School Days Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic peanut butter cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy inside, offering rich nutty flavor perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the shortening, sugar, and peanut butter.
- Add the self-rising flour and vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Knead until the dough no longer adheres to your hands.
- Add boiling water and knead until the dough is smooth, shiny, and fully adhered.
- Form the dough into 12 balls and place them onto a cookie sheet.
- Press each cookie with a fork to flatten.
- Do not grease the cookie sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 20 minutes, or until light golden brown.
- Cool the cookies before removing them from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. To save time, mix the ingredients in a stand mixer. Remember to keep an eye on the cookies as baking times may vary; they should be light golden brown when done.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter cookies are delicious on their own or can be paired with a glass of milk for a classic treat. For an indulgent twist, sandwich them with ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also pair nicely with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon snack. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Tina'S Cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a couple of minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of School Days Peanut Butter Cookies contains roughly 2007 calories, with 45g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 899mg per serving (39% 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 natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter; however, it may alter the texture slightly due to its oil content. You might need to adjust the flour to maintain the right consistency. Natural peanut butter is often less sweet, so consider adding a bit more sugar if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
What can I substitute for self-rising flour?
If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. For every cup of self-rising flour needed, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will ensure your cookies rise beautifully.
How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
To add a chocolate twist, mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the dough after kneading. Alternatively, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor. This combination is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's craving!
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).