Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies – a crunchy and creamy delight

Total time: 2 hours (1 hour for cooling, 10 minutes for baking, 20 minutes for preparation)
Number of servings: 12 cookies

Discovering the perfect peanut butter cookies is a true delight for dessert lovers. These cookies are not only quick to make, but they combine a crunchy texture with a delicious cream, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Over time, peanut butter cookies have become a favorite not only for their taste but also for their versatility in being served on various occasions. Whether enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or given as the perfect gift for a friend, these cookies are always an inspired choice.

Ingredients

For the cookies:
- 100 g peanut butter (choose a natural one for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g butter (choose high-quality butter with a high-fat content for better texture)
- 175 g brown sugar (for a hint of caramelization)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for an inviting aroma)
- 120 g flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 150 g oats (lightly ground for a finer texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (to help with rising)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for a fluffy consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (if the peanut butter is unsalted, adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm and comforting flavor)

For the cream:
- 120 g peanut butter
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 30 g butter (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons mascarpone or very thick cream (for extra creaminess)

Preparation

1. Preparing the oats: Start by grinding the oats in a food processor. The goal is to achieve a texture similar to flour but more granular. This will add a unique flavor and pleasant texture to your cookies.

2. Creating the cookie base: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and butter. Use an electric mixer to blend the two ingredients until they become a fluffy cream. Add the brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you choose to use it. Mix the dry ingredients well to avoid clumping. Then, gradually add them to the bowl with the peanut butter cream, mixing until well combined.

4. Letting the dough rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or even overnight. This step is essential as it helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.

5. Preheating the oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 180 °C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

6. Shaping the cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and form balls the size of a walnut. Place them on the prepared tray, leaving enough space between them as they will spread during baking. Use your palm to gently flatten them into round shapes.

7. Baking: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden at the edges. Be careful not to leave them in the oven too long as they will continue to bake after being removed.

8. Cooling: After taking them out of the oven, let the cookies cool on a rack for 5-10 minutes. This step is important to prevent them from crumbling.

9. Preparing the cream: In the meantime, you can prepare the cream. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and mascarpone (or cream). Use a mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you find it too soft, you can add a bit more powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.

10. Assembling the cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, take two and spread the peanut butter cream between them. Place them with the filled sides facing each other, forming a delicious sandwich.

11. Serving and storing: Your peanut butter cookies are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or coffee for a perfect contrast. If you don’t consume them immediately, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add some dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie mixture.
- Experiment with different types of peanut butter – from crunchy to creamy, each will offer a different texture.
- These cookies can easily be transformed into a special gift. Pack them nicely in a box and give them to your loved ones!

Nutritional benefits:
Peanut butter cookies are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats due to the peanut butter content. They provide long-lasting energy and can satisfy sweet cravings without excessive caloric intake, especially if consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I substitute peanut butter with another ingredient?
- Yes, you can use almond butter or other nut butters, but the taste will vary.

2. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a natural sweetener.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
- Absolutely! The cookies can be easily frozen. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

These peanut butter cookies are more than just a simple dessert: they are a way to bring joy into everyday life, whether you make them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself. Enjoy every bite and savor the flavors that will delight your taste buds!