There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, especially when those cookies are the classic favorite—Peanut Butter Cookies.
In this recipe, we’ll be sharing how to whip up a small batch of these delectable treats that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings without overwhelming your pantry.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be indulging in warm, chewy Peanut Butter Cookies in no time.
So let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that promises to fill your home with warmth and sweetness.
Why Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies?
1. Perfect Portion Control:
Making a small batch of cookies ensures that you can enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging.
It’s a great option for those times when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to be left with a surplus of tempting treats.
2. Quick and Easy Preparation:
Small batch recipes are often simpler and quicker to prepare than their larger counterparts.
With fewer ingredients and smaller quantities, you can whip up a batch of cookies in no time, perfect for satisfying those spontaneous cravings or last-minute guests.
3. Ideal for Small Households:
If you’re baking for a small household or just yourself, a small batch recipe is the perfect solution.
You can enjoy freshly baked cookies without worrying about leftovers going to waste or becoming stale.
4. Customizable and Versatile:
Small batch recipes are highly adaptable, allowing you to customize ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences.
Whether you prefer crunchy or chewy cookies, you can easily adjust the recipe to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
Ingredients:
1. Peanut Butter:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (unsalted)
2. Sugar:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3. Egg:
1 large egg
4. Flour:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5. Baking Soda:
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6. Salt:
1/4 teaspoon salt
7. Vanilla Extract:
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. Combine Peanut Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla Extract:
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture.
Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
This ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined and free of any lumps.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
6. Form Cookie Dough Balls:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
7. Flatten Cookies:
Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie ball, creating a crisscross pattern on the surface.
This not only helps the cookies bake evenly but also gives them that classic Peanut Butter Cookie appearance.
8. Bake Until Golden Brown:
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, indulge in these irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Tips for Success:
1. Use Creamy Peanut Butter:
For the best texture and flavor, use creamy peanut butter in this recipe.
Avoid using natural peanut butter with added oil separation, as it may affect the consistency of the dough.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough:
Mix the cookie dough just until the ingredients are combined.
Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Customize with Add-Ins:
Feel free to customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor and texture.