How to Make the Perfect Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies

Do you love the sweet and nutty flavor of homemade peanut butter cookies? While there are countless recipes available, some can be quite complex. This article walks you through a simple, foolproof recipe that even beginners can follow. We'll discuss the essential ingredients, the step-by-step process, and tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredients

These peanut butter cookies require just five main ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up a batch:

1 14 oz. can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 to 1 1/4 cups of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter 1 large egg 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 2 cups of biscuit baking mix

Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies will bake uniformly and will reach a golden brown color on the outside while staying soft on the inside.

Start by placing the sweetened condensed milk in a large mixing bowl. Add the peanut butter to the sweetened condensed milk, stirring until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. In a separate small bowl, crack the egg and add the vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed and then blend them into the peanut butter mixture. The mixture should be fully incorporated without lumps. In a separate bowl, sift the biscuit baking mix to remove any lumps. This ensures a smooth dough. Measure out 2 cups and add it to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined. If the dough is too dry, add a little more sweetened condensed milk, a tablespoon at a time, until reaching your desired consistency. The dough should be soft enough to scoop but not too wet. Place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Use a cookie dough scoop to drop rounded tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie for proper spreading. Then press down slightly with the back of a spoon or a fork to flatten the dough and create a crisscross pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps the cookies cook evenly. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Successful Peanut Butter Cookies

Improperly handled ingredients or techniques can often make or break a recipe, but with these peanut butter cookies, it's essential to pay attention to a few key points:

Use sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient is crucial as it contributes to the cookie's moisture and sweetness. Make sure to stir it thoroughly with the peanut butter. Use creamy peanut butter: Stovetop or spray peanut butter won't give the same creamy texture and flavor. Creamy peanut butter ensures a smooth and rich texture in the cookies. Avoid overmixing the dough: Once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough and crumbly. Use a proper baking sheet: Ensure your baking sheet is properly coated with parchment paper or lightly greased to allow easy removal of the cookies. Check for doneness carefully: Resist the temptation to open the oven too early or too often, as this can affect the baking process. The cookies should be golden brown and set in the center.

Conclusion

Making homemade peanut butter cookies is an easy and delicious activity. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness in just a few straightforward steps. Follow the instructions carefully, and you'll have a batch of scrumptious cookies ready to be devoured. Happy baking!