Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies

These Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, perfect for satisfying your peanut butter cravings without making a large batch. These cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with the nutty goodness of peanut butter. They typically require only a few basic ingredients and can be whipped up in no time.

These peanut butter cookies in small batch are a delightful indulgence that perfectly encapsulates the beloved flavor of peanut butter in every bite. Their rich, velvety texture is achieved by blending creamy or crunchy peanut butter with softened butter and a perfect balance of granulated and brown sugars.

The sweet aroma of vanilla extract infuses the dough, complementing the nutty goodness of the peanut butter. The addition of a single egg binds the ingredients together, forming a thick and delectable cookie dough.

Baking to a warm golden hue, these cookies emerge from the oven with a delicate crispness on the edges, while remaining wonderfully chewy at their centers. The classic criss-cross pattern on top gives them an iconic appearance and a touch of nostalgia.

These scrumptious treats are a true testament to the simplicity and versatility of peanut butter in the world of baking. Ideal for a small gathering or a personal indulgence, these Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightfully satisfying way to experience the joy of homemade baked goods.

Why you’ll love these peanut butter cookies

• Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies offer a delightful burst of rich, nutty flavor, making them a favorite treat for peanut butter enthusiasts.

• The creamy or crunchy peanut butter combined with the sweetness of sugars creates a perfectly balanced taste that is both satisfying and comforting.

• With only a handful of basic ingredients and a straightforward recipe, these cookies are incredibly easy to whip up.

• Their small batch size means you can enjoy freshly baked cookies without the need for excessive preparation or a large time commitment.

• The cookies’ chewy texture on the inside and slightly crispy edges provide a wonderful contrast that pleases the palate.

Ingredient list for a small batch peanut butter cookies

Unsalted Butter: The softened butter serves as the primary fat in the cookie dough, providing richness and moisture. It also helps bind the other ingredients together, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture.

Peanut Butter: this is the star ingredient, responsible for the cookies’ distinctive nutty flavor. It also contributes fat, moisture, and texture to the dough, ensuring the cookies are soft and chewy.

Granulated Sugar: adds sweetness to the cookies and helps create a tender texture. It also contributes to the cookies’ light golden color during baking.

Brown Sugar: this not only adds sweetness but also imparts a hint of caramel flavor and moisture to the cookies, contributing to their chewiness.

Pure Vanilla Extract: it enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, providing a pleasant aroma and complementing the nuttiness of the peanut butter.

Large Egg: the egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the dough together and provide structure to the cookies during baking.

All-Purpose Flour: is the base ingredient that provides structure to the cookies. It also helps give them a soft, cake-like texture while preventing them from becoming too dense.

Baking Soda: leavening agent that creates a slight rise in the cookies, making them slightly fluffy while maintaining their chewy texture.

Salt: enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the nutty taste of peanut butter.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the vanilla extract and egg to the mixture, beating until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until you have a thick cookie dough.

6. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out small balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.

7. Use a fork to press down lightly on each cookie, creating the classic criss-cross pattern on the top.

8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, the Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Recipe Tips

Use High-Quality Peanut Butter: Choose a good-quality peanut butter for the best flavor and texture. Whether you prefer creamy or crunchy, make sure it’s a brand you enjoy eating on its own.

Do Not Overmix the Dough: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is well combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Properly Space the Cookies: Leave enough space between the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking. Usually, about 2 inches (5 cm) apart is sufficient.

How To Store

Once the cookies have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If properly stored in an airtight container, they should remain fresh and retain their texture during this time. Choose a container that provides a tight seal to prevent air from entering and moisture from escaping.

Other simple cookie recipe to try

Thumbprint Cookies With Homemade Persimmon Jam