Are you craving the comforting taste of warm, gooey peanut butter cookies but don't have brown sugar on hand? Don't worry! This recipe proves you can achieve that perfect peanut butter cookie flavor and texture without it. These easy peanut butter cookies are a delicious treat, perfect for a quick dessert or a satisfying snack. They're a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both simple and delicious. Get ready to enjoy these incredibly satisfying and easy recipes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. If you're using a stand mixer, this step is a breeze. If using a hand mixer, be prepared for a bit of a workout, but the results are worth it!
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure everything is thoroughly incorporated for even flavor and texture.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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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.
Shape and Bake:
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Use a fork to flatten each ball, creating a criss-cross pattern on top. This adds a classic peanut butter cookie look and texture.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Cooling and Enjoying:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and hard. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
- Add chocolate chips: For an extra delicious treat, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips before baking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of rolled oats for a chewier texture.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: Spread a thin layer of grape jelly on cooled cookies after baking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Sugar: Approximately 8g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
These delicious peanut butter cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. They are a simple and satisfying treat that the whole family will love. Enjoy!