Introduction
Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat, beloved by many for their rich, nutty flavor and delightful texture. This recipe from Love and Lemons offers an easy way to whip up a batch of these delicious cookies that are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create irresistible peanut butter cookies that will impress friends and family alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt (increase to ¾ teaspoon if using unsalted peanut butter)
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar, plus ½ cup for rolling
1 cup creamy peanut butter (ensure it is smooth and not dry)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 to 12 minutes
Total Time
30 to 32 minutes
Yield
Approximately 24 cookies
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and the ¼ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla, mixing until the mixture is creamy. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
4. Scoop slightly heaping tablespoons of the dough and roll into balls using your hands. Place the ½ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl and roll the cookie dough balls in it. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring at least 2 inches of space between each ball. Press down gently on the tops with a fork to create a cross-hatch pattern.
5. Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes, using 10 minutes for softer cookies and 12 minutes for a crispier texture. The edges should be set, while the centers may still appear underdone. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
If using natural peanut butter, ensure it has a smooth and creamy consistency. If your peanut butter is kept in the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for about an hour before using it.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix until the mixture is creamy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Form the Cookie Balls
Scoop slightly heaping tablespoons of dough and use your hands to roll them into balls. Place ½ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl and roll the cookie dough balls in it. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each ball. Press down on the tops of the balls with a fork to form a cross-hatch pattern.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes. Bake for 10 minutes for a softer cookie or 12 minutes for a crispier cookie. The cookies should be just set around the edges but appear underdone in the middle. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Store the Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
Note 1:
If your peanut butter is unsalted, increase the salt to ¾ teaspoon.
Note 2:
If using natural peanut butter, ensure it has a smooth, creamy consistency. Avoid the dry, stiff texture that may be found at the bottom of a jar. If you keep your peanut butter in the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before making this recipe.
Cook techniques
Measuring Flour
Spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. This technique ensures that you don’t pack the flour and use too much in your cookies.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl to ensure even distribution of ingredients, which helps achieve the desired texture in your cookies.
Beating Butter and Sugars
Creaming together the butter with both sugars for 2 to 3 minutes creates a light and fluffy mixture that traps air, resulting in a tender, airy cookie.
Rolling Cookie Dough
Scoop the dough with a tablespoon and use your hands to roll it into smooth balls. This uniform size promotes even baking and a consistent shape.
Cross-Hatch Pattern Technique
Pressing down on the cookie dough balls with a fork creates a cross-hatch pattern and helps the cookies bake evenly while also giving them a classic appearance.
Monitoring Baking Time
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, checking them at the 10-minute mark for a softer texture. The edges should set, and the center will appear slightly undercooked.
Cooling Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up and enhances their flavor.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but ensure it has a smooth, creamy consistency for the best results.
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
You can substitute unsalted butter with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option, adjusting the salt in the recipe accordingly.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness.
What should I do if my cookies get too hard?
If your cookies turn out too hard, consider reducing the baking time slightly next time or adding an extra tablespoon of peanut butter to create a softer texture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls. Just roll them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion
These peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat, easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy peanut butter and a touch of sweetness creates a satisfying texture and flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. With a little care in baking time, you can achieve your desired cookie texture, whether soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy. Store them properly, and they can be enjoyed for several days. Indulge in the joy of homemade cookies and share the love!
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