Peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat that many people look forward to, whether indulging in a snack or sharing them at gatherings. Their chewy texture combined with a rich peanut flavor makes them a beloved choice among cookie lovers. Plus, they are super simple to make, which means you’re only a few steps away from enjoying warm, gooey cookies fresh from the oven!
Why We Love This Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
There’s something special about homemade peanut butter cookies. The classic combination of creamy peanut butter and soft dough brings nostalgia, often reminding us of cherished moments from our childhood, like baking with family or sharing cookies with friends. Not only are these cookies delightful in taste, but their aroma has a magical quality that fills the home, creating a welcoming and comforting environment. You can customize the texture with smooth or crunchy peanut butter, and each bite is packed with wholesome goodness, making them perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt. This recipe ensures that each cookie comes out perfectly golden and incredibly flavorful, promising smiles with every bite.
Ingredients about Peanut Butter Cookies
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Directions
To get started on your delicious journey with peanut butter cookies, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step prepares your baking environment, making sure everything is ready for those sweet treats!
Next, take a stand mixer or a large bowl and cream the softened unsalted butter together with creamy or crunchy peanut butter. Add the granulated and brown sugars into the mix and blend them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This may take about 2 to 3 minutes, and it’s essential for creating that perfect cookie texture.
Now, it’s time to introduce the wet ingredients. Crack one large egg into the bowl and add two tablespoons of milk along with one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these together until they’re thoroughly combined. This will lend flavor and moisture to your cookies.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to aerate your dry ingredients, creating lighter cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is moistened.
Now comes the fun part! Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to take one-inch balls of the dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To create that iconic peanut butter cookie look, press down on each ball with a fork to make a hashtag pattern, which also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Bake your cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want to watch them closely; they should be lightly golden on the bottoms while still soft on top. Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely and let that luscious aroma fill your kitchen.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookies
When it comes to serving peanut butter cookies, the options are nearly limitless! You can enjoy them warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk—this classic pairing never fails to impress. If you’re feeling a bit fancier, consider serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or layering them with whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
For a warm treat, consider microwaving a cookie for a few seconds to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven experience. These cookies also work wonderfully in cookie sandwiches—just spread frosting or more peanut butter between two cookies for an indulgent treat. Remember, a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving can elevate the flavor to a whole new level.
Expert Tips: Peanut Butter Cookies
To make your peanut butter cookies even better, consider these expert tips. First, always measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can dry out your cookies, while too little can make them spread too much. To measure correctly, spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Using room temperature ingredients, particularly the butter and egg, ensures that everything mixes smoothly. If you prefer chewy cookies, slightly underbake them, as they’ll continue to cook while cooling on the baking sheet.
Don’t shy away from experimenting! If you’re a chocoholic, add chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for a delicious twist. For nut lovers, chopped nuts can add an incredible texture and additional flavor. And feel free to rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
How to Store Peanut Butter Cookies
Storing your peanut butter cookies correctly ensures that they stay fresh and delicious for days. Start by letting the cookies cool completely—this prevents moisture from condensing in the storage container.
Once cooled, you can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to two weeks. For the longest storage, freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their delightful softness.
Variation of Peanut Butter Cookies
Your peanut butter cookies can evolve with just a few simple tweaks! If you love a more distinct peanut flavor, you can add more peanut butter or try using crunchy peanut butter, which adds a delightful texture.
What about incorporating different flavors? You can mix in chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or white chocolate for a fun twist on the classic recipe. Adding oats can create a heartier cookie—just replace some of the flour with rolled oats.
If you’re craving something unique, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic touch. Alternatively, you can swirl in some cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter explosion!
For a healthier version, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and substitute half of the butter with applesauce. This twist retains moisture while reducing calories.
FAQ
What makes my peanut butter cookies too dry?
If your peanut butter cookies turn out too dry, it’s typically due to too much flour or baking them too long. Ensure accurate measurements and remove them from the oven just when they start to turn golden.
Can I make peanut butter cookies without eggs?
Yes! For an egg substitute, use ¼ cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water to replace each egg.
Why do my cookies spread too much when baking?
Cookies tend to spread too much if the butter is too warm or if there’s too much sugar in the dough. Ensure your butter is at the right temperature and measure all ingredients accurately.
How can I get my cookies to be more chewy?
To achieve chewier cookies, try underbaking them slightly. You can also consider adding more brown sugar than white sugar, as brown sugar adds moisture and softness.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour Sift before adding to wet ingredients
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt To enhance flavor
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Should be at room temperature
- ½ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter Choose based on texture preference
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg At room temperature
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with peanut butter until smooth.
- Add granulated and brown sugars, blending until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
Baking
- Roll the dough into one-inch balls and coat in granulated sugar.
- Place them on a lined baking sheet and press with a fork to create a hashtag pattern.
- Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden on bottoms but soft on top.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
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