INTRODUCTION ABOUT COOKIES
Peanut butter cookies are a abelove type of cookie known for their rich peanut flavour and distinctive texture. They can be either soft and chewy or crispy and crumbly, depending on the recipe and how they’ re prepared. A common feature of peanut butter cookies is the crisis cross pattern made with a fork on top. This not only adds a decorative touch but also helps the cookies bake evenly because of the density of the dough.
The peanut butter cookie originated in the United States, with its development tracing back to the early 1900s. The earliest documented recipe appeared in the Boston Cooking School Cookbook in 1896. George Washington Carver played a significant role in popularizing peanuts as a food source, publishing 105peanut recipes in a 1925 bulletin, including some for peanut cookies made with crushed or chopped peanuts. Peanut butter as a direct ingredient became common in the early 1930s. The iconic criss cross pattern was first documented in the Schenectady Gazette in 1932 and later popularized by companies like Pillsbury.
Main Ingredients:
The primary ingredient, as the name suggests, is peanut butter. Other common ingredients include.
- Flour: Typically all purpose flour, providing structure to the cookie dough.
- Butter: contributes to the tenderness, richness, and overall flavour profile.
- Sugar: often a combination of white and brown sugar, providing sweetness and influencing the texture (brown sugar for chewiness, granulated sugar for crispness).
- Eggs: act as a binder add moisture.
- Leavening agents: Baking soda and/or baking powder help the cookies rise.
Popular variations
There are numerous variations of peanut butter cookies to explore, including:
- Three-ingredient peanut butter cookies: a simpler version often made with only peanut butter, sugar, and an egg.
- Peanut butter blossom cookies: these feature a chocolate kiss pressed into the center of each cookie.
- Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies: combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chips.
- Oatmeal peanut butter cookies: incorporating oatmeal for added texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
- No-bake peanut butter cookies: a quick and easy option for those who prefer not to bake.
Tips for baking
- Use good quality peanut butter: This is key to a flavorful cookie.
- Creaming butter and sugars: Proper creaming creates a light and fluffy base for the dough.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cookie.
- Chill the dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Don’t forget the fork marks: These help flatten the dense dough and promote even baking.
- Bake until edges are set: Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry and crumbly cookies.
- Cool on the baking sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking apart.
Peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways, from a quick and simple snack to a more elaborate dessert. Whether you prefer a soft and chewy texture or a crisp and crumbly one, there’s a peanut butter cookie recipe out there for every preference.
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups (160 g) |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup (113 g) |
| Peanut butter (creamy or chunky) | 1/2 cup (125 g) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup (100 g) |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1/2 cup (100 g) |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. Place on the baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. Press each ball gently with a fork in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Centers may look slightly soft — that’s okay.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Popular Variations
- Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies – 3-ingredient version (peanut butter, sugar, egg).
- Chocolate Dipped – Half the cookie dipped in melted chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms – Topped with a chocolate kiss in the center.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies – With rolled oats for added texture.
- Vegan or Gluten-Free – Using flax eggs or gluten-free flour.
Perfect peanut butter cookies
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use natural peanut butter for a purer peanut flavor, but make sure it’s not too oily.
- Don’t overbake – cookies continue to firm as they cool.
General Nutrition Advice
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90–130 kcal |
| Fat | 6–9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1–2 g |
| Protein | 2–4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8–12 g |
| Sugar | 5–8 g |
| Fiber | 0.5–1.5 g |
| Sodium | 80–150 mg |
Nutritional Benefits
- Protein & Healthy Fats: From peanut butter — helps with satiety and energy.
- Fiber: A small amount, especially if using whole wheat flour or oats.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Contains small amounts of magnesium, vitamin E, niacin, and potassium from peanuts.
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookie Tips
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: Choose unsweetened, unsalted types to avoid extra sugar and sodium.
- Cut the Sugar: Reduce sugar or use alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Swap the Flour: Try oat flour, whole wheat, or almond flour for more fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce Butter: Use mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or yogurt to reduce saturated fat.
- Portion Control: Stick to small cookies or eat with a glass of milk for better satiety.
Conclusion:
Perfectly chewy peanut butter cookies are the kind of treat that never goes out of style. With their rich, nutty flavor and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re a comforting classic everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a lunchbox, or just because, these cookies are quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Bake a batch—you won’t be disappointed!
