How to Bake Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies: A Simple Guide
Peanut butter cookies hold a special place in the heart of many dessert lovers. Their creamy, nutty flavor paired with a crunchy texture makes them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this guide will help you bake the perfect crunchy peanut butter cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of peanut butter (crunchy or creamy, based on preference)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Extra sugar for rolling (optional)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
Step-by-Step Baking Guide:
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture ensures an even distribution throughout the dough.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In your large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Using a hand or stand mixer on a medium setting will do the trick in about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Add Egg and Peanut Butter: Once your sugar and butter mixture is ready, beat in the egg until well incorporated. Then, add your peanut butter. Whether you choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter will affect the texture of your cookies. For extra crunch, go with the crunchy variety.
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Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients mix into your wet ingredients. Make sure to do this step slowly to prevent flour from flying everywhere. Mix until your dough comes together; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon, scoop out the dough, and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. You can then roll these balls in extra sugar if you like your cookies with a sweet, crispy outside. This step is optional but adds a lovely texture.
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Press and Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread during baking. Use a fork to gently press down on the tops of the balls, creating a crisscross pattern. This not only gives them the classic peanut butter cookie look but also helps them cook evenly.
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Bake for Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The key to crunchy cookies is to bake them just the right amount of time—not too little and not too much. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps them set and become the perfect crunchy treats you’re aiming for.
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Enjoy and Share: Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious, homemade crunchy peanut butter cookies. Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or simply enjoy them on their own. Remember, cookies taste better when shared!
Additional Tips:
- For an even nuttier flavor, add chopped peanuts to your dough.
- Keep an eye on your oven as baking times may vary depending on its calibration.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for days.
Baking crunchy peanut butter cookies is a simple and enjoyable process. It not only fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma but also gives you the opportunity to share a homemade treat with your loved ones. Follow this guide, and your peanut butter cookies will turn out perfectly crunchy and absolutely delicious every time. Happy baking!
