There’s something truly comforting about baking cookies, especially when they come together with such ease. An afternoon of preparing these treats can bring a sense of relaxation after a busy day, making them perfect for quiet moments at home. They’re also a delightful addition to gatherings or serve well as a simple snack during weekends. With their cozy flavors and inviting aroma, these cookies create a warm atmosphere in any kitchen.
Let’s step into this easy Peanut Butter Cookie recipe together.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookie
These cookies are simple to prepare, showcasing the reliable blend of peanut butter and brown sugar for a comforting flavor. The balance of moisture and sweetness makes for a satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their straightforward nature, they fit seamlessly into your everyday baking routine, perfect for satisfying cravings or sharing with loved ones.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup peanut butter (creamy texture, rich flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, adds moisture)
- 1/4 cup sugar (sweetness)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed, contributes moisture and depth)
- 1 large egg (binds ingredients)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (structure)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (aids in leavening)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional for topping, adds sweetness)
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie
Step 1. Begin by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You want it to be fluffy, which will help create a light texture for your cookies. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 2. Add the white sugar and brown sugar to the butter mixture. Continue to beat everything together until the sugars are well combined and the mixture appears smooth. This process is important for incorporating air, which contributes to the final cookie’s texture.
Step 3. Crack the large egg into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients into the butter and sugar until they are fully incorporated. You should notice the mixture becoming a bit more liquid, and the flavors starting to meld.
Step 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help your cookies rise properly.
Step 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s fine if a few flour streaks remain. The cookie dough should start to come together, becoming thicker and more cohesive.
Step 6. If you choose to use the optional sugar topping, prepare a small dish with the sugar now. This will be used later to sprinkle on top of the cookies for a little extra sweetness and crunch.
Step 7. Preheat your oven now if you haven’t already. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 8. Before baking, if you’re using the optional topping, sprinkle a little sugar on each dough ball. This adds a nice sweet finishing touch once baked.
Step 9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until they are lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. They should look slightly puffed up but will flatten out as they cool.
Step 10. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time helps them firm up a bit, ensuring they won’t break apart when you handle them.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies can shine at various moments throughout your day. Serve them as a quick breakfast with coffee or enjoy them as a delightful afternoon snack. They also make an excellent treat for family gatherings, where their familiar flavor can please both young and old alike. Leftovers, if any remain, can be stored for a few days, adding sweetness to your evenings as you unwind.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted; this helps create that airy cookie texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mixing just until combined will lead to lighter cookies.
- Experiment with different peanut butter brands for varying flavors and textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well, leading to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can activate gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
- Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to cookies that are too hard or too soft. Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure about your oven’s accuracy.
- Skipping the cooling time on the pan: Allowing cookies to cool slightly on the pan makes them easier to transfer to a cooling rack. Skipping this can lead to broken cookies.
- Not accounting for different cookie sizes: If you make cookies of uneven sizes, they may bake unevenly. Try to keep each dough ball consistent for even baking.
Variations & Substitutions
Consider adding chocolate chips for a richer flavor or incorporating chopped nuts for added texture. If you prefer a denser cookie, reduce the flour slightly. Swapping some of the peanut butter for a flavored variety, like crunchy or honey, can also yield interesting results.
Storage & Reheating
At room temperature, store your cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. To extend their shelf life, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last about 10 days. For freezing, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. For best results when reheating, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in an oven set to low to maintain their soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as the recipe instructs.
How long does it last in the fridge?
These cookies can last in the fridge for up to a week if stored in an airtight container, maintaining their softness and flavor.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be frozen for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you need to substitute peanut butter, try using almond butter or sunbutter for different yet satisfying flavors, though this will change the final result somewhat.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Common reasons for unexpected results include incorrect measurements, overlooking the creaming process, or not calibrating your oven. Double-checking these steps before you start can lead to better outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Peanut Butter Cookies is a straightforward process that can bring a sense of accomplishment and warmth to your kitchen. The combination of familiar ingredients encourages creativity and sharing, whether enjoying a quiet moment or bringing smiles to others. There’s a sense of comfort in their simplicity, reminding us that sometimes, the best things in life are the easiest to make.
Peanut Butter Cookie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 cup peanut butter creamy texture, rich flavor
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, adds moisture
- 1/4 cup sugar sweetness
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed, contributes moisture and depth
- 1 large egg binds ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour structure
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda aids in leavening
- 1/4 teaspoon salt balances sweetness
- 2 tablespoons sugar optional for topping, adds sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the white sugar and brown sugar to the butter mixture. Continue to beat everything together until the sugars are well combined and the mixture appears smooth.
- Crack the large egg into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients into the butter and sugar until they are fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined.
- If you choose to use the optional sugar topping, prepare a small dish with the sugar now.
Baking
- Preheat your oven now if you haven't already.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about two inches apart.
- Before baking, if you’re using the optional topping, sprinkle a little sugar on each dough ball.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until they are lightly golden around the edges and set in the center.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.