Are you craving the nostalgic taste of a perfectly crisp peanut butter cookie? This recipe uses Crisco for an extra-tender crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that elevates the classic beyond belief. Forget those dry, crumbly disappointments – these cookies are guaranteed to be a family favorite, perfect for a quick treat or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the ultimate peanut butter cookie perfection!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (the smoother, the better!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Crisco vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and Crisco until smooth and creamy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand with a little elbow grease! Make sure there are no lumps of sugar or Crisco remaining.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. 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.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For optimal texture and to prevent spreading, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and makes the cookies easier to handle.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Use a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
Step 6: 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. Once cooled, enjoy these delicious, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies!
Tips for Peanut Butter Cookie Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures proper emulsification and a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: Add a dollop of your favorite jelly or jam to the center of each cookie before baking.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of rolled oats for added texture and nutrition.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 (This will vary based on the specific ingredients used). This recipe provides a delicious treat while remaining relatively manageable in terms of calories compared to other baked goods. Consider it a small indulgence!
This recipe offers a quick and easy way to make homemade peanut butter cookies, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking fun. These easy recipes offer a delicious and healthy meal option, a fantastic addition to any quick dinner ideas. The homemade cooking experience enhances the flavor and satisfaction of this classic treat. Enjoy your baking journey!