Are you ready to bake some cookies that are so incredibly delicious, they'll transport you straight to dessert heaven? Then get ready to experience the magic of Nancy Silverton's peanut butter cookies. These aren't your average, run-of-the-mill peanut butter cookies. Oh no, these are elevated, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly chewy – a true testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients and a touch of culinary genius. This recipe is perfect for easy recipes enthusiasts and delivers a delicious dish that's ideal for quick dinner ideas or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor
This recipe focuses on quality ingredients to make the most of this classic. You'll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (the good stuff!)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Flaky sea salt for topping
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions: A Simple Guide to Cookie Perfection
This recipe offers homemade cooking at its best. Follow these straightforward steps:
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Cream Together the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
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Incorporate the Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter and mix until thoroughly incorporated into the batter.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Chill the Dough (Important!): Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Scoop and Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Optional Topping: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking for an extra touch of deliciousness.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Cookie Success
- Use good quality peanut butter: The flavor of the peanut butter will be prominent, so splurge on a brand you love.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and achieving that perfect chewy texture.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies: Add ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chunks to the dough before chilling.
- Spiced Peanut Butter Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: Spread a thin layer of your favorite jam on top of the baked cookies once they've cooled slightly.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients and serving size. However, expect roughly:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious peanut butter cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying a homemade treat. Whether you are looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas, this recipe offers a flexible and enjoyable option for all skill levels. Enjoy!