Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Previous Next

Cook Time: 10 minutes

There's nothing like a peanut butter cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth and lift your spirits. This peanut butter cookie recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Here's how to make them from scratch:

Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter (smooth peanut butter can be used as well)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• teaspoon salt

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies

Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect peanut butter cookies:

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, crunchy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth. Once combined, add the eggs and continue mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 3: Roll the Dough into Balls

After chilling, preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Step 4: Flatten with a Fork

Using a fork, gently press each dough ball to flatten it slightly. Create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie by pressing the fork in two directions. This not only gives the cookies a signature look but also helps them bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 7 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Keep an eye on them around the 7-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Test Kitchen Tips

• Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it into balls. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and makes the dough easier to handle.
• The crisscross fork marks are not just for show they help the cookies bake evenly.
• For the best texture, don't overbake the cookies. Check them at 7-8 minutes to ensure they're perfectly chewy on the inside with a crisp outer edge.

How to Store Peanut Butter Cookies

Once completely cooled, store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight or cookie jar at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Peanut Butter Cookies?

Yes! For the best results, freeze the dough balls before baking. When you're ready for fresh cookies, bake the dough balls straight from the freezer according to the recipe instructions.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

• "Phenomenal! I've been searching for the perfect peanut butter cookie recipe, and this one is amazing!" - Joe D.
• "Hands down the best peanut butter cookie I've tasted!" - ritajennings
• "I used vegan butter and replaced the eggs with a banana. They came out soft, chewy, and delicious! This is now my favorite peanut butter cookie recipe." - Another Allrecipes member

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1 cookie (based on 48 servings per recipe)

Nutrition Information	Per Serving
Calories	126
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	18mg
Sodium	101mg
Total Carbohydrate	15g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Protein	2g
Calcium	15mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	57mg

Author: Shirley Sadler

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 85 minutes

History of Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies have a rich history tied to early American cuisine, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The rise of peanut butter as a popular ingredient in the United States during the early 1900s, driven by the invention of commercial peanut butter processing, led to the creation of this iconic cookie. While variations of peanut butter cookies existed prior to this period, the first modern recipes appeared after the invention of peanut butter in the 1890s. These cookies quickly became a staple in many households due to their simplicity, delicious flavor, and the widespread availability of peanut butter.

Regional Features

Peanut butter cookies are beloved across the United States, but there are regional twists that can be found. In the South, they are often made with crunchy peanut butter for added texture, while in other parts of the country, creamy peanut butter is preferred. In some Southern households, peanut butter cookies are rolled in sugar before baking, adding a sweet crunch to the outer layer. Other regional variations include adding chocolate chips, which are a favorite in many parts of the country, turning the classic cookie into a double treat.

How Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Differ from Similar Dishes

While there are many peanut-based desserts, peanut butter cookies stand apart due to their signature criss-cross fork marks and chewy texture. Unlike other cookies, such as chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies use peanut butter as the primary flavoring agent, giving them a rich, nutty taste. They also tend to be denser and more moist, with the peanut butter providing a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Additionally, their iconic criss-cross pattern, made by pressing the dough with a fork, is a distinguishing feature that sets them apart from other cookie varieties.

Where Peanut Butter Cookies Are Often Served

Peanut butter cookies are a popular treat at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and bake sales. They are often enjoyed as an after-school snack or as a comforting dessert after dinner. Their easy-to-make nature and nostalgic flavor make them a favorite choice for both experienced bakers and beginners. They are commonly served at American Thanksgiving dinners, where they provide a delightful, nutty contrast to more traditional pies. Additionally, these cookies are often enjoyed with a glass of milk, making them a timeless pairing for a sweet and savory moment.

Interesting Facts About Peanut Butter Cookies

1. The iconic "fork marks" on peanut butter cookies are not just decorative; they actually help the cookies bake evenly, ensuring a consistent texture throughout.

2. The first commercial peanut butter was introduced in 1904 by a man named John Harvey Kellogg, who is also known for inventing cornflakes. His version of peanut butter was originally intended for use in health foods.

3. Peanut butter cookies became widely popular during the Great Depression because they are inexpensive to make, requiring just a few basic pantry ingredients.

4. Some variations of peanut butter cookies include adding chocolate chips, caramel, or even a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor. The versatility of the cookie allows it to be customized in various ways while maintaining its core identity.

Conclusion

Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic treat or a new favorite recipe, classic peanut butter cookies are a versatile and delicious dessert that have stood the test of time. From their humble origins in American kitchens to their status as a beloved dessert around the world, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and comfort.

FAQ about Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Comments