Peanut Shortbread
Peanut shortbread offers a buttery, nutty flavor with crunchy peanuts, perfect for peanut lovers and easy to prepare for a delightful treat or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla in a bowl; stir in 1/2 cup peanuts.
- Pat the mixture into an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup peanuts over the top.
- Roll over all with a rolling pin to press the nuts into the surface.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
- Cut into bars while warm.
- Enjoy this very easy and delicious peanut shortbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you prefer a softer texture, try adding an extra tablespoon of butter. If you're out of blanched peanuts, you can substitute with chopped walnuts or pecans. Additionally, for a fun twist, mix in some chocolate chips to enhance the sweetness, similar to what's found in Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut shortbread bars are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a delightful dessert option, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter with Mums Peanut Butter Pie or Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, although this may change the texture slightly. If you want to enjoy them warm again, simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to regain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Shortbread contains roughly 868 calories, with 22g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 464mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
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 unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to your mixture to balance the flavors. This will help bring out the sweetness of the sugar and enhance the overall taste of the shortbread.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free peanut shortbread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free to ensure the recipe remains compliant.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Absolutely! To freeze the peanut shortbread bars, ensure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
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).