Cookie Jar Peanut Butter Cookies
Indulging in the delightful world of cookies is one of life’s simple pleasures, and when it comes to cookies, nothing quite compares to the classic Peanut Butter Cookie. This beloved recipe, adapted from Sheila Lukins’ USA Cookbook, promises a perfect balance of crispy exteriors and chewy interiors, making each bite a delectable experience. Ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying with a glass of milk, these cookies are straightforward to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find that these cookies come together effortlessly, becoming a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire.
Description
These Peanut Butter Cookies embody the essence of comfort food: crispy on the outside, yet perfectly chewy on the inside. Their delightful sweetness, enriched with the creamy flavor of peanut butter, makes them an irresistible treat. As you take your first bite, the harmonious blend of textures and flavors will transport you back to fond memories of cookie-filled jars and the warmth of home baking.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Category | Dessert |
| Total Time | 27 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Yield | 60 cookies |
| Aggregated Rating | 5 stars |
| Review Count | 56 reviews |
| Keywords | Cookie & Brownie, Sweet, < 30 Mins, Oven, Easy |
Ingredients
To create these delightful Peanut Butter Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Butter (softened) | ½ cup |
| Solid shortening | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
To help you keep track of your indulgences, here is the nutritional breakdown for each cookie:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 102.2 |
| Total Fat | 5.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 10.3 mg |
| Sodium | 72.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 7.3 g |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your Cookie Jar Peanut Butter Cookies. Each step is designed to ensure your cookies come out perfectly, with the desired texture and flavor.
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as the right temperature ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful crispiness.
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Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step aerates the flour and helps prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth and even cookie dough. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, solid shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a softer cookie texture.
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Incorporate the Eggs and Peanut Butter: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. This helps the eggs blend evenly into the dough. Next, mix in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined, allowing the rich flavor of the peanut butter to infuse the dough.
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Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture by the cupful, beating at low speed to ensure everything is well integrated. The dough will start to come together, forming a cohesive mixture that holds its shape.
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Shape the Cookies: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading during baking. For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, consider lining the baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Create the Classic Crosshatch Design: Take a lightly floured fork and press down on each cookie ball, creating a crosshatch pattern by pressing twice in each direction. This not only adds an attractive design but also helps the cookies bake evenly.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as overbaking can lead to a less chewy texture. The cookies should appear slightly pale and set around the edges but still soft in the center.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Use a spatula to gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial for maintaining the chewy texture that makes these cookies so special.
Final Thoughts
These Cookie Jar Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to become a family favorite, offering a delightful treat for any occasion. With their simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can easily whip up a batch for gatherings, snack time, or just to satisfy that sweet tooth. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for days. Happy baking!
Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family, or post your baking success on social media. With these cookies, you’re sure to spread joy and sweetness all around!
