Great Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Chewy, nutty peanut butter cookies with a tender crumb, perfect for peanut lovers and great for quick snacks or homemade treats with a rich, sweet flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cups sifted flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly cream butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
  2. Sift together flour, soda, and salt; blend into the creamed mixture.
  3. Shape into 1-inch balls.
  4. Roll in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  5. Press 5 peanut halves atop each cookie, or crisscross with fork tines.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
  7. Cool slightly and remove from the pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra touch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or using crunchy peanut butter for added texture. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a little molasses. Remember to not overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of Banana Ice Cream Sandwich for a fun dessert combination. They make a great addition to any cookie platter, especially during holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven for a couple of minutes to restore their soft texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Great Peanut Butter Cookies contains roughly 118 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

118 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 1.7g 2% DV
Carbs 20.9g 8% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 5.7g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 47.3mg 2% DV
Potassium 82.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 13.4mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Calcium 20.2mg 2% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Peanut

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 instead of regular peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be less sweet and more oily, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the right consistency for the dough.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to roll into balls. You can also dust your hands with a bit of flour to prevent sticking while shaping the cookies.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free peanut butter cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. Most gluten-free flours work well, but you may need to experiment to find your preferred blend.

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).

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