Peanut Butter Cookies I

Peanut Butter Cookies I Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 36 medium or 48 small cookies

Introduction

Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat loved by many for their rich and nutty flavor. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a simple snack or a special dessert.

History

Peanut Butter Cookies have been a popular treat in American households for decades. The combination of peanut butter and sugar creates a deliciously sweet and savory cookie that is loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of peanut butter
0.25 cup of vegetable oil
1 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 large egg
1.5 cup of whole wheat flour (or less)
2 tsp of baking soda

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a bowl, cream together the peanut butter and vegetable oil.
Add the brown sugar, vanilla, and egg.
Beat the mixture well.
Add the flour (reserving 0.25 - 0.5 cup) and baking soda.
Blend the ingredients thoroughly.
Gradually add enough extra flour to shape the dough into balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
You can make either 36 medium or 48 small cookies.
Flatten the dough balls with a fork and bake for about 10 - 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different twist on the classic recipe.

Notes

Tested using 1.25 cup all-purpose flour. Yum! these are large cookies, 2 tsp sugar per cookie.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture in the cookies.

- If you prefer a crunchier cookie, you can use chunky peanut butter instead.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Peanut Butter Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea for a comforting snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the peanut butter and sugar together helps create a smooth and creamy dough.

- Gradually adding the flour ensures that the dough is the right consistency for shaping into cookies.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour if desired.

- Coconut oil or melted butter can be used in place of vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Peanut Butter Cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Peanut Butter Cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Peanut Butter Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peanut Butter Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Peanut Butter Cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Peanut Butter Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Peanut Butter Cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Peanut Butter Cookies are a good source of vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium.

Alergens

Peanut Butter Cookies contain peanuts and may also contain traces of other nuts.

Summary

Peanut Butter Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively high in calories and fats, but also provide some essential nutrients like protein and vitamins.

Summary

Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic and delicious treat that is loved by many. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy these homemade cookies anytime.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who had just baked a batch of the most delicious peanut butter cookies I had ever tasted. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air and my mouth watered at the thought of sinking my teeth into one.

Martha noticed my interest and with a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a handwritten recipe card. "Here, dear, I think you'll enjoy making these as much as you enjoy eating them," she said with a smile.

I eagerly took the recipe card and studied it carefully. The ingredients were simple and the instructions clear. I could tell that Martha had put a lot of love and care into perfecting this recipe over the years.

As soon as I got home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - peanut butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. I followed Martha's instructions to the letter, mixing the ingredients together until a smooth dough formed.

I scooped out spoonfuls of dough and placed them on a baking sheet, pressing them down with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern. The cookies went into the oven and as they baked, the sweet scent of peanut butter filled my kitchen.

When the timer dinged, I eagerly pulled the cookies out of the oven. They were golden brown and perfectly crumbly. I couldn't wait to taste them.

I took a bite and closed my eyes in bliss. The cookies were everything I had hoped for - soft, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor. I immediately knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made these peanut butter cookies countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I brought them to family gatherings, shared them with friends, and even entered them into local baking competitions. They always received rave reviews and I was proud to have Martha's recipe as a part of my culinary repertoire.

As time went on, I began to put my own twist on the recipe, experimenting with different types of peanut butter, adding in chocolate chips or chopped nuts, and even drizzling them with a sweet glaze. Each variation was a hit and I loved seeing the joy on people's faces as they bit into a warm, freshly baked cookie.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit and as she watched me bake a batch of peanut butter cookies, she asked me how I had learned to make them. I smiled and told her the story of Martha and the handwritten recipe card that had started it all.

My granddaughter's eyes lit up with excitement and she asked if she could help. Together, we mixed the dough, formed the cookies, and baked them to perfection. As we sat down to enjoy a warm cookie together, I knew that Martha's recipe had been passed down to another generation.

Now, whenever my granddaughter bakes a batch of peanut butter cookies, she thinks of me and the story behind the recipe. I can see the same sense of excitement in her eyes that I felt all those years ago when Martha first shared the recipe with me.

And so, the tradition continues, with each batch of peanut butter cookies bringing joy and memories to all who taste them. I am grateful for the simple pleasure of baking and sharing this beloved recipe, knowing that it will be passed down through the generations, just as Martha's recipe was passed down to me.