Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies.
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. These Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies are not just any cookies; they are a delightful combination of sweet and salty, soft and chewy, with a hint of richness from the brown sugar and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in all by yourself, these cookies will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into why you should make these irresistible treats and how to whip them up in your own kitchen.
Top Reasons to Make Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of brown sugar and creamy peanut butter creates a rich, satisfying taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, these cookies are easy to make anytime you’re craving something sweet.
- Quick to Bake: From mixing to baking, you can have a batch of cookies ready in under an hour!
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make them your own.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft, crinkly, and slightly chewy, creating a delightful mouthfeel that’s hard to resist.
What’s in the Bowl
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup dark or light brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup: Enhances the flavor with natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Brings a nutty richness and binds the ingredients together.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: Acts as a leavening agent and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 8-12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, melted: For drizzling over the cookies (optional but recommended).
- 1/4 cup cane sugar, for rolling (optional): Creates a beautiful sugar crust on the cookies.
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: Adds a gourmet touch and contrasts the sweetness.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars faster and easier.
- Cookie Sheet: A flat surface for baking the cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect results.
- Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and transferring the dough.
Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies. Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the butter and sugar mixture, add the maple syrup, creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined, ensuring a smooth and homogenous mixture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional)
For an even better texture, consider chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. If you choose to use the cane sugar, roll each ball in the sugar to coat.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for that soft texture.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate Drizzle
While the cookies are still warm, melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies using a fork or a piping bag for a neater appearance.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Finish off your cookies by sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle. This adds a beautiful contrast to the sweet flavors.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, enjoy your Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Health-Conscious Tweaks
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to accommodate allergies.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce Sugar: Cut the amount of brown sugar by a few tablespoons or use a sugar substitute to lower the calorie count.
- Egg Replacement: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
Notes on Ingredients
When selecting your ingredients, opt for high-quality peanut butter that contains only peanuts and salt for the best flavor. The type of chocolate you choose can also change the overall taste of the cookies, so pick one that you enjoy! Furthermore, using fresh ingredients, especially eggs and butter, will yield the best results.
Prep Ahead & Store
These Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies can be made ahead of time. You can freeze the dough balls before baking—just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a delightful texture with little peanut bits throughout. Just make sure it’s a smooth consistency overall.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape and roll.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or any of your favorite add-ins to customize your cookies further.
How do I ensure my cookies come out soft?
Be careful not to overbake your cookies. They should appear slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
Before You Go
The magic of Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity and the comforting flavors they bring. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you need a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to please. With their incredible texture and delightful taste, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, follow this guide, and indulge in the joy of baking these scrumptious cookies today!
Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the maple syrup, creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes (optional).
- Step 6: Roll the dough into 1 tablespoon balls and optionally coat in cane sugar.
- Step 7: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 8: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies.
- Step 9: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Step 10: Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Consider using whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- Freeze dough balls for later baking, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
