Get ready to embark on a delicious journey with our Peanut Butter Cookies recipe! These classic cookies are the epitome of comfort and indulgence, featuring the perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor and irresistible sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the world of peanut buttery goodness and discover the magic of baking these delightful cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Creaming Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporating Peanut Butter and Eggs: Add the peanut butter to the creamed mixture and beat until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Forming Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
- Flattening and Marking: Gently flatten each dough ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
- Baking: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful Peanut Butter Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Extra Peanut Butter Flavor: For an extra burst of peanut butter flavor, add chopped peanuts to the cookie dough before baking.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent twist.
- Sandwich Cookies: Spread peanut butter or chocolate ganache between two cookies to create indulgent sandwich cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Peanut Butter Cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour, and swap out the granulated sugar and brown sugar for keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. Be sure to adjust the amounts of flour and sweeteners accordingly for the desired consistency and sweetness.
- Low Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar by half or more, and replace the remaining sugar with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or xylitol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of commercial peanut butter?
- Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in this recipe. Just make sure it’s well stirred before adding it to the dough.
- Why do I need to flatten the cookies with a fork?
- Flattening the cookies with a fork not only creates a classic crisscross pattern but also helps the cookies bake evenly and ensures a chewy texture.
- How should I store these cookies?
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage; just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
- Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
- Absolutely! Stir in chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for a delightful chocolate-peanut butter combination.
Indulge in the timeless appeal of Peanut Butter Cookies with this classic recipe. Whether you’re a peanut butter aficionado or simply seeking a comforting homemade treat, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. With their soft and chewy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and irresistible sweetness, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a solo indulgence. So fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure cookie bliss!
Happy baking, and may each bite of these Peanut Butter Cookies bring you joy and satisfaction!
