Peanut Butter Cookies Recipes

Ah, peanut butter cookies. Just the thought of them conjures up warm memories and the irresistible aroma filling the kitchen. For me, they’re more than just a sweet treat; they’re a taste of home, a symbol of simple pleasures, and a reminder of countless afternoons spent baking with my grandmother.

There’s something uniquely comforting about that perfect balance of salty and sweet, that soft, chewy texture, and that signature criss-cross pattern pressed lovingly with a fork.

My love affair with peanut butter cookies began at a young age, perched on a stool, eagerly watching my grandmother work her magic. The rhythmic whir of the mixer, the clinking of measuring spoons, and the gentle hum of the oven were the soundtrack to my childhood.

Each step of the process was a lesson in patience, precision, and the art of creating something truly special. Now, years later, I carry on the tradition, baking these beloved cookies for my own family, hoping to pass on the same warmth and joy that they’ve always brought to me.

Below are several popular recipes, each with unique characteristics and preparation methods.

1. Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

This simple recipe requires only three ingredients, making it perfect for a quick treat.

Ingredients:

• • 200g peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • 175g golden caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ tsp fine table salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).Mix peanut butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the egg and mix until it forms a dough. Scoop cherry tomato-sized chunks onto lined baking trays, pressing down with a fork.

Bake for about 12 minutes until golden around the edges. Cool before serving.

2. Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe yields soft, chewy cookies packed with peanut butter flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and peanut butter, then add sugars until smooth.

Mix in the egg and vanilla, then combine with dry ingredients. Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for about 9-10 minutes until edges are golden.

3. Thick Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are thick and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredients:

Same as above but with a focus on using more brown sugar for moisture.

Instructions:
Follow similar steps as the soft cookie recipe but chill the dough for at least an hour before baking to enhance thickness and texture.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies:

Peanut Butter Choice: Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your preference; natural peanut butter can also be used but may yield a slightly different texture.

Sugar Variations: Brown sugar contributes to a softer cookie while granulated sugar helps them spread; adjust according to your taste preference.

Chilling Dough: Chilling the dough can improve texture and prevent spreading during baking.

These recipes offer a variety of textures and flavors to satisfy any peanut butter lover’s cravings!

What’s the best way to make peanut butter cookies chewy?

To achieve chewy peanut butter cookies, the balance of ingredients and baking technique is key. Using a 50/50 ratio of brown to white sugar is a great start, as brown sugar’s molasses content enhances chewiness.

Many recipes call for creaming together butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air and create a tender crumb. Adding egg yolks can also contribute to a chewier texture.

Baking at a slightly lower temperature, around 350°F (175°C), can also promote chewiness. This allows the cookies to spread more, increasing caramelization, which ultimately leads to a chewier final product. It’s also crucial not to overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the middle when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Another technique for maximizing chewiness is the “pan-banging” method. Once the cookies are baked, gently but firmly bang the pan on the edge of the counter a couple of times if they look too puffy. This helps to deflate the cookies and create a dense, chewy texture.

Finally, be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher cookie. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter in most recipes, but understanding the differences between the two will help you achieve the best results.

Natural peanut butter typically contains just peanuts, and sometimes salt, while traditional creamy peanut butter often includes added sugar, salt, and stabilizers like hydrogenated oils. These stabilizers prevent oil separation, giving creamy peanut butter its smooth, uniform texture.

The lack of stabilizers in natural peanut butter means that the oil will separate, requiring you to stir it well before each use. Natural peanut butter can also have a thinner or sometimes grittier texture compared to the consistent creaminess of traditional peanut butter. Taste-wise, natural peanut butter generally has a more intense peanut flavor because it lacks the added sugars and other ingredients found in many commercial brands.

When baking with natural peanut butter, the key is to account for its higher oil content. You may need to reduce the amount of other fats, like butter or shortening, in your recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too greasy or spreading too thin. Also, keep a close eye on the baking time, as cookies made with natural peanut butter might brown faster.

Some bakers find that natural peanut butter works best in recipes where a strong peanut flavor and slightly denser texture are desired. However, if a recipe specifically calls for creamy peanut butter, be prepared to experiment with the ingredient ratios to achieve the intended result. The consistency of the natural peanut butter is also a factor; thicker brands may work better than runnier ones[5].

Ultimately, whether to use natural or creamy peanut butter is a matter of personal preference and dietary needs. Both types offer nutritional benefits, including protein and healthy fats. If you prefer a more natural product with a bolder peanut flavor, natural peanut butter is an excellent choice, just be mindful of the adjustments you might need to make in your recipes.

Can I add oats or chocolate chips to peanut butter cookies?

Yes, you can definitely add oats or chocolate chips to peanut butter cookies! Adding oats will give the cookies a chewier texture and a slightly nutty flavor, while chocolate chips will add sweetness and a delightful contrast to the peanut butter.

Just mix them into the dough before baking as you would with any other cookie add-in.

Enjoy your Peanut Butter Cookies.