Are you craving a taste of nostalgia? Nothing quite hits the spot like a perfectly chewy peanut butter cookie, and today, we're making them from scratch! This recipe uses shortening, a secret ingredient that delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture that we all adore. Get ready for a simple, yet incredibly rewarding baking experience – perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen newbies searching for easy recipes and healthy meals. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural works too!)
- 1 cup shortening (vegetable shortening recommended)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and shortening using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture, so don’t rush it! Take your time and ensure everything is well combined.
Step 2: Add Sugars and Eggs
Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the peanut butter mixture, beating until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently press a criss-cross pattern onto the top of each cookie. This is a classic peanut butter cookie touch!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade peanut butter cookies!
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps ensure even mixing and a smoother dough.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough: For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Oatmeal: Add ½ cup of rolled oats for a heartier cookie.
- Different types of peanut butter: Experiment with crunchy peanut butter or a different nut butter altogether!
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This recipe provides delicious and quick dinner ideas, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. It's a simple, homemade cooking project that results in truly delightful dishes, ranking among the best recipes out there for its ease and satisfying taste. Enjoy!