Peanut butter cookies have long been a favorite among dessert lovers. Their rich, nutty flavor combined with a perfectly crisp yet chewy texture makes them a go-to for many. One of the best ways to elevate these classic cookies is by using Kraft Peanut Butter, a trusted brand that has been a staple in homes for decades. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of making delicious Kraft peanut butter cookies. From understanding the basics of the recipe to learning some exciting variations, you’ll soon be on your way to baking cookies that everyone will love.
Why Kraft Peanut Butter Cookies?
Peanut butter cookies have been around since the early 1900s, but the addition of Kraft Peanut Butter brings an unbeatable smoothness and richness to the cookies that many other brands can’t replicate. Known for its creamy consistency and classic peanut flavor, Kraft Peanut Butter is the perfect base for this easy, three-ingredient cookie recipe.
Whether you’re baking for a party, your family, or just for a quick treat, this recipe is foolproof. With only three main ingredients — peanut butter, sugar, and an egg — you’ll be surprised at how simple and quick it is to whip up a batch. Additionally, there are countless ways to customize these cookies to fit your tastes, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, it’s important to gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for this recipe. The beauty of these cookies is in their simplicity — the ingredients list is short, and the equipment requirements are minimal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Kraft Smooth Peanut Butter: The heart of this recipe, providing that rich and creamy peanut flavor.
- ½ cup of Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies their crisp texture.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chocolate Chips: For those who love a mix of chocolate and peanut butter, adding ½ cup of chocolate chips can bring a delightful twist.
- Crushed Peanuts: Want a bit of crunch? Add ¼ cup of crushed peanuts to the dough for texture.
- Smarties or M&Ms: For a fun and colorful option, mix in candy-coated chocolates.
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to mix all the ingredients.
- Fork: Used to mix the dough and to create the iconic crisscross pattern on the cookies.
- Baking Sheet: You’ll need a cookie sheet or two for baking the cookies.
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) before you start baking.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide: How to Make Kraft Peanut Butter Cookies
Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the recipe. This guide breaks down the process step by step, ensuring you end up with the perfect batch of Kraft Peanut Butter Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture — crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Kraft Smooth Peanut Butter, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 large egg. Use a fork to blend the ingredients until you have a smooth and consistent dough. If you’re adding any of the optional add-ins (chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, etc.), fold them into the dough at this stage.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough doesn’t spread much during baking, but leaving some space ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
Step 4: Create the Crisscross Pattern
Using the back of a fork, press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly, creating the classic crisscross pattern on top of each cookie. This not only makes the cookies look more appealing but also helps them bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t overbake. The cookies should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
It’s always a good idea to understand the nutritional breakdown of what you’re baking, especially if you’re sharing these cookies with friends or family who are mindful of their diet. Here’s the nutritional information for one cookie, assuming the recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Per Serving (1 cookie):
- Calories: 79
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
- Sodium: 43mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Recipe Variations
While the basic Kraft Peanut Butter Cookie recipe is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to customize it. Here are a few fun variations you can try:
1. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
For a classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough before baking. The chocolate melts into the peanut butter, creating a gooey, rich cookie that’s hard to resist.
2. Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies
If you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies, substitute Kraft Crunchy Peanut Butter for the smooth version. The little pieces of peanuts add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies
Take two of these peanut butter cookies and spread your favorite jelly or jam between them to create a fun PB&J sandwich cookie. This is a great twist for those who love the combination of sweet and savory.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
After your cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and place them on wax paper to set. This adds an extra layer of indulgence to an already rich treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers about Kraft Peanut Butter Cookies, addressing typical concerns and offering additional tips for success.
Q1: Can I substitute sugar with a sugar-free alternative?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener in place of the sugar. However, keep in mind that the texture of the cookies may be slightly different. Sugar contributes to the crispiness of the cookie, so you may notice a softer cookie if you opt for a sugar substitute.
Q2: How should I store the cookies?
Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Q3: How do I make the cookies chewier?
For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes instead of the full 20. The cookies will be softer in the center and chewier once they cool.
Internal Linking Opportunities
To make your recipe blog more dynamic and engage readers with related content, consider linking to other relevant articles. Here are some internal linking suggestions:
- Peanut Butter Fudge: A delicious dessert option for peanut butter lovers.
- Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those looking to explore more classic cookie recipes.
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread: A perfect blend of two favorite flavors — peanut butter and banana — in bread form.
Conclusion
Kraft Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that anyone can make. Whether you stick to the classic three-ingredient recipe or decide to experiment with add-ins and variations, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With their perfect balance of sweetness and peanut butter flavor, they’re the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself making over and over again.