If you’re craving a cookie that combines nostalgia with irresistible flavor, look no further than these Delightfully Classic Peanut Butter Cookies. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, creating a treat that’s soft and chewy with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a cookie lover looking for a timeless recipe, these peanut butter cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 large egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Cream the Butters: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. Cream them together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Add Sugars: Incorporate both the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the mixture. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, achieving a creamy texture.
Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat until fully combined, ensuring the flavors meld together seamlessly.
Add Flour: Gradually add the sifted flour to the mixture. Stir until the dough forms, mixing just until combined.
Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and ensuring a better cookie texture.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm: For the ultimate treat, serve your peanut butter cookies slightly warm. This enhances their soft and chewy texture, making them even more irresistible.
Pair with Beverages: These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of milk, hot coffee, or tea. The creamy peanut butter flavor complements a variety of drinks.
Add Toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for an extra burst of flavor. You can also sandwich two cookies with a layer of peanut butter or chocolate spread for a delicious twist.
Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or cookie jar to showcase their classic appeal. They make a great addition to a dessert table or as a gift for special occasions.
Storage Tips:
Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure the cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. A well-sealed container will keep them soft and chewy for several days.
Room Temperature: Keep the container at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor. Peanut butter cookies generally stay fresh for up to a week when stored this way.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Prevent Sticking: If you’re stacking the cookies in the storage container, place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
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FAQs:
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies. The cookies will have a slightly different consistency with added peanut chunks, but they’ll still be delicious. Just be sure to use a high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Make sure the gluten-free blend you choose is suitable for baking and contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help with the cookie’s texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned, but the centers should still look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
Can I freeze the cookie dough to bake later?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight freezer bag or container. You can bake the cookies directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion:
These Delightfully Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a step back to simpler times with their rich, comforting flavors. Perfect for baking with kids or for sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Enjoy baking and indulging in this classic cookie recipe!
📖 Recipe:
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Delightfully Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 55-57 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delightfully Classic Peanut Butter Cookies offer a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors in every bite. Soft, chewy, and with crisp edges, these homemade cookies are a nostalgic treat that appeals to all cookie lovers. Ideal for any occasion, they combine rich peanut butter with simple ingredients for an irresistible cookie experience.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
Instructions
- Cream the Butters: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add Sugars: Incorporate granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Add Flour: Gradually mix in the sifted flour until the dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Texture Variation: For crunchier cookies, use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal (per cookie)
