Description
These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect balance of crispy, soft, and chewy with a delightful peanut butter flavor, finished with a touch of dark chocolate and optional chopped peanuts.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces chopped dark chocolate
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the peanut butter and butter on medium speed until well combined. Gradually add the light brown sugar and beat until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Turn the mixer to low, add the egg, and beat to combine. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl. Mix until fully combined and continue mixing the dough for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop 2-tablespoon scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart. Use a fork to gently press the dough down to create a crosshatch pattern.
- Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, turning the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. (For softer cookies, bake for 13 minutes; for crisper cookies, bake for 15 minutes). Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- While the cookies cool, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Dip the cooled cookies into the melted chocolate (and sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired). Place the cookies back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- Chopped peanuts can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
