Craving Tiffs Treats Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe? Get It Here
Tiff's treats peanut butter cookie recipe, a delightful treat, promises the perfect balance of nutty flavor and chewy texture in every bite, creating pure enjoyment.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
- Fork
- Wire Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
- Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie's texture.
- Step 3: Add Vanilla, Eggs, and Peanut Butter: Beat in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add in the peanut butter, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Step 6: Drop by Rounded Tablespoons onto Baking Sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Step 7: Flatten Cookies with a Fork: Use a fork to flatten the cookies, pressing down in a crisscross pattern. This not only creates a visually appealing design but also helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Step 8: Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Step 9: Cool on Baking Sheets: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly, preventing them from breaking. Tip: For a richer flavor, use natural peanut butter. If the dough seems too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
Notes
Variations
- Ingredient Swaps: Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for peanut butter for a different flavor profile. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option. Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative.
- Regional Twists: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Southwestern kick. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for a Canadian-inspired sweetness. Blend in tahini for a Middle Eastern flair.
- Dietary Adjustments: To create a vegan version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set aside for 5 minutes) in place of chicken eggs. Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, adjusting the amount to taste.
- Enhanced Flavors: Adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, oats, pretzels, toffee bits, or dried fruits, or by dipping them in chocolate after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Tiff’s Treats peanut butter cookies serve well as a standalone dessert, paired with a cold glass of milk, or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cookies are suitable for afternoon snacks, party platters, or as a sweet ending to a meal. They also complement coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Storage Tips
To preserve freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored cookies will maintain quality for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, the cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Why are my cookies flat? The butter may have been too soft, or the oven temperature too low. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and verify the oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
- Question 2: Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier. Stir it well before measuring and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
- Question 3: How do I keep the cookies soft? Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will absorb excess moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
- Question 4: Can the dough be made ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.