Peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic that brings warmth, comfort, and a delightful crunch. They are perfect for nearly every occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. This Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe is sure to become a household favorite. The combination of peanut butter and butter results in soft, chewy cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory nuttiness. With twice the amount of peanut butter as butter, the flavor is rich and indulgent, making every bite an irresistible treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter (recommend using a variety that is solid at room temperature, such as Jif or Skippy)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the secret ingredient)

Directions

Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream the butters: In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add sugars: Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the butter mixture. Beat until light and fluffy.
Incorporate wet ingredients: Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined and the mixture is light and homogenous.
Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Preheat the oven: After chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form 1-inch balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Create the classic crisscross pattern: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a crisscross pattern on top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers may look undercooked but will firm up as they cool.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrients (per cookie, recipe yields approximately 24 cookies)

Calories: 155
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 3g

The Key to Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

The hallmark of a great peanut butter cookie is its texture, and this recipe delivers just that. The softness and chewiness of the cookies come from the perfect balance of butter and peanut butter, which create a rich, tender dough. By using peanut butter in generous amounts, you not only get a stronger flavor but also a softer cookie. It helps to achieve the melt-in-your-mouth texture that peanut butter lovers crave.

The addition of butter helps to ensure that the cookies are not too dense, allowing for the right amount of softness. The fat content from the butter also aids in the tenderness of the cookie. The combination of butter and peanut butter is the key to achieving that classic peanut butter cookie texture that is slightly crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.

The Secret Ingredient: Cinnamon

What sets this recipe apart from traditional peanut butter cookies is the inclusion of ground cinnamon. Though it’s not the first ingredient you might expect in a peanut butter cookie recipe, cinnamon adds a layer of warmth and complexity to the flavor profile. A small amount of cinnamon brings out the nutty taste of the peanut butter and enhances the overall sweetness without overpowering the cookie. This subtle hint of spice is the secret that elevates the flavor of these cookies, making them a more interesting and delicious variation of the classic.

How to Achieve the Perfect Peanut Butter Flavor

The peanut butter in this recipe is a key player in both the flavor and texture. It’s essential to use peanut butter that is solid at room temperature, such as the widely popular Jif or Skippy brands. These types of peanut butter have a consistency that allows for better binding in the dough, which results in the perfect texture for the cookies. Additionally, the type of peanut butter you choose will affect the taste. While creamy peanut butter can work, using chunky peanut butter can give the cookies a bit more texture and a delightful crunch, offering even more peanut flavor in every bite.

Why Chilling the Dough is Essential

One important step in this recipe that cannot be skipped is chilling the dough. After you’ve mixed the dough, it’s crucial to refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilled dough also holds its shape better when baking, leading to the perfect crisscross pattern on the top of each cookie. The cool dough creates cookies that are soft in the center and crisp around the edges, providing the ideal texture.

Chilling the dough also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the peanut butter flavor in the final product. If you are in a rush, you can refrigerate the dough for a shorter period, but for the best results, try to give the dough time to rest in the fridge.

Classic Crisscross Pattern: A Signature Look

The signature look of a peanut butter cookie is the classic crisscross pattern made by pressing a fork into the dough. This easy step doesn’t just add a charming aesthetic to the cookies; it also helps them bake evenly. The pressure from the fork flattens the dough, allowing the cookies to bake uniformly. Additionally, the crisscross pattern creates a visually appealing texture, making the cookies look more professional.

Baking Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

To ensure your peanut butter cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs incorporate more easily into the dough, resulting in a smoother batter that’s easier to work with.
Don’t overmix the dough: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
Space the cookies properly on the baking sheet: Be sure to space the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This will give the cookies enough room to spread while baking without merging into one another.
Keep an eye on the baking time: Peanut butter cookies tend to bake quickly. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and don’t be alarmed if the centers still look slightly undercooked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Let them cool on the sheet: Once you remove the cookies from the oven, allow them to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures the cookies set properly and reduces the risk of breaking.

Customizing the Recipe

This peanut butter cookie recipe is already a classic, but there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

Add chocolate chips: If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter together, try adding chocolate chips to the dough. The combination of melty chocolate with the nutty peanut butter is a match made in heaven.
Incorporate crushed nuts: For extra crunch, try adding crushed peanuts or walnuts to the dough. This will enhance the texture and deepen the peanut flavor, giving the cookies an added crunch.
Make them gluten-free: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure to check that it includes xanthan gum to help with the structure.
Sweeten naturally: If you prefer to cut down on refined sugar, try swapping out the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more wholesome option.
Stuff them with a filling: Add a fun twist by stuffing the center of each cookie with a piece of chocolate or a dollop of peanut butter. This will create a gooey surprise in the middle when you bite into the cookie.

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

These peanut butter cookies are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re baking them as a quick snack, preparing them for a family gathering, or packing them for a picnic, these cookies will never disappoint. They are perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or simply as an afternoon treat with a glass of milk.

Not only are these cookies delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a simple method, you can bake a batch of cookies in no time. Their chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults, ensuring they will be a hit wherever you serve them.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

In conclusion, this Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe combines simplicity with indulgence, delivering cookies that are soft, buttery, and full of flavor. With the perfect balance of peanut butter, sugar, and subtle spices like cinnamon, these cookies offer a unique twist on the traditional recipe. Whether enjoyed on their own or customized with chocolate chips and nuts, these cookies will satisfy any craving.

Their ease of preparation, customizable nature, and classic flavor make them a timeless treat for any occasion. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, these peanut butter cookies will be waiting to provide a comforting, delicious experience with every bite.

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