If you’re in the mood for something truly satisfying, with a delightful mix of sweetness and crunch, you’ll love baking a batch of crunchy peanut butter cookies. These cookies are not only easy to make but also bring a nostalgic charm that can light up a cozy afternoon or complement your evening tea.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you to create the perfect crunchy treat. So, let’s dive into the world of baking where peanut butter takes the center stage!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

1 cup crunchy peanut butter – The star ingredient for that perfect nutty flavor.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and helps with the texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – For a sweet touch.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a deeper flavor.

1 large egg – Works as a binding agent.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cookie.
3/4 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly.

1/2 teaspoon baking powder – For lightness and texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for extra crunch

Instructions for Making Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies

Preheat your oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the butters and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, crunchy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
Whisk the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped peanuts now.
Shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread a little.
Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Peanut Butter: The type of peanut butter you use can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your cookies. For the crunchiest results, opt for a chunky, less oily brand. Avoid using natural peanut butter as it tends to separate and can make the cookies dry.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend more uniformly, resulting in a smoother dough and evenly baked cookies.

Accurate Measuring: For consistent results, measure your ingredients accurately. Using a scale for flour is preferable as it prevents overpacking which can lead to dense cookies.

Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.

Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This promotes even baking and ensures that all your cookies will be done at the same time.

Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. The edges should be set and just beginning to brown when they are done.

Let Them Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This lets them set and makes them easier to move without breaking.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Enjoyment: Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a traditional treat.

Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of jam or additional peanut butter between two cookies for a delicious sandwich.

Ice Cream Toppings: Crumble the cookies over ice cream for an extra crunch.

Tea or Coffee: These cookies make a great accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee, perfect for a relaxing break.

Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to a dessert platter along with a variety of other cookies and sweets for a festive look during parties and family gatherings.

Storage Tips

Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the cookies are completely cool to prevent condensation that can make them soggy.

Airtight Containers: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them crisp. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Room Temperature: Keep the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing cookies in the refrigerator as it can cause them to dry out.

Freezing for Longevity: For long-term storage, you can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, and baked cookies for up to a month.

Revive the Crunch: If the cookies have softened, you can revive their crunch by popping them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy? Yes, you can use smooth peanut butter if you prefer a less textured cookie. You can also add chopped peanuts to compensate for the crunch.

What if I don’t have brown sugar? You can use all granulated sugar, though the cookies will be crisper and less moist. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chewiness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Why did my cookies spread too much? This can happen if the dough wasn’t chilled, if there’s too much butter or sugar, or if the baking soda is expired.

How can I make these cookies vegan? Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit for 15 minutes) and use vegan butter and peanut butter.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you to create the perfect crunchy treat.

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Serving Size

Ingredients

1 cup crunchy peanut butter – The star ingredient for that perfect nutty flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened – Adds richness and helps with the texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – For a sweet touch.

1/2 cup brown sugar packed – Adds moisture and a deeper flavor.
1 large egg – Works as a binding agent.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cookie.

3/4 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – For lightness and texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for extra crunch

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the butters and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, crunchy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.

Whisk the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped peanuts now.
Shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread a little.

Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.