Peanut Drop Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 60 Cuisine: American

Peanut Drop Cookies are crunchy, nutty treats with a classic flavor that pairs perfectly with milk or tea, ideal for quick snacks or baking with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups sifted flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar together.
  2. Add beaten eggs and blend thoroughly.
  3. Sift flour; add baking powder and salt.
  4. Add milk to the creamed mixture.
  5. Add chopped peanuts and mix enough to blend.
  6. Drop teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.
  7. Bake in a hot oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the peanuts are roasted for enhanced taste, and feel free to add chocolate chips for a delicious twist. Remember to keep an eye on the cookies while baking, as oven temperatures can vary.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Drop Cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated by serving them alongside a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of Kahlua Mocha Coffee Slush for a perfect pairing. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter, especially when alongside other treats like Butter Pecan Turtle Squares.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Peanut Drop Cookies contains roughly 803 calories, with 11g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2676mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).

803 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.2g 22% DV
Total Fat 36.2g 46% DV
Carbs 113.3g 41% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2675.7mg 100% DV
Potassium 754.6mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 309.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 76.8mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 11.5mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 557.5mg 43% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
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 different nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well into the dough. Each nut will bring its unique taste and texture to the cookies.

How can I make these cookies more chewy?

To achieve a chewier texture, try adding an extra egg yolk to the batter. You can also slightly underbake the cookies, removing them from the oven when they are just set but not browned. This will keep them soft and chewy as they cool.

What can I do if my dough is too dry?

If you find the dough too dry, gradually add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can incorporate a bit more shortening or butter to ensure the dough holds together well without becoming too sticky.

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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