ucalorie When it comes to indulgent yet classic desserts, few treats can rival the nutty, rich flavor of Peanut Butter Cookies. This timeless favorite combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the perfect balance of sweetness and a delightful crumbly texture. Whether you’re planning a cozy tea-time snack, a homemade gift, or a crowd-pleasing party treat, Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate choice.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With a handful of pantry staples and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these delectable cookies. Additionally, you can customize them to suit dietary preferences by incorporating gluten-free flour or sugar alternatives. With their golden hue and signature fork-pressed pattern, Peanut Butter Cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Perfect for any occasion, this dessert showcases how simple ingredients can transform into a luxurious treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this guide will help you create perfectly soft, chewy, and flavorful Peanut Butter Cookies that everyone will love.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Baking: 10-12 minutes
- Cooling: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup, ~250g)
- Calories: ~1,520 calories
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup, ~100g)
- Calories: ~400 calories
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed, ~110g)
- Calories: ~420 calories
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened, ~115g)
- Calories: ~810 calories
- Large Egg (1)
- Calories: ~70 calories
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: ~12 calories
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups, ~190g)
- Calories: ~760 calories
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 0 calories
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Calories: 0 calories
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients
- Mix the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Peanut Butter: Beat in the creamy peanut butter until well combined.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and uniform.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually Add to Wet Mixture: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
4. Shape the Cookies
- Roll the Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Create the Signature Pattern: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie, flattening them slightly.
5. Bake
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Arrange the cookies on a plate and serve with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Calorie Breakdown
- Peanut Butter: ~1,520 calories
- Granulated Sugar: ~400 calories
- Brown Sugar: ~420 calories
- Unsalted Butter: ~810 calories
- Large Egg: ~70 calories
- Vanilla Extract: ~12 calories
- All-Purpose Flour: ~760 calories
- Baking Soda and Salt: 0 calories Total Calories: ~3,992 calories (yields 24 cookies, ~166 calories per cookie)
Why This Recipe Works
Irresistible Flavor
The rich nuttiness of peanut butter combined with the sweetness of sugars creates a balanced, indulgent taste.
Perfect Texture
Soft, chewy centers with lightly crisp edges make these cookies a treat for every texture lover.
Classic Appearance
The fork-pressed crisscross pattern gives the cookies their iconic look, making them instantly recognizable.
Versatile and Adaptable
Easily customize this recipe for dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or natural sweeteners.
Simple and Quick
With minimal prep and bake time, these cookies are perfect for busy schedules or last-minute cravings.
FAQs
- Can I use natural peanut butter?
- Yes, natural peanut butter works well. Ensure it’s well-stirred to avoid oily or dry spots in the dough.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Check the packaging for a 1:1 substitution ratio.
- Can I use chunky peanut butter?
- Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds delightful texture with bits of peanuts in every bite.
- What if I don’t have brown sugar?
- You can use an additional 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, but the cookies may lose some of their chewy texture and caramel flavor.
- How do I prevent dry cookies?
- Avoid overbaking. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes! Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- How long do these cookies last?
- Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Can I add mix-ins?
- Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits can be folded into the dough for added flavor and texture.
Perfect Pairings
- Milk: A classic choice that complements the cookies’ richness.
- Coffee or Tea: Enhance the nutty flavor with a warm beverage.
- Ice Cream: Use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches for an indulgent dessert.
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