Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat with a soft and chewy texture. Made with a handful of ingredients, including creamy peanut butter, butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. The rich flavor of peanut butter pairs wonderfully with the slight crispiness on the edges, while the center remains tender. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, these cookies offer a satisfying balance of sweetness and saltiness, with each bite delivering a deliciously nutty taste. Enjoy them as a snack, with a glass of milk, or share them as a homemade gift.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 120 g peanut butter
  • 80 g butter (softened)
  • 200 g sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 140 g all-purpose flour
  • 3 g baking soda
  • 3 g salt

Steps to Make Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Measure out and soften the butter, if necessary, so it mixes easily with the peanut butter.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat until smooth and well-combined.
    • Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
    • Crack in the egg and mix until fully incorporated. This helps bind the ingredients together, giving the cookies structure and moisture.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  4. Form the Cookie Dough:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but easy to handle.
  5. Shape the Cookies:
    • Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough, rolling it into small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between cookies to allow for spreading.
    • Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a crisscross pattern on top. This pattern is a classic hallmark of peanut butter cookies and helps the cookies bake evenly.
  6. Bake the Cookies:
    • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and chewy.
    • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Enjoy your classic peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. They’re perfect for sharing or as a comforting homemade treat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Sugar: 12 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It will add a bit of crunch to the cookies and make them even more enjoyable.
  2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute, as gluten-free flours can vary in consistency.
  3. How should I store these cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
  4. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? Yes, substituting some or all of the white sugar with brown sugar will make the cookies softer and add a hint of molasses flavor. Use the same quantity if substituting.
  5. How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy? Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cookies crispy. Also, slightly underbaking them will keep the centers soft and chewy.

Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

  1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and a room-temperature egg mix more easily and help achieve a consistent dough texture.
  2. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender cookie.
  3. Use Fresh Peanut Butter: Fresh, creamy peanut butter gives the best texture and flavor. If your peanut butter has separated, make sure to stir it well before measuring.
  4. Customize with Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie.
  5. Make in Batches: If you’re baking multiple batches, allow the baking sheet to cool slightly before adding the next batch to prevent the dough from melting and spreading too much.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Conclusion

These Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are a beloved favorite, bringing together the comforting taste of peanut butter with a soft, chewy texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, making them a convenient go-to recipe for last-minute baking. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a glass of milk, or dressed up with add-ins, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to any table. Enjoy the rich flavor and simplicity of this classic treat!