Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and nutty, making them a household favorite.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of peanut butter
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
3. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Use a fork to flatten each cookie and create a crisscross pattern on top.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Serving Size: 1 cookie
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 9g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– Cholesterol: 10mg
– Sodium: 85mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 15g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 12g
– Protein: 4g
**Popular questions:**
1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
– Yes, you can use natural peanut butter but the texture of the cookies may vary slightly.
2. Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia?
– While you can try using a sugar alternative, it may affect the texture and taste of the cookies.
3. How do I store these cookies?
– Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
– Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw before baking.
5. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
– Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or any other mix-ins to customize your cookies.
6. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
– Use certified gluten-free oats or flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
7. Can I double the recipe?
– Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies.
8. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
– Yes, almond butter can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be different.
9. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
– These cookies are best enjoyed within a week of baking.
10. Can I omit the vanilla extract?
– While vanilla extract adds flavor, you can omit it if needed.
**Helpful tips:**
1. For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies.
2. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.
3. Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
4. Experiment with different types of sugars for unique flavors.
5. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving for the best texture.
6. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
7. Serve with a glass of milk for the perfect pairing.
8. Customize with a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter glaze for added indulgence.
9. Press a chocolate kiss or a peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie before baking for a delicious surprise.
10. Double the recipe and share these cookies with friends and family.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
2. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
3. Invest in quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
4. Experiment with different types of peanut butter for unique variations.
5. Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
6. Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie size.
7. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
8. Store leftover cookies in the fridge for a cool treat.
9. Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
10. Have fun experimenting with different mix-ins and flavor combinations.
Enjoy these Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies and let your taste buds revel in the rich peanut butter goodness!
