Best Peanut Butter Crisscrosses
Delicious peanut butter crisscross cookies with a perfect balance of crunchy peanut butter and sweet, buttery flavors. Ideal for cookie lovers and perfect for sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
- Stir in crunchy peanut butter.
- Mix in sifted flour, soda, and salt until combined.
- Drop by teaspoons into granulated sugar, coating each spoonful.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or ungreased.
- Press with the back of a floured fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the peanut butter is at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a less crunchy cookie, use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy. You can replace half of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can also enhance the cookie's warmth. Remember to sift the flour to avoid clumps and ensure even mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own but can be paired with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter featuring other American recipes like Toni's Buttermilk Pie or Mountain-Orange Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until slightly warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Peanut Butter Crisscrosses contains roughly 2132 calories, with 9g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 152g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, this may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies denser. If you want to go gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of these cookies, try cutting down the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also use unsweetened peanut butter, which will balance the sweetness from the sugars. Additionally, incorporating oats can add texture without increasing sweetness.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the flavor. Fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips after mixing in the flour. This addition will create a delicious contrast with the peanut butter and make the cookies even more indulgent.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).