If you’re a peanut butter lover, you know that a perfect peanut butter cookie can be the ultimate treat. With a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey center, these cookies are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. This recipe combines creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate and crunchy honey-roasted peanuts, creating a cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent. Let’s get ready to bake!
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about peanut butter cookies. They remind us of childhood lunches, after-school snacks, and warm kitchens filled with the aroma of baking. This Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe stands out for its balance of flavors and textures. The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate creates a delightful contrast, while the added crunch of honey-roasted peanuts elevates the cookie to a whole new level. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to whip up and sure to impress family and friends.
What to Buy
To make these delicious cookies, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (227g), at room temperature
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup (227g), at room temperature
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 and 1/2 cups (319g), packed
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (149g)
- Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 and 3/4 cups (330g)
- Baking Soda: 3/4 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (kosher or table salt)
- Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate: 8 ounces, coarsely chopped
- Refined Coconut Oil: 1 and 1/2 tablespoons
- Honey Roasted Peanuts: 1/2 cup, coarsely chopped
- Flaky Sea Salt: for sprinkling
Setup & Equipment
Before you dive into baking, gather the following equipment:
- Baking Sheets: Two, lined with parchment paper
- Mixing Bowls: One large and one medium
- Electric Mixer: Stand or hand mixer for easy creaming
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements
- Cookie Scoop: For consistent cookie sizes
- Cooling Rack: To cool cookies after baking
How to Prepare Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Vanilla
Next, add the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter mixture. Continue to beat until fully combined. Add the pure vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the two large eggs, making sure they are also at room temperature. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that tender texture.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate and Peanuts
Gently fold in the coarsely chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate and honey-roasted peanuts. The chocolate will melt slightly while baking, creating delicious chocolatey pockets in your cookies.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball. This enhances the flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
Step 10: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to get creative with your cookie ingredients! Here are some seasonal swaps to consider:
- Instead of honey-roasted peanuts, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
- For a festive twist, incorporate mini chocolate chips or seasonal sprinkles.
- Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a unique flavor profile.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spice-infused cookie during the colder months.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t skip the room temperature ingredients. Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense cookie.
- Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
- Do not forget to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your baking sheets to prevent sticking.
- Don’t let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet; they can continue to cook and become hard.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter may yield a slightly different texture since it often has a more fluid consistency. Stir it well before measuring.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
If you need to make this recipe egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
How do I make the cookies extra chewy?
To achieve a chewier cookie, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to develop the flavors and results in a softer center.
Final Thoughts
Making the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and care you put into each step. These cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to create memories in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in the ultimate peanut butter experience!
Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Sheets
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie Scoop
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cups Light Brown Sugar packed
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs at room temperature
- 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt kosher or table salt
- 8 ounces Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate coarsely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Refined Coconut Oil
- 1/2 cup Honey Roasted Peanuts coarsely chopped
- Flaky Sea Salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter mixture. Continue to beat until fully combined. Add the pure vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Add the two large eggs, making sure they are also at room temperature. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that tender texture.
- Gently fold in the coarsely chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate and honey-roasted peanuts. The chocolate will melt slightly while baking, creating delicious chocolatey pockets in your cookies.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking.
- Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball. This enhances the flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for maximum freshness.
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough in scoop-sized portions and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple more minutes to baking time.
- For a chewier cookie, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Try seasonal ingredient swaps like walnuts, pecans, white chocolate, or spices like cinnamon for variety.
- Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure proper texture and fluffiness.
