 |
| Soft, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies with a signature criss-cross pattern, perfect for any occasion |
If you're a fan of cookies with a rich, nutty flavor, then peanut butter cookies are a must-try! Whether you're hosting a party, baking for your family, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are the perfect choice. With a crisp outside, a soft center, and a flavor that balances sweet and salty, peanut butter cookies are timeless treats.
In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through every step of making the perfect peanut butter cookie. From choosing the right peanut butter to mastering the baking process, we’ve got you covered. And the best part? This recipe is simple enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress even the most experienced bakers!
Why Peanut Butter Cookies are a Classic
Peanut butter cookies have been a household favorite since the early 20th century. The combination of the creamy richness of peanut butter with the crunch of baked dough creates a texture and taste that is hard to resist. Unlike many other cookie recipes, peanut butter cookies can be made with just a few ingredients, making them both convenient and delicious. Plus, they’re easy to customize – add chocolate chips, drizzle with melted chocolate, or sprinkle with sea salt for a gourmet twist!
Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients that make these cookies so special. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Peanut Butter
The star of the show! Opt for smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture, or if you prefer a little crunch, go for chunky peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter, which tends to separate and can make the dough too oily.
Sugar
This recipe uses a combination of white granulated sugar and brown sugar. The white sugar gives the cookies a crisp edge, while the brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Butter
Unsalted butter is best for controlling the amount of salt in the recipe. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting, as this helps it cream together more smoothly with the sugars.
Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of most cookie recipes, and peanut butter cookies are no exception. Be sure to measure your flour correctly for the best results—too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly.
Egg
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Use a large, room-temperature egg to ensure an even texture.
Baking Soda
This helps the cookies rise slightly and creates a light, tender texture.
Vanilla Extract
A small amount of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the peanut butter, giving the cookies a more complex and rich taste.
Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (150g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened, 113g)
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, 250g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- ½ cup brown sugar (100g, packed)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¾ tsp baking soda (3g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
- ½ tsp salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven : Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add the Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Once the butter mixture is smooth, add the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Incorporate the Egg: Beat in the egg until fully blended. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
6. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
7. Shape the Dough : Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Create the Criss-Cross Pattern : Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball in a criss-cross pattern. This classic mark not only gives peanut butter cookies their signature look but also helps them bake evenly.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
1. Don't Overbake : Peanut butter cookies can become dry if left in the oven too long. Remove them as soon as the edges start to brown lightly. They will continue to set as they cool.
2. Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies : If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
3. Add Mix-Ins for Variety : If you're feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after baking for an extra indulgence.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop : For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures that each cookie bakes evenly.
Why Fork Marks on Peanut Butter Cookies?
The criss-cross pattern made with a fork is iconic for peanut butter cookies. But did you know it's more than just a decorative touch? Peanut butter cookies are denser than most cookies because of the oil content in the peanut butter. The fork marks flatten the cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and create a balanced texture between the crisp edges and soft center.
Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Cookies
Room Temperature:
Store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container; the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer.
Freezing:
If you'd like to make a big batch of cookies, peanut butter cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?
While it’s possible, natural peanut butter tends to have more oil separation, which can affect the texture of the cookies. For the best results, stick with a creamy peanut butter that contains stabilizers.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure the other ingredients, like peanut butter, are certified gluten-free as well.
How Do I Get the Perfect Fork Marks?
To get clean fork marks, dip the fork in a bit of sugar before pressing it into the dough. This prevents the fork from sticking to the dough and creates a nice decorative touch.
Conclusion
Peanut butter cookies are the perfect combination of salty and sweet, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s irresistible. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and lots of customization options, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
0 Comments