Mastering the Art of Baking Peanut Butter Cookies

Name: Baking Bliss: The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie
Prep time: 75 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup of softened unsalted butter; 1 cup of sugar-free peanut butter; 1 cup of granulated sugar; 1 cup of brown sugar; 2 egg; 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon of baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Indulge in the sweet delight of Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies. Follow our simple recipe to bake the perfect batch of this classic treat.

American Cuisine

June 13, 2023

Difficulty

Servings 6 people

Preparation 75 mins

Cooking 10 mins

Total 85 mins

Recipe Contents

Ingredients Directions Nutrition Equipments Tips

Ingredients

1 cup of softened unsalted butter
1 cup of sugar-free peanut butter
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of brown sugar
2 egg
2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Directions

Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars. Beat in eggs.
In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir into the butter mixture.
Put the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls using a cookie scoop and put on baking sheets. Flatten each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
Bake in a preheated 375 °F (190 °C) oven for about 10 minutes or until cookies begin to brown. Do not over-bake.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Baking Bliss: The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie

Serves 6

Amount Per Serving

Calories238

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 13.6 g17.4%

Cholesterol 34 mg11.3%

Sodium 189 mg8.2%

Protein 4.6 g9.2%

Potassium 120 mg2.6%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

Use a creamy, and sugar-free peanut butter. This type of peanut butter tends to work best for cookies. It provides a good texture and flavor.
Measure the ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups and spoons or a kitchen scale.
Add a pinch of salt. This helps to balance the sweetness of the dough.
Don't overmix the dough. Once you've added the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Otherwise, this can tough the cookies. It's okay if you still see a few streaks of flour in the dough.
Chill the dough. After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This helps to develop the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and ensures even baking.
Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon. To ensure consistent cookie sizes, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to portion out the dough. This helps the cookies bake evenly and have a uniform appearance.
Flatten the cookies. Before baking, use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie. Gently press down on the dough to flatten it slightly. This helps the cookies bake more evenly.
Don't overbake. Peanut butter cookies are best when they are slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. This will give you a chewy and tender cookie.
If you prefer a chewier texture, bake the cookies for a slightly shorter time. Remove them from the oven when they are just set around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
Let them cool completely. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them harden and prevents them from falling apart.

Rate This Recipe

There's something incredibly comforting about a peanut butter cookie. Its sweet, nutty flavor, combined with a texture that's perfectly soft and chewy, makes it a favorite among cookie lovers. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you in creating the most delicious peanut butter cookies.

Equipment for this recipe

Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowls

Stand Mixer

Baking Set

The Origin of Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies have a fascinating history. The use of peanut butter in cooking originated from the ancient Incas and Aztecs, who ground roasted peanuts into a paste. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that peanut butter was incorporated into cookie dough. The classic crisscross pattern, characteristic of peanut butter cookies, became popular in the 1930s and is still used today.

Why We Love Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, and their rich, nutty aroma is simply irresistible. They are also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as they are, dip them in chocolate, or use them as a base for other desserts. Plus, they're easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and simple baking techniques.

Baking Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

For the best results, use smooth, commercial peanut butter rather than natural or homemade varieties, as they can affect the texture of the cookies. Also, chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors. Lastly, remember that baking times can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies to prevent them from over-baking.

You might also be interested in trying out other cookie recipes like this Classic Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie or this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie.

Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter In This Recipe?

While natural peanut butter can be used in many recipes, it's not the best choice for these cookies. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily, which can affect the texture of the cookies. For the best results, use commercial peanut butter.

How Can I Make My Cookies Softer?

If you prefer softer cookies, you can try under-baking them slightly. Removing the cookies from the oven when they are just set around the edges but still soft in the middle will result in a softer, chewier texture as they cool.

Can I Freeze The Cookie Dough For Later Use?

Yes, this cookie dough freezes well. You can roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I Add Chocolate Chips To This Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to this recipe will result in peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, which are a delicious variation. You can add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough along with the dry ingredients.

For more tips and tricks on baking, check out our Baking Essentials Guide for Cookies on Petite Gourmets.