Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! These peanut butter thumbprint cookies are the perfect answer. They're soft, chewy, bursting with peanut butter flavor, and delightfully easy to customize. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe book, perfect for quick dinner ideas or satisfying a sudden sweet craving. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these homemade cooking delights!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference!)
- 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
- ½ cup jam or jelly (your favorite flavor – grape, raspberry, or apricot work wonderfully!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best here, but you can achieve the same result with good old-fashioned elbow grease!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture will be quite thick.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 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!
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Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Create the Thumbprint: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
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Fill the Indentation: Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam or jelly.
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Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies:
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Chill the Dough: For perfectly shaped cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
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Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking them at the 9-minute mark.
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Get Creative with Fillings: Experiment with different fillings! Chocolate chips, caramel, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can add a delicious twist.
Variations:
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprints: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra decadent treat.
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Mini Thumbprints: Make smaller cookies for a delightful bite-sized snack.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These peanut butter thumbprint cookies are a fantastic addition to any occasion – from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Their simple elegance and irresistible flavor make them a truly delightful treat. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!