Free-Form Peanut Butter Cookies
Free-form peanut butter cookies are chewy, rich, and versatile treats that can be shaped creatively; perfect for baking with children or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixer bowl, cream together shortening, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt; then stir into the peanut butter mixture.
- Form dough into balls and ropes; place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Push dough together and flatten with hands to make animals, people, or other shapes.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute; then remove to wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening instead of all shortening. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or even a teaspoon of chocolate chips. These cookies can also be shaped into simple rounds for a classic look.
Serving Suggestions
These free-form peanut butter cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a Hot Coffee Sundae for a delicious dessert experience. They also make a great snack with a side of fruit or yogurt for a balanced treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag once frozen. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Free-Form Peanut Butter Cookies contains roughly 123 calories, with 0g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
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 natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may alter the texture of the cookies slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily, so you might need to adjust the amount of shortening or flour to maintain the dough consistency.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape the cookies. Additionally, you can dust your hands with a bit of flour while forming the dough balls.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits to the dough before shaping. Just remember to adjust the total amount of flour slightly if you're adding a significant quantity of mix-ins to maintain the right consistency.
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).