If you're a fan of the classic peanut butter cookie with a bit of a twist, these Peanut Butter & Almond Crunch Cookies are for you. They combine the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of almonds and oats, creating a delightful texture and flavor profile that's hard to resist.
Peanut butter forms the base of these cookies, adding rich flavor and a creamy texture. Opt for creamy peanut butter for a smoother finish. Unsalted butter pairs with the peanut butter to create a tender crumb, while granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness and moisture. The egg acts as a binder, and a splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. All-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt give structure and lift to the cookies. The chopped almonds introduce a satisfying crunch, and the rolled oats add texture and a hint of nuttiness.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but for a little extra indulgence, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair nicely with a glass of cold milk or your favorite tea.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this will keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and smooth — you can use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon if you're feeling energetic.
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat these in until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined — overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
Now it's time to fold in the chopped almonds and rolled oats. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern on top — this is a classic touch for peanut butter cookies.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. They'll be soft when you first take them out of the oven, but they'll firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.