Introduction to Peanut Butter Cookies
The Joy of Homemade Treats
There's something utterly heartwarming about the scent of homemade peanut butter cookies baking in the oven. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering, these cookies bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. For many, they evoke childhood memories—think of the first time you tasted that soft, chewy texture, paired perfectly with a glass of cold milk.
Making peanut butter cookies at home can be a delightful escape from the busy world we live in. Not only do you have complete control over the ingredients, but you also create an experience that transforms simple ingredients into a sweet indulgence. This peanut butter cookies recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requiring just minutes to prepare, and promises a treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
With every batch you bake, you’re not just making cookies; you’re crafting moments—whether it's a late-night snack or a gift for friends. Plus, they’re an outstanding way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful peanut butter cookie adventure! For expert tips on baking, check out sources like King Arthur Baking.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies
When it comes to creating the perfect peanut butter cookies, having the right ingredients is key. Fortunately, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets! Let’s dive into the essential components you'll need:
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups or 180g): This forms the base of your cookies and gives them structure.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup or 113g, room temperature): The butter adds richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Peanut butter (1 cup or 250g): The star of the show! Creamy or chunky, your choice will define the cookie's texture and flavor.
- Brown sugar (½ cup or 100g, lightly packed): Adds moisture and a little caramel flavor, balancing the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup or 100g): Sweetness is essential, and this helps achieve that golden-brown crisp.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon or 5mL): Just a splash enhances the flavor profile.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Baking powder (¾ teaspoon or 3g): This leavening agent helps your cookies rise perfectly.
With these simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to enjoying delicious homemade peanut butter cookies. For tips and tricks on substitutions or variations, check out the benefits of using fresh ingredients. Happy baking!
Step-by-step Preparation of Peanut Butter Cookies
Making peanut butter cookies is not only a fun kitchen project but also a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow these easy steps to create a batch of cookies that will make any gathering a hit.
Gather your tools and ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, take a moment to gather all your tools and ingredients. This will streamline your cooking experience and help prevent any last-minute trips to the pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Tools:
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Baking sheet
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Stand mixer (or a mixing bowl with a wooden spoon)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Whisk and spatula
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Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
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1 cup peanut butter
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 large egg (room temperature)
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¾ teaspoon baking powder
Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheet
To ensure that your peanut butter cookies bake evenly, it’s essential to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick surface will make transferring your cookies a breeze!
Cream together butter and sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your mixture, giving the cookies a nice texture.
Incorporate peanut butter and egg
Next, add in the peanut butter and mix until well combined. Follow this by cracking in your egg and pouring in the vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth, ensuring all the ingredients are blended in harmoniously—this will be the heart of your peanut butter cookies recipe.
Mix in dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until everything is incorporated. This will ensure your cookies remain tender rather than tough.
Shape the cookies and prepare for baking
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. To achieve that classic peanut butter cookie look, flatten each ball with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern on top.
Bake the cookies to perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for around 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be slightly golden around the edges when they're done. Remember, the cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft right out of the oven.
Once cooled, they’ll be the perfect treat to share or devour all by yourself. Happy baking!
Variations on Peanut Butter Cookies
Add Chocolate Chips for a Twist
Want to elevate your peanut butter cookies recipe? Try folding in a cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips into your cookie dough before baking. The chocolate adds a delightful richness that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of the peanut butter, creating a deliciously decadent treat. You could even experiment with milk or white chocolate for a different flavor profile!
Swirl in Some Jam for a PB&J Flavor
For a nostalgic twist, add a tablespoon of your favorite fruit jam to the center of each cookie before baking. Imagine that sweet, fruity surprise mimicking the classic PB&J sandwich! Whether you choose strawberry, raspberry, or grape jam, this simple addition transforms your peanut butter cookies recipe into a delightful bite of childhood memories.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Peanut Butter Cookies
Baking peanut butter cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you keep a few handy tips in mind.
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Softness is Key: These cookies will be soft and underbaked when you first pull them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet to firm up—this is essential for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture!
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Peanut Butter Perks: If you prefer your cookies on the sweeter side, choose creamy peanut butter. On the other hand, crunchy gives a delightful texture contrast.
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Salt Matters: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted.
For more insights, check out King Arthur Baking and enhance your baking skills!
Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Cookies
When it comes to enjoying your peanut butter cookies, the possibilities are endless! These delightful treats are perfect on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You might also pair them with a glass of cold almond milk or oat milk, complementing their rich, nutty flavor.
For a more sophisticated touch, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cookies or sprinkle them with sea salt. You can even sandwich two cookies with a layer of jelly for a fun twist reminiscent of classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Enjoy your creation!
Time Breakdown for Peanut Butter Cookies
Preparation Time
In just 1 minute, you can whip up the dough for these delightful peanut butter cookies. Simply gather your ingredients, and you’re ready to start mixing!
Baking Time
The baking process takes about 10 minutes, ensuring your cookies are perfectly golden and ready for enjoyment. Keep an eye on them, as they will continue to firm up as they cool!
Total Time
In a quick and convenient 15 minutes, from start to finish, you’ll have a warm batch of peanut butter cookies recipe to share (or keep for yourself!). Get ready for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress!
For more baking tips, check out Baking Basics for Beginners. Happy baking!
Nutritional Facts for Peanut Butter Cookies
When whipping up these delightful peanut butter cookies, it’s helpful to consider their nutritional profile. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Calories
Each cookie contains approximately 193 calories, making them a satisfying treat without going overboard.
Protein
You’ll find about 5 grams of protein per cookie, thanks to the peanut butter, offering a little boost to your snacking experience.
Sugar
With 7 grams of sugar in each serving, these cookies strike a balance between sweetness and flavor, perfect for satisfying your cravings.
Understanding the nutritional facts can help you enjoy your peanut butter cookies recipe with greater awareness. For more detailed nutritional insights, consider visiting resources like the USDA Nutrition Database, or check Healthline for broader health effects. This way, you can savor these cookies while keeping your health goals in sight!
FAQs about Peanut Butter Cookies
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To transform this peanut butter cookies recipe into a gluten-free delight, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many options work well, including almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but you'll still end up with delicious cookies!
How do I store leftover peanut butter cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until they're firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or thawed at room temperature.
What’s the secret to making them extra chewy?
If you crave that extra chewy texture, try two tips: use a bit more brown sugar in your cookie dough, as it retains moisture, and slightly underbake your cookies. They should be just set in the center when you pull them out; they’ll firm up as they cool. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Conclusion on Peanut Butter Cookies
In summary, this delightful peanut butter cookies recipe is perfect for anyone craving a sweet treat. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and yields cookies that are both soft and flavorful. Give these cookies a try, and enjoy the warm, cozy memories they create in your kitchen!
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour 180g
- 0.5 cups butter unsalted, room temp, 113g
- 1 cups peanut butter 250g
- 0.5 cups brown sugar 100g, lightly packed
- 0.5 cups sugar 100g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5mL
- 1 large egg room temp
- 0.75 teaspoon baking powder 3g
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Sift flour and baking powder together then whisk to combine.
- Cream butter and sugars in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. You can add an optional ¼-1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
- Add peanut butter and mix until incorporated.
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract then add flour mixture and beat until incorporated.
- Roll dough into one inch balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten cookies with a fork in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake cookies for about 10 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheet, they need to set up before being transferred.
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