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!
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.
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.
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.