Name: Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cup all-purpose flour (180g); 0.5 cup unsalted butter (room temp, 113g); 1 cup peanut butter (250g); 0.5 cup brown sugar (lightly packed, 100g); 0.5 cup sugar (100g); 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL); 1 large egg (room temp); 0.75 tsp baking powder (3g); 0.25-0.5 tsp sea salt (optional)

Introduction to Peanut Butter Cookies

The Timeless Appeal of Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are more than just a dessert; they evoke nostalgia and comfort with every bite. The rich, nutty flavor paired with the perfect balance of sweet and salty creates a delightful experience that appeals to all ages. Whether you grew up with your grandmother's secret recipe or discovered this classic treat in adulthood, there's something undeniably special about homemade peanut butter cookies.

Did you know that the history of peanut butter cookies dates back to the 1930s? They quickly became a staple in American kitchens, thanks to their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation method. This easy peanut butter cookies recipe is ideal for busy professionals who crave a delicious, satisfying treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your space. It’s a simple pleasure that can lift your spirits at the end of a long day. Plus, they make for a perfect snack to share with friends, family, or even colleagues during a casual gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let's dive into this delightful world of peanut butter cookies!

For more baking inspiration, you might enjoy checking out The Joy of Baking.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cookies

When it comes to crafting the ultimate peanut butter cookies, having the right ingredients is crucial. Luckily, you probably have most of them in your pantry already!

All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups is essential for structure, providing that delectable chewy texture.
Butter: Using ½ cup of unsalted butter at room temperature ensures your cookies are rich and buttery without being overly salty.
Peanut Butter: Opt for 1 cup of creamy or chunky peanut butter—your choice! This gives the cookies their signature flavor.
Sugars: A combination of ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar balances sweetness with moisture for that perfect bite.
Vanilla Extract: Just 1 teaspoon elevates the flavor profile.
Egg: A large room temperature egg binds the ingredients together beautifully.
Baking Powder: ¾ teaspoon provides the necessary lift to help your cookies rise to perfection.

For a personal touch, consider adding a pinch of salt if your peanut butter isn't too salty, enhancing that wonderful flavor even more.

Feel free to check out this resource for more insights on ingredient choices and their impacts on baking!

Step-by-step preparation for Peanut Butter Cookies

Making the ultimate peanut butter cookies is simpler than you might think. With just a few easy steps, you can create a batch of cookies that will surely be a hit. Let’s dive into the detailed preparation process.

Preheat your oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that by the time your cookie dough is ready, the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking. A well-preheated oven helps the cookies to bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color on the outside while staying soft and chewy inside. While you’re waiting, it’s a perfect time to gather and measure your ingredients!

Sift and whisk the dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ¾ teaspoon of baking powder. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully and remain fluffy. After sifting, whisk the mixture gently to combine. This step is crucial as it maintains a smooth consistency when you mix in your wet ingredients later. For more tips on baking basics, check out detailed guides on baking techniques from reputable sources.

Cream the butter and sugars

Next, in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together ½ cup of butter (unsalted, at room temperature), ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Creaming aerates the butter and blends in the sugars, creating a light texture that’s essential for great cookies. You can even toss in a pinch of salt if your peanut butter isn't salty enough, enhancing the overall flavor.

Incorporate peanut butter and the egg mixture

Once your butter and sugars are fluffy, it’s time to add 1 cup of peanut butter along with 1 large room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything until well incorporated. The peanut butter adds richness while the eggs act as a binding agent. This step is where the delightful scent of cookies begins to fill your kitchen!

Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Now, slowly add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Beat until everything is just combined; you don’t want to overmix at this stage, as it could lead to tough cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, perfect for shaping.

Shape and flatten the cookies

Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To give them that classic peanut butter cookie look, flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern. This not only looks good but also helps them bake evenly.

Bake to perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges. They will be soft when you take them out, but don’t fret! They’ll firm up as they cool. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This patience is what turns good cookies into great ones!

And there you have it—a simple yet scrumptious peanut butter cookies recipe. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage!

Variations on Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

If you love classic peanut butter cookies, why not amp them up with chocolate chips? Simply fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into your dough after mixing the ingredients. The gooey chocolate paired with the nutty flavor of peanuts creates a deliciously irresistible treat. Trust me; this twist will have your friends and family begging for the recipe!

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies

Craving a little texture? Swap out smooth peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter in your peanut butter cookies recipe. The extra peanut pieces add a wonderful crunch to every bite and elevate the overall experience. You can even throw in some chopped peanuts for added bite. Every cookie will be a delightful surprise!

Explore more delicious variations to make these cookies your own!

Cooking tips and notes for Peanut Butter Cookies

Chilling the dough

For the best texture, consider chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors. If you’re short on time, even a quick chill can make a difference!

Adjusting for peanut butter saltiness

When following this peanut butter cookies recipe, keep in mind that different peanut butter brands can have varying salt levels. If you're using a not-so-salty brand, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt to the batter for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance! This small adjustment can elevate your cookies from good to spectacular.

For more tips on peanut butter varieties, check out The Peanut Institute.

Serving suggestions for Peanut Butter Cookies

Pairing with Milk

A classic pairing for any peanut butter cookies recipe is a tall glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk perfectly complements the rich flavors of the cookies. Whether you choose almond, soy, or good ol' cow's milk, the combination is an absolute delight! Try dunking your cookie to enjoy a fun texture twist—just be careful not to let it get too soggy!

Adding a Side of Fruits

For a more balanced snack, serve your peanut butter cookies alongside fresh fruits. Crisp apple slices or juicy strawberries pair wonderfully, adding a refreshing contrast to the nuttiness of the cookies. Plus, the natural sweetness of the fruit enhances the flavor profile, making for a satisfying and guilt-free treat. Consider a light fruit salad for an extra vibrant presentation!

Embrace these ideas to elevate your next cookie experience!

Time breakdown for Peanut Butter Cookies

Preparation time

The prep time for these delightful peanut butter cookies is only 1 minute! That's right—just a minute to gather your ingredients and mix them together. Perfect for those spontaneous cookie cravings or a quick baking session with friends.

Baking time

Once your dough is ready, pop those cookies into the oven for 10 minutes. During this time, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked cookies—who can resist that?

Total time

In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a fresh batch of warm peanut butter cookies ready to enjoy. It's the ultimate treat for busy professionals or anyone who loves a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. For more timeless recipes, you can check out BBC Good Food for inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Peanut Butter Cookies

Calories per Cookie

Each delightful cookie from this peanut butter cookies recipe contains approximately 193 calories. This makes them a satisfying treat without overindulging in your daily caloric intake.

Protein and Fat Content

Packed with flavor and nutrients, each cookie delivers 5 grams of protein and 13 grams of fat. The combination of peanut butter and butter not only provides richness but also helps keep you feeling full longer.

Other Nutritional Highlights

These cookies also feature 16 grams of carbohydrates, with 7 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber. Additionally, they offer small amounts of essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron, making them a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation.

For more detailed analysis on the nutritional benefits of peanut butter, check out resources from the Peanut Institute or American Heart Association.

FAQ about Peanut Butter Cookies

How do I store peanut butter cookies?

To keep your peanut butter cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their moisture.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Freezing your baked peanut butter cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

What can I substitute for peanut butter?

If you're in need of an alternative, try using almond butter or cashew butter; both offer a similar texture and flavor profile. For nut-free options, sunflower seed butter works well too. Just keep in mind that flavor and consistency might vary slightly from the original peanut butter cookie recipe. You can find more helpful conversions on sites like Culinary Hill.

Feel free to reach out with any other questions you might have about the peanut butter cookies recipe!

Conclusion on Peanut Butter Cookies

In conclusion, this peanut butter cookies recipe brings together simplicity and deliciousness. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for sharing or indulging in yourself. Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors; they’ll quickly become your go-to treat! For more recipe inspiration, check out additional ideas or baking tips here.