Ever wondered what the secret to making the best peanut butter cookie is? Well, wonder no more, for we have the perfect crispy and delicious recipe for you! The key to making the perfect peanut butter cookie lies in balancing the right ingredients with the right techniques to create that irresistible mix of texture and flavor that every cookie lover craves. In this article, we provide a detailed step by step guide to creating the ultimate peanut butter cookie, along with an interesting delve into the history and curiosities surrounding this all-time favorite treat.
Ingredients
No good recipe can be complete without the right ingredients. For this perfect peanut butter cookie, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup (250g) smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup (50g) coarse sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
Follow these simple, detailed steps to achieve that perfect peanut butter cookie:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. If desired, place the coarse sugar in a shallow dish. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the coarse sugar if using, then place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each cookie.
4. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on the top of each cookie, gently pressing down to flatten them slightly.
5. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
History and Curiosities
Peanut butter cookies have an interesting history and a charming place in American food culture. It is believed these cookies made their first appearance in the United States during the early 1900s. The initial recipes didn’t have the iconic crisscross pattern, which was added in the 1930s as a practical solution to help the cookies bake evenly.
During the Great Depression in the United States, people turned to foods like peanuts and peanut butter to sustain themselves, as they were an affordable and nutritious option. Today, peanut butter cookies remain an enduring classic due to their nostalgic charm and timeless taste.
A curious fact about peanut butter cookies is that they inspired the creation of National Peanut Butter Cookie Day, which is celebrated every year on June 12th. This special day encourages people to indulge in this delicious treat while reminiscing about childhood memories, often associated with warm, delicious cookies shared amongst family and friends.
With this recipe and a little bit of history, you can impress your family, friends, and even yourself with this crispy and delicious peanut butter cookie! Happy baking!
