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For my peanut butter cookies, I use simple, tasty ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt Each of these ingredients plays a key role. The peanut butter gives that rich flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel. The egg binds everything together. Want to shake things up? Add some fun extras! Here are my favorites: - 1/2 cup chocolate chips - 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts Chocolate chips bring sweetness and richness. Crushed peanuts add crunch and enhance the peanut flavor. Feel free to mix and match! Not all peanut butters are the same. Here’s how to pick the best one: - Look for creamy texture: It blends well and gives a smooth dough. - Check the label: Choose natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils. - Try different brands: Each brand has a unique taste. Find what you love! Using the right peanut butter makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Enjoy your baking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients until they blend into a smooth, creamy mixture. Next, crack 1 large egg into the bowl and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything together until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your peanut butter mixture. Stir until just combined. If you want a fun twist, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or 1/4 cup of crushed roasted peanuts. This adds great flavor and texture to your cookies. Now it’s time to shape your cookies. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough. Roll it into balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each ball, as they will spread while baking. Once you have them all on the sheet, take a fork and press down on each ball. This flattens them slightly and creates a nice crisscross pattern on top. Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you're looking for golden edges and soft centers. When they are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the sweet smell filling your kitchen! To get a great texture in your peanut butter cookies, mix well but do not overmix. This dough needs to stay soft. Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth bite. If you want crunch, add crushed roasted peanuts. Bake until the edges are golden, but keep the centers soft. This helps them stay chewy. A common mistake is using too much flour. Always measure carefully. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. This can affect how they bake. Make sure to space your cookie dough balls well. They need room to spread. Lastly, don’t skip the fork press. It flattens them and creates a nice pattern. Serve the cookies on a bright, fun platter. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for flair. Drizzling melted chocolate adds a tasty touch. Pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream. They make a great snack or dessert for any gathering. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your peanut butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother cookie dough. Don’t Overbake: To keep cookies soft and chewy, take them out of the oven when the edges are golden, but the centers appear slightly underbaked. Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent them from spreading too much. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding different nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a flavor boost. {{image_2}} Want to add a twist to your cookies? Try chocolate chip peanut butter cookies! You simply fold in chocolate chips into the dough. This gives each bite a rich, sweet surprise. I love using semi-sweet chips, but you can use dark or milk chocolate too. Just keep the amount to 1/2 cup for balance. The mix of peanut butter and chocolate creates a tasty treat. If you have nut allergies, you can still enjoy this recipe. Replace the peanut butter with sun butter or soy nut butter. These alternatives taste great and keep the cookie texture right. Just make sure to read labels to avoid cross-contamination. This way, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of peanut butter cookies without worry. Want to make your cookies stand out? Adding spices can change the game. Consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You could also add a little cardamom for a unique twist. These spices blend well with peanut butter and give your cookies depth. Experimenting with flavors keeps baking fun! To keep your peanut butter cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can stack them in layers, but separate each layer with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together. Store the container at room temperature for up to one week. You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. To do this, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Next, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove excess air before sealing. When you crave a cookie, just take out what you need and thaw them at room temperature. To maintain freshness, avoid exposing cookies to heat and humidity. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you want to keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container. This will help keep cookies moist. Make sure to regularly check for any signs of spoilage. If you notice changes in smell or texture, it’s best to discard them. Yes, you can make these cookies without eggs. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana instead. These options help bind the dough. The cookies may be a bit softer, but they will still taste great! Peanut butter cookies last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to three months. If you need a substitute for brown sugar, use white sugar mixed with molasses. For each cup of brown sugar, mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. You can also use coconut sugar or honey, but adjust the amount since these are sweeter. Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. Just make sure it's creamy and well-mixed. Natural peanut butter may make the cookies a bit thicker, but they will still be tasty. Enjoy the rich, nutty flavor it brings to your cookies! You now know how to make great peanut butter cookies. Start with the right ingredients and follow my step-by-step guide. Don’t forget my tips to avoid mistakes and get the best texture. Try the fun variations and keep your cookies fresh with proper storage. Remember, baking is all about having fun. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your treats!

Peanut Butter Dream Cookies

Deliciously soft and chewy cookies made with creamy peanut butter, perfect for any peanut butter lover.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional for a twist)
  • 0.25 cup crushed roasted peanuts (for added crunch)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • If you're using chocolate chips and crushed peanuts, gently fold them into the dough.
  • Drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
  • Using a fork, press down on each cookie to flatten them slightly, creating a crisscross pattern.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve the cookies on a decorative platter, and for a delightful touch, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with extra melted chocolate.
Keyword cookies, dessert, peanut butter