Peanut Butter Cookies With A Honey Twist

Is there anything more comforting than a freshly baked peanut butter cookies? Whether it’s the nostalgia of baking with family or just the irresistible combination of peanut butter’s creamy goodness with a touch of sweetness, these cookies are a universal favorite. These cookies are simple for beginners but delicious enough to impress even the most discerning cookie lovers. Enjoyed best with a large glass of milk.

What Makes a Cookie Perfect?

For me, the perfect peanut butter cookie strikes a delicate balance between softness and chewiness. It has a rich, nutty flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and chewy. Achieving this balance isn’t as hard as you might think!

When I was a kid, I was the master of baking peanut butter cookies. Well, at least I thought I was. One time, I accidentally added too much baking soda instead of baking powder. Let’s just say my cookies had a serious case of attitude – they looked all cute and innocent, but boy, did they do a number on my taste buds!

Gather Your Goodies: Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredient List

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need 

Peanut butter: I prefer creamy for a smooth texture, but chunky peanut butter works great if you like a bit of crunch.

Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness of your cookies.

Sugars: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds both sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar helps keep the cookies chewy.

Honey: A touch of honey not only sweetens but also keeps the cookies soft and adds a hint of natural flavor.

Eggs: They help bind the dough and add richness.

Flours: I use a combination of all-purpose flour and pastry flour. The pastry flour gives a softer texture, which contributes to that perfect chewiness.

Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

Gear Up: Essential Baking Tools

Before we get started, let’s gather the necessary tools:

Mixing bowls

Electric mixer or hand whisk

Flour Sifter

Baking sheets

Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Cookie scoop or spoon

Fork

Cooling rack

Let’s Bake Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This not only prevents the cookies from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.  Next add a ½ cup of graduated sugar to a bowl and set aside, this will be used to roll your peanut butter cookies in before baking.

To make the peanut butter cookies, start by mixing the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then add honey, egg, and vanilla extract mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix.

Once you have made the cookie dough, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

To shape the cookies, use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, lightly roll into the bowl of granulated sugar and place them on prepared baking sheets. Lastly, create the classic peanut butter cookie look by gently pressing a fork into the top of each dough ball. Create a crisscross pattern.

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’re looking for slightly golden edges with soft centers. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheet.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips For Scrumptious Peanut Butter Cookies

Don’t Overmix

One of the key tips for achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture is to avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Chill the Dough

For thicker cookies, try chilling the dough for about 1 hour before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures they stay nice and thick.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Using room temperature butter and eggs helps them incorporate more easily into the dough, leading to a more uniform texture. If you forget to take them out of the fridge ahead of time, you can soften butter quickly by cutting it into small pieces and letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Keep ‘Em Fresh: Storing

To keep your cookies fresh for a week:

1. Airtight Container: Store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out. Layering the cookies with parchment paper can help prevent them from sticking together.
2. Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.
3. Avoid the Fridge: Storing cookies in the refrigerator can make them hard and dry. Stick to room temperature or freezer storage for the best results.
4. Reviving Softness: If your cookies have lost some of their softness, you can revive them by placing a slice of bread in the airtight container. The moisture from the bread will help soften the cookies.

There you have it – an easy recipe for soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just a weekday treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.

I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Happy baking!