My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies are a beloved treat known for their rich peanut butter flavor and satisfying texture. These cookies are a staple in many households due to their simple recipe and irresistible taste.
The dough for these cookies typically starts with creamy peanut butter as the base ingredient. The choice of peanut butter can greatly influence the flavor of the cookies; some prefer natural peanut butter for its pure, intense peanut taste, while others opt for commercial brands for a sweeter, more uniform flavor.
To the peanut butter, softened butter and sugars – usually a combination of brown sugar and granulated white sugar – are added. The brown sugar contributes to the cookies’ moist texture and adds a hint of caramel-like flavor, while the white sugar provides sweetness and helps in creating a crisp exterior. This mixture is creamed together until light and fluffy, ensuring the cookies will be tender.
Eggs are then incorporated, providing structure and richness to the dough. Vanilla extract is often added for an extra layer of flavor, complementing the peanut butter.
In terms of dry ingredients, all-purpose flour is the standard choice. It’s combined with baking powder and/or baking soda, which helps the cookies rise and become light in texture. A pinch of salt is also added to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.
Once the dough is prepared, it is typically chilled in the refrigerator for a short period. This step helps in handling the dough, as peanut butter can make it slightly sticky, and also ensures the cookies don’t spread too much while baking.
The chilled dough is then rolled into balls and placed on a baking sheet. A distinctive feature of peanut butter cookies is the crisscross pattern pressed into the top with the tines of a fork. This not only gives them their iconic look but also helps the cookies cook evenly.
Baked in a preheated oven, these cookies are usually cooked until they are just set and lightly golden around the edges. They can be baked longer for a crispier texture or taken out earlier for a softer, chewier cookie.
Once cooled slightly, My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies are ready to be enjoyed. They are often appreciated for their balance of sweet and salty flavors, the rich depth of peanut butter, and their delightful texture, which can range from soft and chewy to crisp and crumbly, depending on personal preference. These cookies are a comfort food for many and are often a go-to recipe for both everyday treats and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250g) natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oil)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar substitute (such as erythritol or stevia)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How To Make My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies
Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, granulated sugar substitute, large egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients Add the baking soda and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until the dry ingredients are fully integrated into the dough.
Shape the Cookies Scoop small portions of dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Create Cookie Marks Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie dough ball to create a crisscross pattern on top. This also helps flatten the cookies slightly.
Bake to Perfection Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep in mind that they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Cool and Enjoy! Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will become slightly more stable as they cool.
