Outrageous Pretzel Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Indulge in the nostalgic delight of homemade Peanut Butter Cookies with our tried-and-true recipe! These delectable treats are a beloved classic, loved by young and old alike for their rich peanut butter flavor and irresistible chewy texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting sweet treat, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Join us as we dive into the world of peanut buttery goodness and discover the joy of baking these timeless cookies from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, salted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter (such as Jif)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Peanut Butter and Eggs:
   • Mix in the peanut butter until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Mix the Dough:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Shape the Cookies:
   • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Chunky Peanut Butter: For added texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy. The bits of peanuts will add a delightful crunch to the cookies.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist on classic Peanut Butter Cookies.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use peanut butter, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version of the cookies.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Indulge in the rich flavor of Peanut Butter Cookies while adhering to a keto or low-carb lifestyle with these simple adjustments:

Keto Version:

• Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content of the cookies while still maintaining a tender texture.
• Low-Carb Sweetener: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the granulated sugar and brown sugar.

Low-Carb Version:

• Reduced Sugar: Decrease the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar in the recipe or use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce the overall carb content of the cookies.
• Portion Control: Enjoy smaller portions of Peanut Butter Cookies to keep your carb intake in check while still satisfying your sweet tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply portion the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I store baked Peanut Butter Cookies? Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I make smaller or larger cookies? Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference. For smaller cookies, use a smaller portion of dough and reduce the baking time accordingly. For larger cookies, use a larger portion of dough and increase the baking time.
4. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite mix-ins to the dough, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut, for added flavor and texture.
5. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe? While you can use natural peanut butter, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and may result in cookies that spread more during baking. If using natural peanut butter, you may need to adjust the amount of flour in the recipe to achieve the desired consistency.

Discover the joy of baking homemade Peanut Butter Cookies with our easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these classic cookies are a deliciously simple treat that never fails to delight. With their rich peanut butter flavor and irresistible chewy texture, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a sweet indulgence all to yourself. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every delightful bite of these timeless cookies. Happy baking!