How to Bake Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: Classic and Delicious Treats
Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that brings back memories of childhood. There’s something about the combination of sweet and salty that makes these cookies irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of crunchy or smooth peanut butter, these cookies are the perfect snack for any occasion.
Why Peanut Butter Cookies?
Peanut butter cookies are a favorite among many because of their unique flavor and texture. They’re soft and chewy, and the peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist. Peanut butter is also a great source of protein, making these cookies a healthier alternative to other sweet treats.
Another reason why peanut butter cookies are so popular is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even jelly to the recipe to create your own unique twist on the classic cookie. Plus, they’re easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving a sweet snack, peanut butter cookies are a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake the best batch of soft and chewy peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Before you start baking your delicious peanut butter cookies, make sure you have the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (unsalted) | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Peanut Butter (creamy) | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar (granulated) | 1/2 cup |
| Egg (large) | 1 |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 and 1/4 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Butter
Butter is an essential ingredient for making soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. Make sure to use unsalted butter to avoid adding too much salt to the recipe. Soften the butter to room temperature before using it in the recipe.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is the star of this recipe, giving the cookies their nutty flavor and chewy texture. Use creamy peanut butter for the best results.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cookies and give them a crisp exterior. Make sure to measure the sugar accurately to ensure the cookies turn out perfectly.
Egg
An egg is used to bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookies. Use a large egg for this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is the base of the cookie dough. It provides structure and stability to the cookies. Measure the flour accurately to avoid a dry or crumbly texture.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. Use the correct amount to avoid a bitter taste.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy. It also helps to neutralize the acidity in the recipe.
Salt
Salt is used to balance the sweetness in the recipe and enhance the flavors. Use the correct amount to avoid over-salting the cookies.
Equipment for Making Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Before you start making your soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, you need to ensure that you have the right equipment. Here are the essential tools you will need:
Mixing Bowl
A mixing bowl is an essential tool for making peanut butter cookies. You will need a large bowl to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. A stainless steel or glass mixing bowl is ideal because it is easy to clean and does not retain odors.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are critical when it comes to baking. You will need measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you add the right amount of ingredients to your peanut butter cookie dough. Invest in a good set of measuring cups and spoons to make your baking experience more precise and enjoyable.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer is a must-have for making peanut butter cookies. It will help you mix the ingredients evenly and save you time and energy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this recipe.
Baking Sheet
You will need a baking sheet to bake your peanut butter cookies. A non-stick baking sheet is ideal because it ensures that your cookies do not stick to the surface. You can also use a regular baking sheet, but make sure to line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is a non-stick baking paper that is used to line baking sheets. It is an essential tool that ensures that your cookies do not stick to the baking sheet. It also makes cleaning up a breeze.
With these essential tools, you can make soft and chewy peanut butter cookies that will be a hit with your family and friends.
Instructions
If you’re a fan of peanut butter, you’ll love these soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to bake your own classic and delicious treats.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Sugar
Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Egg
Add 1 large egg to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Step 6: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling the dough will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 8: Shape the Dough into Balls
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your freshly baked soft and chewy peanut butter cookies!
Tips and Tricks for Making Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
It is essential to use room temperature ingredients when making peanut butter cookies. This includes butter, egg, and peanut butter. Room temperature ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother dough. If you use cold butter, it will not cream properly, and your cookies will be dense and hard.
Chill the Dough
Chilling the cookie dough is crucial to achieving soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. After you have mixed the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the dough to rest and the flavors to blend, resulting in a richer taste. Chilling the dough also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker and chewier cookie.
Use Parchment Paper
Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is a must when making peanut butter cookies. It prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and helps them cook evenly. Parchment paper also makes cleanup a breeze.
Don’t Overbake the Cookies
Overbaking peanut butter cookies will result in a hard and crunchy texture. To achieve a soft and chewy cookie, bake them for only 10-12 minutes, depending on your oven. The edges should be slightly golden, but the centers should still be soft to the touch. Remember that the cookies will continue to cook after you remove them from the oven, so it’s better to underbake them slightly than overbake them.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Room Temperature Ingredients | Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and result in a smoother dough. |
| Chill the Dough | Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker and chewier cookie. |
| Use Parchment Paper | Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and helps them cook evenly. |
| Don’t Overbake the Cookies | Overbaking will result in a hard and crunchy texture, while slightly underbaking will result in a soft and chewy cookie. |
Conclusion
There you have it, a detailed guide on how to bake soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. With the right ingredients, equipment, and techniques, you can create classic and delicious treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
Remember to measure your ingredients accurately, cream your butter and sugar thoroughly, and refrigerate your dough before baking. These tips will ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness and nuttiness.
Experiment with different types of peanut butter, such as crunchy or natural, and add in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for fun, these peanut butter cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So preheat your oven, grab your baking sheet, and enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies!
- Remember to measure your ingredients accurately, cream your butter and sugar thoroughly, and refrigerate your dough before baking.
- Experiment with different types of peanut butter, such as crunchy or natural, and add in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for fun, these peanut butter cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So preheat your oven, grab your baking sheet, and enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. |
| 1/2 tsp baking soda | In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. |
| 1/4 tsp salt | In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. |
| 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened | Beat in egg and vanilla extract. |
| 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter | Gradually stir in flour mixture until just combined. |
| 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed | Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet. |
| 1/4 cup granulated sugar | Use a fork to press down on each ball twice to create a criss-cross pattern. |
| 1 large egg | Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. |
| 1 tsp vanilla extract |