Introduction

Peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic loved by many for their rich, nutty flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These Peanut Butter Cookies are easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a thoughtful homemade gift. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be baking up a delicious batch of cookies in no time.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick and Easy: This recipe uses everyday ingredients and takes just a short time to prepare.
• Perfect Balance of Chewy and Crunchy: These cookies have a soft, chewy center with lightly crisp edges.
• Customizable Add-Ins: You can personalize these cookies with chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of Nutella.
• Great for Freezing: Make a big batch and freeze some for later; they thaw beautifully.
• Ideal for Sharing: Pack them up in a cute box or jar for a heartfelt, homemade gift.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough:

1. • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until everything is well blended.
   • Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky.

2. Shape the Cookies:

1. • Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking tray by covering it with parchment paper.
   • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Press each ball down with a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top.

3. Bake to Perfection:

1. • Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be soft when removed from the oven.

4. Cool and Enjoy:

1. • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Serve warm or at room temperature for a classic treat everyone will love.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: These cookies are delicious on their own but are even better with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or coffee.
• Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover cookies in a sealed container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For the dough, roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time by a few minutes.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

These peanut butter cookies are not just about taste; they come with some nutritional perks too:

• Good Source of Protein: Peanut butter provides protein, which is crucial for muscle building and repair.
• Healthy Fats: Peanut butter contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Healthier Variations: Consider using whole wheat flour or a natural, sugar-free peanut butter to cut down on sugar and add more fiber.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy?
   Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture to the cookies.
2. How can I make these gluten-free?
   Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
3. Can I add chocolate to the recipe?
   Definitely! Mix in some chocolate chips or chunks for a tasty peanut butter-chocolate combination.
4. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
   You can use more granulated sugar, but the brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor.
5. Can I make these dairy-free?
   Yes, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative like margarine or coconut oil.
6. Can I use a different nut butter?
   You can replace it with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
7. How can I reduce the sugar content?
   You can cut down the sugar by a quarter cup, but this may slightly change the texture.
8. Can the dough be refrigerated overnight?
   Yes, chilling the dough can enhance the flavors. Just cover it well and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
9. Why did my cookies turn out flat?
   Make sure to measure your ingredients correctly, especially the flour. Chilling the dough can also help prevent spreading.
10. How do I keep my cookies soft?
    Keep them in a sealed container with a slice of bread to help retain their moisture.

Bake these simple yet delightful Peanut Butter Cookies and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness anytime!