Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies
Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make
Introduction
The Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies recipe is a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of Skippy® peanut butter with the sweet crunch of M&Ms, creating a cookie that's not only delicious but also brings a burst of color and joy to any occasion. This recipe is perfect for peanut butter lovers, offering a satisfying texture and a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you're baking for a holiday, a special event, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress and delight anyone who tries them.
History
The history of peanut butter cookies dates back to the early 20th century, with the first known recipe appearing in a 1916 cookbook. However, it wasn't until the introduction of commercial peanut butter brands like Skippy® in the 1930s that peanut butter cookies became a household favorite. Over the years, bakers have experimented with adding various ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of these cookies. The addition of M&Ms is a relatively modern twist, adding a colorful and sweet element that makes these cookies even more irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1.25 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup chunky peanut butter (preferably Skippy®)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 12 oz (340 g) bag M&Ms (can use holiday M&Ms or regular ones, but make sure they're the plain type)
How to prepare
- In a large mixing bowl (using a stand mixer), beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add the sugars and blend well. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Note that even when using a stand mixer, it may have difficulty blending at this stage - the dough is thick and heavy. You may need to finish mixing in the M&Ms by hand.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Variations
- For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use natural peanut butter.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
- For double chocolate peanut butter cookies, replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder.
Notes
- If you're looking to be a bit more conscious about your ingestion of trans fats, then you might try using organic (natural) peanut butter. Smuckers produces a line of both chunky and smooth natural peanut butters. Just be aware that you need to stir up these types of peanut butters before using them, as the natural oils settle on top. With the natural peanut butters, the only ingredients are peanuts and salt. There are NO added partially hydrogenated oils like there are in just about every manufactured peanut butter. There is also no added sugar in natural peanut butter.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure your Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter.
- When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much.
- For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or a teaspoon to measure out the dough.
- Don't overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a comforting snack. For a special treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create an irresistible ice cream sandwich.
Cooking Techniques
The key technique in this recipe is creaming the butter and peanut butter together until smooth, which helps incorporate air into the batter for a lighter texture. Mixing the dry ingredients separately before combining them with the wet ingredients ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in evenly baked cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor.
- Almond butter or cashew butter can be used in place of peanut butter for those with peanut allergies.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and ensure your M&Ms or alternative candy is dairy-free.
Make Ahead Tips
The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Presentation Ideas
For a festive look, use holiday-themed M&Ms and serve the cookies on a decorative plate or platter. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch.
Pairing Recommendations
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a dessert pairing, try them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. There's no need to reheat, but if you prefer warm cookies, microwave them for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookie contains approximately 150 calories. Keep in mind that serving sizes and calorie counts can vary based on the size of the cookies and the exact ingredients used.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the sugars (both white and brown) and the flour. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, but it's important to consume them in moderation, especially if you're monitoring your sugar intake.
Fats
These cookies are rich in fats, with each serving providing about 10 grams of fat. The fats come from the butter, peanut butter, and eggs. While fats are an essential part of a balanced diet, contributing to satiety and the absorption of vitamins, it's important to consume them in moderation.
Proteins
Each cookie offers approximately 3 grams of protein, primarily from the peanut butter and eggs. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making these cookies a slightly more filling snack option.
Vitamins and minerals
These cookies provide small amounts of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E from the peanut butter, iron and calcium from the flour, and other nutrients from the eggs. While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, these cookies do contribute to your daily nutritional needs.
Alergens
This recipe contains several common allergens, including peanuts, eggs, dairy (butter), and gluten (flour). If you have food allergies or sensitivities, consider making substitutions as needed.
Summary
Overall, the Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies are a delicious treat that provides energy from carbohydrates and fats, along with a modest amount of protein. While they do offer some nutritional benefits, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
The Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. With its rich peanut butter taste and colorful M&Ms, it's a treat that's sure to please. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack or a festive dessert, these cookies are a delicious way to bring a smile to anyone's face.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Ethel, who had gotten it from her grandmother many years ago. Ethel always raved about these cookies, claiming they were the best she had ever tasted. I couldn't wait to try them out for myself.
Ethel came over to my house one sunny afternoon to show me how to make the cookies. She brought all the ingredients with her, including a jar of Skippy peanut butter, which she swore was the secret to making the cookies extra delicious. As we began mixing the dough together, she regaled me with stories of her grandmother, who was known in the neighborhood for her incredible baking skills.
As the cookies baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, I took a bite and was instantly transported to a state of pure bliss. The cookies were chewy, peanut buttery, and absolutely irresistible. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.
Over the years, I made these cookies countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different types of peanut butter, added chocolate chips or chopped nuts, and even tried a gluten-free version for my niece who has dietary restrictions. Each batch was met with rave reviews from family and friends, who always begged me for the recipe.
One day, while browsing through a cookbook at the local library, I stumbled upon a recipe for peanut butter cookies that claimed to be the best ever. Curious, I decided to give it a try and see how it compared to Ethel's recipe. As I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the time spent baking with my dear friend.
When the cookies came out of the oven, I took a bite and immediately knew that they didn't hold a candle to Ethel's recipe. They were dry and crumbly, lacking the rich peanut butter flavor that I had come to love. It was then that I realized the true magic of Ethel's recipe lay not just in the ingredients, but in the memories and stories that were woven into it.
I continued to make the Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies for years to come, sharing them with new friends and neighbors who quickly became fans. Each time I baked a batch, I would think of Ethel and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of their recipe that had brought so much joy into my life.
As I grew older, my hands became less steady and my memory began to fade. But one thing that never wavered was my love for baking and sharing my Best-ever Skippy Peanut Butter Cookies with those around me. I may not remember every detail of the recipe, but the taste and feeling of warmth and comfort that it brings will always remain etched in my heart.
So here I am, passing down this cherished recipe to you, my dear grandchild. May you bake these cookies with love and create your own memories to cherish for years to come. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it on to someone special, just like I did with you. Happy baking!
Categories
| American Recipes | Egg Recipes | Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes | Peanut Butter Recipes | Quick Oats Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |