Peanut Cookies Recipe: A Simple Guide to Crunchy Deliciousness
Are you a peanut butter lover? Do you enjoy the delightful crunch of a perfectly baked cookie? Then you're in for a treat! This recipe will guide you through making some incredibly tasty peanut cookies that are sure to become a family favorite. We'll focus on simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making this recipe perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up a batch without running to multiple stores.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the cookies.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Let's get baking! Follow these easy steps to create perfectly delicious peanut cookies:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This is a crucial step for easy cleanup and perfectly shaped cookies.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly here, saving you time and effort.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Shape & Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to flatten each ball slightly, creating a criss-cross pattern on top. This step adds a nice visual touch and helps the cookies spread evenly during baking.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your homemade peanut cookies!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Cookies:
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
This recipe provides a base you can customize to your liking. Experiment with different types of peanut butter, sugars, and add-ins to create your perfect peanut cookie! Happy baking!
