Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This crispy peanut butter cookie recipe is your answer. Forget complicated baking techniques and long ingredient lists; this recipe delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale contribution, or just a little self-indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new favourite in your household. They're the epitome of easy recipes and delicious dishes, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
-
Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step, but you can achieve the same result with a good old-fashioned whisk and some elbow grease!
-
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
-
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie – this adds to their classic look and helps them crisp up nicely.
-
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
-
Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even crispier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste. Opt for good quality peanut butter and fresh eggs.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Salted Peanut Butter: Use salted peanut butter for an extra salty-sweet flavour.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter: Stir in ½ cup of rolled oats for a chewier texture.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Protein: 3-4g
These crispy peanut butter cookies are a perfect example of healthy meals that don't compromise on flavour. They're quick dinner ideas, especially when paired with a glass of milk. Enjoy this easy recipe and the delicious results! These are easily among the best recipes you’ll find for a quick and satisfying treat.