Easy & Perfect Joy Of Cooking Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Joy of Cooking’s peanut butter cookies transform simple ingredients into a nostalgic culinary delight that sparks warm memories.

Crumbly, rich textures blend seamlessly with sweet and nutty undertones that dance across your palate.

Soft centers and crisp edges create a magical contrast that defines these classic treats.

Home bakers appreciate how straightforward techniques can produce such incredible results without complicated steps.

Each cookie carries a comforting warmth that reminds us of childhood kitchens and family gatherings.

Subtle hints of butter and sugar intertwine with robust peanut flavors, creating an irresistible sensation.

These cookies represent more than just a snack – they embody a connection to tradition and simple pleasures: gather your ingredients and start baking.

Peanut Butter Cookies Tricks You Should Know

• Customize Cookie Size: Vary the diameter for personalized treats that range from bite-sized to large, delicious rounds.
• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate dough when it feels too soft, helping maintain shape and preventing spread during baking.
• Preserve Tenderness: Mix ingredients gently to keep cookie texture light and delicate, avoiding tough results.
• Select Peanut Butter Wisely: Opt for crunchy varieties to introduce unexpected texture and nutty crunch in every bite.
• Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients to reach room temperature, ensuring smooth blending and consistent cookie performance.

Peanut Butter CookiesStorage Tricks You Should Know

• Freezer Method: Seal completely cooled cookies in double-layered freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Flatten bags for space-saving storage and label with date and contents. Stack carefully to maintain cookie shape and prevent crumbling.
• Refrigerator Method: Place cookies in hard-sided containers with tight-fitting lids, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep away from strong-smelling foods that might transfer flavors. Consume within 5-7 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Counter Storage Method: Keep cookies in ceramic cookie jars with good sealing mechanisms, protecting them from humidity and air exposure. Use containers with silicone gaskets for maximum freshness. Store in cool, dry areas away from direct sunlight to maintain crisp edges and prevent staleness.

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Companion: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet chocolate-peanut butter fusion.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped roasted peanuts or almonds for extra texture and rich nutty flavor.
• Salted Caramel Spin: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking and drizzle caramel sauce over cooled cookies for a gourmet touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cookies safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts on Peanut Butter Cookies

Classic peanut butter cookies bring nostalgic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Sweet memories dance with each crumbly, nutty bite of this beloved American treat.

Baking these cookies connects generations through simple ingredients and shared love.

Childhood moments return when warm cookies fill kitchens with rich, buttery aromas.

Family gatherings become magical when these golden rounds appear on plates.

Complex yet straightforward, these cookies invite passionate bakers and cookie enthusiasts to create deliciousness.

Craving more?

Share this recipe, sprinkle comments below, and spread cookie joy across digital landscapes!

What Makes Peanut Butter Cookies Special

• Unleash Nostalgic Comfort: These peanut butter cookies capture the warm, familiar taste that takes you back to childhood kitchen memories, creating an instant connection with every bite.
• Nail the Perfect Texture Combo: Crisp edges meet a soft, tender center that practically melts in your mouth, delivering a delightful contrast with each crumbly, rich cookie.
• Master Quick and Easy Baking: The straightforward recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for bakers of all levels – from complete beginners to seasoned cookie lovers.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: With classic crisscross fork marks and a universally loved peanut butter flavor, these cookies are guaranteed to win hearts at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend snack times.

What’s In Peanut Butter Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Peanut Butter: Core flavor ingredient that gives cookies their signature nutty taste, choose natural or creamy style for best results.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that contribute to cookie's texture and caramel-like depth of flavor.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cookie dough together and adds moisture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation of the cookie that provides necessary texture and form.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light and slightly puffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Fork: Tool used for creating classic crisscross pattern on cookie surface.
• Baking Sheets: Flat surface for baking cookies, ensures even heat distribution.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely and prevents bottom from becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• White sugar
• Brown sugar

Mix until smooth and fluffy. Add 1 egg and mix thoroughly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• 1 all-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Chill The Dough

Refrigerate the cookie dough for 1 hour to enhance flavor and make it easier to handle.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll dough into 1-inch round balls, placing them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Create Classic Criss-Cross Pattern

Gently press each cookie ball with a fork, creating a distinctive crisscross design.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake for 7-10 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Joy Of Cooking Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Classic peanut butter cookies from Joy of Cooking promise pure comfort with their rich, nutty flavor. Crisp edges and tender centers make these homemade treats irresistible for anyone craving a nostalgic sweet companion to afternoon tea or midnight snacks.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (256 grams) crunchy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) white sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Cream softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, carefully sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
4. Refrigerate the prepared dough for approximately 60 minutes to enhance flavor development and improve cookie texture.
5. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing sufficient time for even temperature distribution.
6. Remove chilled dough and roll into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) spheres, placing them approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart on ungreased baking sheets.
7. Create distinctive crisscross patterns on each cookie using the tines of a fork, pressing gently to create characteristic indentations.
8. Bake the cookies for 7 to 10 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a golden-brown color and the centers appear slightly soft.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature completely.

Notes

• Swap classic peanut butter with natural varieties for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips to elevate the basic cookie recipe.
• Cold butter works best when cut into small cubes before mixing into the dough.
• Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even golden-brown edges.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain maximum softness for up to five days.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 234
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 37 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 23 mg