Peanut butter cookies recipe
Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that have been enjoyed by people of all ages for generations. With their rich, nutty flavor and soft, chewy texture, these cookies are a popular choice for snacking, dessert, or even as a breakfast treat.
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| Soft peanut butter cookies with apricot jam. |
Whether you prefer them soft and chewy or crunchy, there's a peanut butter cookie recipe out there that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this article, we'll explore the different variations of the recipe, and tips and tricks for making the perfect batch of peanut butter cookies at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- 1 cup of sugar free peanut butter. If you like some crunchy in your cookies you can use 1/2 cup softened peanut butter + 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter.
- 1 cup of softened at room temperature butter.
- 1 cup of brown sugar.
- 1/2 cup of white sugar.
- 1 tsp of baking soda.
- 1 egg.
- vanilla.
- a pinch of salt.
- Apricot jam.
- peanut chocolate chips (optional).
Directions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter , the peanut butter , white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg with a tsp of vanilla and mix.
- Mix the flour with the pinch of salt and the baking soda.
- Add the flour gradually to the butter mixture and mix it until it just combined.
- Then add the chocolate chips and mix.
- To drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet, you can use either two rounded tablespoons or an ice-cream scoop spoon.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
- Make a hole in the middle for each one.
- After baking drop a half of teaspoon of apricot jam in the hole in the middle.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The touch of the jam in the peanut butter cookies
Do peanut butter cookies harden when they cool?
Yes, peanut butter cookies tend to harden as they cool. This is because as the cookies cool, the moisture in the dough evaporates, causing the cookies to become more dense and crispy.
However, the amount of hardening can vary depending on the recipe, the baking time and temperature, and the specific ingredients used. If you prefer your peanut butter cookies to be softer, you can try reducing the baking time slightly or adding a bit more moisture to the dough, such as an extra egg or a tablespoon of milk.
Additionally, the texture of peanut butter cookies can also be affected by the type of peanut butter used. Creamy peanut butter tends to produce softer cookies, while crunchy peanut butter can result in a more textured and denser cookie. If you prefer a softer texture, you may want to use creamy peanut butter.
Another factor that can affect the hardness of peanut butter cookies is how they are stored. If you store them in an airtight container at room temperature, they will tend to harden over time. To keep them softer for longer, you can try storing them in a plastic bag with a slice of bread or an apple slice, which will help to retain some moisture in the cookies. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator, which can also help to keep them softer.
Overall, while peanut butter cookies do tend to harden as they cool, there are various factors that can affect their texture, and you can adjust the recipe and storage method to achieve the desired level of softness or crispiness.
Why do my peanut butter cookies taste weird?
There could be several reasons why your peanut butter cookies taste weird. Here are some possible causes:Overbaking: If you over bake the cookies, they can become dry and hard, which can affect their flavor. Make sure to follow the baking time and temperature specified in the recipe, and check the cookies regularly to avoid overbaking.
Burnt peanut butter: Peanut butter has a high fat content, which means it can burn easily in the oven if it's not mixed well with the other ingredients. Make sure to thoroughly cream the peanut butter with the butter and sugars until the mixture is smooth and creamy, and avoid baking the cookies at too high a temperature.
Rancid ingredients: If your peanut butter or other ingredients are past their expiration date, they can become rancid, which can affect the flavor of the cookies. Make sure to use fresh, good-quality ingredients.
Incorrect ingredient measurements: If you accidentally use too much or too little of an ingredient, it can affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Make sure to measure all ingredients carefully and accurately.
Substituting ingredients: If you make substitutions to the recipe, such as using a different type of flour or a different type of sugar, it can affect the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Improper storage: If the cookies are not stored properly, they can absorb odors or flavors from other foods, which can affect their taste. Store them in an airtight container away from strong-smelling foods.
Personal taste: Lastly, it's possible that you simply don't like the taste of peanut butter cookies. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to flavors and textures, so it's possible that the cookies just aren't to your liking.
If you are having trouble pinpointing the exact cause of the weird taste, you can try making the cookies again, following the recipe carefully and using fresh, high-quality ingredients. If they still taste weird, you may want to try a different recipe or consult with a more experienced baker.
Why are my peanut butter cookies dry and crumbly?
There are a few possible reasons why your peanut butter cookies are dry and crumbly: Too much flour: If you add too much flour to the dough, it can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Make sure to measure the flour carefully and use the amount specified in the recipe.
Overbaking: If you bake the cookies for too long or at too high a temperature, they can become dry and crumbly. Make sure to follow the baking time and temperature specified in the recipe, and check the cookies regularly to avoid overbaking.
Not enough fat: Peanut butter cookies rely on the fat from the peanut butter and butter to give them their soft and chewy texture. If you use too little of these ingredients, the cookies can become dry and crumbly. Make sure to use the amount of peanut butter and butter specified in the recipe.
Not enough moisture: If the dough is too dry, it can make the cookies dry and crumbly. You can try adding an extra egg or a tablespoon of milk to the dough to add more moisture.
Using natural peanut butter: Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and become dry, which can affect the texture of the cookies. Make sure to mix the natural peanut butter well before using it in the recipe, and consider using a commercial peanut butter that contains stabilizers to ensure a consistent texture.
Improper storage: If the cookies are not stored properly, they can become dry and crumbly. Make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and consider adding a slice of bread or an apple slice to help retain moisture.
By addressing these possible causes, you can make adjustments to the recipe or the baking process to help prevent your peanut butter cookies from being dry and crumbly in the future.
Does peanut butter and apricot jam go together?
Yes, peanut butter and apricot jam can go together and make a tasty combination. The nuttiness of the peanut butter can complement the sweetness and tanginess of the apricot jam, creating a well-rounded flavor. This combination is often used in sandwiches, toast, and even as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt. However, taste is subjective, and some people may not enjoy this combination, so it ultimately depends on personal preference.
If you're interested in trying this flavor combination, I recommend starting with a small amount of peanut butter and apricot jam and tasting it before adding more. You can also experiment with different types of peanut butter, such as creamy or crunchy, to find the texture that you prefer.
Another way to enjoy this combination is to use it as a filling for baked goods such as muffins or cookies. You can also use peanut butter and apricot jam as a dip for fruits such as apples or bananas.
Overall, peanut butter and apricot jam can make a delicious pairing, but the taste can vary depending on the brand and quality of the ingredients used. So, it's always a good idea to try it out for yourself and see if you like it!