Peanut Butter Cookies

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 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
115g unsalted butter, softened
150g granulated sugar
100g light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon 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 teaspoon 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.