Introduction
These delicious peanut butter cookies have a perfect balance of chewiness and crunch. Made with creamy peanut butter and topped with crushed peanuts, they are an irresistible treat for any cookie lover.
Ingredients
200g all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
115g unsalted butter, softened
150g granulated sugar
100g light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
250g creamy peanut butter
50ml milk
80g crushed roasted peanuts (for topping)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
5. Stir in peanut butter and milk, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5cm apart.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy your crunchy and chewy peanut butter cookies!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together 200g of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, and ½ tsp of salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream together 115g of softened unsalted butter, 150g of granulated sugar, and 100g of light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla
Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined.
5. Incorporate Peanut Butter and Milk
Stir in 250g of creamy peanut butter and 50ml of milk, blending until smooth.
6. Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
7. Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5cm apart.
8. Create Crisscross Pattern
Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. Sprinkle 80g of crushed roasted peanuts on top of each cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
10. Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy!
Enjoy your crunchy and chewy peanut butter cookies!
Notes
Storage Instructions
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Variations
For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or swirls of melted chocolate on top of the cookies before baking.
Peanut Alternatives
If nut allergies are a concern, substitute the peanut butter with sunbutter or another nut-free spread.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time
Baking times may vary depending on your oven; keep an eye on the cookies to avoid over-baking.
Serving Suggestion
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store the peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Refrigerator
For longer freshness, store the cookies in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to two weeks.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
With Milk
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, enhancing the peanut butter flavor.
Cookie Sundae
Crush the cookies and use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes, adding a delightful crunch to your dessert.
On-the-Go Snack
Pack them in lunchboxes for a delicious snack that’s perfect for work, school, or travel.
Nutritional Information
Per Cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies)
– Calories: Approximately 150
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 3g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Sodium: 85mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 17g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 3g
Ingredient Substitutions
Flour
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Butter
You can use coconut oil or vegetable shortening in place of unsalted butter to make the cookies dairy-free.
Peanut Butter
For those with nut allergies, substitute creamy peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a similar texture and flavor.
Sugars
You may reduce the granulated sugar and light brown sugar by 25% or substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Milk
Use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk as a dairy-free alternative to regular milk.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure an even distribution of the baking soda and salt throughout the flour. This helps to achieve uniform rising and flavor in your cookies.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This technique incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a softer texture in the finished cookies.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peanut butter to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix until fully combined to ensure a smooth dough without lumps.
Forming Dough Balls
Roll the dough into small balls and space them evenly on the baking sheet. This allows for proper spreading during baking and ensures even cooking.
Creating the Crisscross Pattern
Flatten each dough ball slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. This not only makes the cookies visually appealing but also helps them bake evenly.
Baking Time
Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges turn golden brown to maintain the chewy texture in the center.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra texture to the cookies. Just be aware that it may alter the spread and chewiness slightly.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add additional mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, raisins, or other nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can be the result of too much butter, not enough flour, or not chilling the dough before baking. Ensure accurate measurements and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
What can I substitute for granulated sugar?
You can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup as a substitute, but keep in mind that these alternatives can affect the texture and moisture of the cookies.
Conclusion
These peanut butter cookies with a crunchy twist are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. With their delightful combination of chewy and crunchy textures, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. The addition of crushed roasted peanuts elevates the flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy peanut butter. Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container for a delicious snack anytime.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with peanut butter for an indulgent treat. Simply add chocolate chips to the original peanut butter cookie dough and bake as instructed.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Incorporate rolled oats into the dough for added texture and heartiness. This combination offers a nutritious twist while maintaining the classic peanut butter flavor.
Peanut Butter and Banana Cookies
Add mashed ripe bananas to the cookie dough for a naturally sweet and moist option. The banana pairs beautifully with the peanut butter, creating a deliciously unique cookie.
Nutty Peanut Butter Cookies
Mix in a variety of nuts such as almonds or walnuts into the cookie dough along with the crushed peanuts for a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Create a traditional peanut butter blossom by placing a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie right after they come out of the oven. The combination of flavors is irresistible!
Peanut Butter Marble Cookies
Swirl in some chocolate dough (made with cocoa powder) into your peanut butter dough for an eye-catching marbled effect and an exciting mix of flavors.