Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat for any time of day! These delectable cookies are loaded with creamy peanut butter, offering a rich and nostalgic flavor that will remind you of childhood favorites. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a fresh batch of these cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner!
Table of Contents
- Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies
- How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
- Tips for Making Peanut Butter Cookies
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Peanut Butter Cookies
- Reheating Peanut Butter Cookies
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Peanut Butter Cookies related recipes next!
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor. These cookies deliver the right amount of sweetness combined with the rich nutty flavor of peanut butter, making them a delightful treat for anyone.
- Quick and Easy to Make. With just a few ingredients and no chilling time needed, these cookies can be mixed, baked, and enjoyed within a short time, perfect for those last-minute cravings!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy or crunchy for texture; this ingredient is the star of the cookies!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids in creating a crispy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a slight hint of caramel flavor and moisture, making the cookies chewy.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides moisture for a tender cookie.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a lighter texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until a smooth mixture forms.
- Add in the baking soda and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoons, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It helps in creating a smoother dough, ensuring even mixing.
- Don’t Overbake: To maintain a chewy texture, keep an eye on the cookies—they should be slightly soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra treat, mix in some chocolate chips to the dough before baking for delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cookies!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- The cookie dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
- You can also scoop dough balls and freeze them for later use—bake directly from the freezer, simply add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their original texture.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cookies
- To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- For cookie dough, scoop individual cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a container.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cookies
- To reheat frozen cookies, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- You can also pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter works well but may slightly change the texture of the cookies.
Why are my peanut butter cookies crumbly?
This can happen if the dough is too dry; consider adding a touch more peanut butter or an extra egg.
What can I add to peanut butter cookies?
Chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or oatmeal can make delicious additions!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, frozen peanut butter cookies will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer if stored properly.
How do I get soft peanut butter cookies?
For extra softness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them sit on the baking sheet to set.
