same size, allowing them to bake evenly and reducing the risk of overbaking.
Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measuring all the ingredients before starting the recipe will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Very Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: This is a great option for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It will provide a similar texture and structure to the cookies.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be a great substitute for butter in baking and will add a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than granulated sugar, making it a healthier alternative.
light brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup will add a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the cookies and can be used as a natural sweetener.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a binding agent in place of eggs, making the cookies moist and delicious.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter for those with peanut allergies or for a different flavor profile.
peanuts - Substitute with chopped almonds: Chopped almonds can provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
Best Way to Present These Delectable Peanut Butter Cookies
Elevate the cookie size: Present the cookies in a larger size to make a bold statement on the plate. This will create a visually striking presentation that demands attention.
Incorporate a drizzle: Add a delicate chocolate drizzle over the cookies to enhance their appearance and add a touch of elegance.
Utilize a garnish: Sprinkle crushed peanuts around the plate to provide a textural contrast and elevate the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Pair with a beverage: Serve the cookies alongside a small glass of milk to create a classic and comforting presentation that showcases the cookies as a timeless treat.
Arrange in a geometric pattern: Place the cookies in a precise geometric pattern on the plate to showcase attention to detail and precision in the presentation.
Use a monochromatic color scheme: Incorporate shades of brown and white in the presentation to create a sophisticated and cohesive color palette that complements the cookies.
Present on a decorative platter: Choose a ceramic or wooden platter to add a touch of rustic charm to the presentation, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, often with a handle and several loops or wires.
- Hand mixer: A handheld kitchen appliance used for mixing and blending ingredients, typically equipped with beaters that rotate to combine the ingredients.
- Stand mixer: A countertop appliance with a mixing head and a stand, designed for hands-free mixing and blending of ingredients.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Silicone baking mats: Reusable non-stick mats made of silicone, used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Large baking sheets: Flat, rectangular metal sheets with raised edges, used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods.
- Wire rack: A metal rack with a grid pattern, used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around them.
Storing and Freezing Very Peanut Butter Cookies for Later
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Separate layers with sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze until solid, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe, airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Separate layers with sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for 10 to 15 seconds to warm them up slightly.
Properly stored, these very peanut butter cookies will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer, but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.
How to Reheat Leftover Peanut Butter Cookies
The best way to reheat leftover very peanut butter cookies is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will help restore the cookies' original texture and flavor.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or even rubbery.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can place a damp paper towel over the cookies before microwaving them. The moisture from the paper towel will help keep the cookies soft and prevent them from drying out during the reheating process.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your peanut butter cookies as well. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Interesting Fact About Peanut Butter Cookies
The peanut butter cookies recipe is a classic favorite for many. These cookies are a great source of protein due to the high content of peanut butter. Peanut butter is also a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, from savory dishes to sweet treats like cookies. Peanut butter cookies are a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of this nutritious ingredient.
Is Making Very Peanut Butter Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
The very peanut butter cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and peanuts, are commonly found in most kitchens. The recipe yields a large batch of cookies, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for the entire recipe is around $10, making it an affordable and delicious treat. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its simplicity, affordability, and delightful taste.
Are Peanut Butter Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The very peanut butter cookies recipe is a delicious treat, but it's not the healthiest option out there. The recipe is high in calories, fat, and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. The use of all-purpose flour also means that the cookies are lacking in fiber and other essential nutrients.
However, there are some redeeming qualities to this recipe. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. The recipe also includes some healthy ingredients like eggs and vanilla extract.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe by 1/4 to 1/2 cup
- Use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter to avoid added sugars and oils
- Add in some chopped nuts or seeds for extra protein and healthy fats
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of peanuts for an antioxidant boost
By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy a healthier version of these peanut butter cookies without sacrificing taste. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to indulging in treats like these. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle for optimal health and wellness.
Editor's Opinion on This Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
As a culinary expert, I find this peanut butter cookie recipe to be a classic and delightful treat. The combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanuts creates a wonderful texture, while the vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor. The chilling of the dough ensures a perfect consistency for baking, resulting in soft and chewy cookies with a slightly crispy exterior. The simple yet precise instructions make this recipe accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Overall, these cookies are a timeless favorite that will surely satisfy any peanut butter lover's cravings.
Why trust this Very Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and tested classic, perfected by a renowned chef. The combination of peanut butter, vanilla extract, and peanuts creates a rich and nutty flavor profile. The precise measurements of baking powder and baking soda ensure the perfect rise and texture. With a thorough review process, our editors guarantee the accuracy and deliciousness of this recipe. Trust in the expertise behind this creation and indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of these peanut butter cookies.
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