Wholesome Peanut Butter Cookies

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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These Wholesome Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet addition to your holiday cookie platter. Let's dive into the deliciousness!

Ingredients for Wholesome Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter brings a rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor that is the star of the show. Opt for creamy peanut butter to maintain a smooth consistency. Unsalted butter adds a luscious texture and helps the cookies stay soft and tender. Light brown sugar and granulated sugar create a perfect balance of sweetness and a slight caramel undertone. Eggs bind everything together and give the cookies structure. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth. All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, while baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise and become fluffy. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, chopped peanuts add a delightful crunch and extra nuttiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.
  • For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • If you like your cookies extra nutty, double the amount of chopped peanuts.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, but it will change the texture slightly and make it less smooth.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Wholesome Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don't stick.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will give your cookies a lovely aroma.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing as it can make the cookies tough.

Fold in the chopped peanuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each cookie slightly with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern, which is both traditional and helps them bake evenly.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make; ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients.
  • Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory.
  • Great for both adults and kids.

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped peanuts.
7. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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