2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: The Easiest Cookie Recipe Ever
The smell of peanut butter cookies always made me happy when I was a kid. It brought back memories of fun times in the kitchen with my family. Now, as a busy adult, I’m excited to share a simple recipe for 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies.
These cookies are classic, egg-free, and gluten-free. They need only natural peanut butter and powdered sugar. This makes them a great treat for any time.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe for 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies is a classic, egg-free, and gluten-free treat.
- It requires only natural peanut butter and powdered sugar, making it perfect for quick baking.
- The recipe takes minimal time, with the oven preheating while you mix the ingredients.
- These cookies are ideal for an after-school snack and can be made with alternatives like sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- The recipe yields approximately 12 cookies that can be stored for up to a week on the counter or frozen for up to 6 months.
Why These 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Are Perfect
These easy cookie recipes are a dream for busy home bakers. With just two simple ingredients – natural peanut butter and maple syrup – you can make delicious cookies. They’re perfect for quick desserts when you have a sudden sweet craving.
No Special Equipment Needed
Unlike many cookie recipes, these 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies don’t need special tools. You can make them with just a bowl and a spoon. This means you don’t have to worry about heavy kitchen appliances or complicated gadgets.
Perfect After-School Snack
These cookies are quick to make, with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a bake time of 12 minutes. They’re great for hungry kids after school. The simple recipe is also beginner-friendly, letting kids help with baking.
Minimal Prep Time Required
In today’s fast-paced world, time is crucial. These 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies require minimal effort and time. The entire process takes just 22 minutes, making them perfect for quick sweet treats.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies are ideal. They’re perfect for easy cookie recipes, quick desserts, and simple baking. Their versatility and convenience make them a go-to choice for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal time and effort.
Essential Ingredients and Their Role
To make these tasty 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies, we need natural peanut butter and powdered sugar. Let’s see why these ingredients are so important together.
Natural Peanut Butter Selection
Choosing the right natural peanut butter is key. Look for brands like Smucker’s Creamy Natural, with just peanuts and a bit of salt. Stay away from peanut butters with hydrogenated oils or sugars. They can mess up the cookie’s taste and texture.
Powdered Sugar Benefits
Powdered sugar, or confectioners’ sugar, is vital in these cookies. It sweetens the dough and adds cornstarch for thickness. This makes the cookies soft and holds them together well.
Why These Ingredients Work Together
Together, natural peanut butter and powdered sugar offer a great taste and texture. The peanut butter’s richness meets the sugar’s sweetness. The cornstarch in the sugar keeps the dough together, making the cookies soft and delicious.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Peanut Butter | Provides the primary flavor and texture | 1 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | Sweetens the dough and adds structure | 1/2 cup |
“The perfect balance of natural peanut butter and powdered sugar creates a cookie that is both indulgent and irresistible.”
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making these delightful 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies is easy. Let’s go through the simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving golden-brown edges and a soft, chewy center.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter (natural or organic) and 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey. Mix the ingredients until they are well incorporated and form a smooth dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for helping the dough hold its shape during baking.
- Once the dough is chilled, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a criss-cross pattern on the top of the cookies. This not only adds a charming visual touch but also helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies can quickly go from perfectly soft to crunchy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps the cookies achieve their signature texture.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies ready to enjoy. The cookie preparation process is quick and easy, making it perfect for novice bakers or those short on time.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Servings | 12 cookies |
| Calories per Serving | 149 |
| Protein per Serving | 5 grams |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
The 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies recipe provided does not contain any eggs, making it suitable for vegans. The cookies are also labeled as gluten-free and refined sugar-free, appealing to individuals with dietary restrictions.
” The cookies are meant to have a buttery, sandy texture rather than a crunchy one. “
Tips for Perfect Cookie Texture
Getting the perfect cookie texture is essential for a great homemade treat. With a few easy tips, your 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies will be soft, fudgy, and irresistible every time.
Chilling Time Importance
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking is key. This short wait lets the ingredients mix well. It helps the cookies keep their shape and become tender and chewy inside. Don’t miss this step – it’s crucial!
Proper Baking Temperature
Bake the cookies at the right temperature for the perfect texture. Bake them at 350°F for 9-11 minutes, watching the edges. They should be lightly golden but still soft in the middle when taken out.
Cooling Process
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. This step helps them firm up and prevents crumbling. For an even firmer texture, refrigerate them after baking.
By chilling, baking, and cooling correctly, you’ll make soft, fudgy, and delicious 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies every time. Enjoy!
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Value |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Peanut Butter | 1 cup | Provides 7-8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons, helps lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. |
| Maple Syrup | 3/4 cup | Used as a natural sweetener, provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help control blood sugar levels. |
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
These quick and easy 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat. You can easily customize them to fit your taste or dietary needs. From cookie variations to peanut butter alternatives and sugar-free options, the possibilities are endless.
For a nut-free version, try substituting the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. This gives a similar creamy texture without nuts. Almond butter or cashew butter also work well as peanut butter alternatives, adding a unique flavor.
- Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for a new twist.
- Add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for some extra indulgence.
- Use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a healthier, sugar-free option.
- Replace the sugar with an egg for a delightful, sugar-free version.
These variations let you customize the cookies to your liking. You can explore new flavors or stick to what you know. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different cookie variations to find your personal favorite!
Storage and Preservation Guidelines
After baking your pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies, keeping them fresh is crucial. We’ll look at the best ways to store and preserve your cookies.
Room Temperature Storage
For a short time, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to a week. Make sure to keep them away from open containers and air to prevent drying.
Freezing Instructions
To enjoy your cookies longer, freezing is the best option. Put them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. This keeps them fresh for up to 6 months. Just thaw them at room temperature overnight to enjoy.
Proper cookie storage and freezing cookies are key to keeping your baked goods fresh. This way, your pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies stay chewy and delicious.
” Storing cookies correctly is the key to enjoying their freshness and texture long after baking. “
Common Troubleshooting Tips
Baking peanut butter cookies can sometimes present a few challenges, but with a little troubleshooting, you can achieve perfect results every time. Let’s explore some common cookie troubleshooting tips to help you fix any baking problems you may encounter.
Soft or Crumbly Cookies
If your peanut butter cookies are too soft or crumbly, adding an egg to the recipe is the solution. The egg will provide more structure and help bind the cookies together for a firmer texture.
Sticky Dough
Dealing with sticky dough can be frustrating, but the fix is easy. When rolling the dough into balls, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar. This will prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers and make the shaping process much smoother.
Excessive Spreading
If your peanut butter cookies tend to spread too much during baking, the culprit is likely the type of peanut butter you’re using. Opt for a natural, creamy peanut butter rather than a highly processed variety, as the latter can cause excessive spreading.
Underbaked Cookies
To ensure your peanut butter cookies are properly baked, keep an eye on the edges. They should be golden brown before you remove the cookies from the oven. This will allow them to set and develop the right texture.
Sticking Fork
When making the classic criss-cross pattern on your peanut butter cookies, if the fork starts sticking, simply dip it in flour between presses. This will prevent the dough from clinging to the fork and make the process much smoother.
By addressing these common cookie troubleshooting issues, you’ll be well on your way to baking perfect peanut butter cookies every time. Remember to experiment and find the techniques that work best for your kitchen and preferences.
| Common Baking Issue | Troubleshooting Tip |
|---|---|
| Soft or Crumbly Cookies | Add an egg to the recipe for more structure |
| Sticky Dough | Dust hands with powdered sugar when rolling dough |
| Excessive Spreading | Use a natural, creamy peanut butter instead of processed |
| Underbaked Cookies | Bake until edges are golden brown |
| Sticking Fork | Dip fork in flour between presses for criss-cross pattern |
” Baking is a science, and understanding the behavior of ingredients is key to solving any cookie troubleshooting issues. ” – Peanut Butter Cookie Expert
Conclusion
These quick and easy 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies are a simple, tasty fix for easy peanut butter cookies, simple dessert recipe, and quick baking. They need just a few ingredients and little time to make. These cookies are perfect for anyone, from beginners to those with dietary needs, or just for a quick sweet treat.
The mix of creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar makes a chewy, tasty cookie. It’s also lower in calories and sugar than regular peanut butter cookies. You can also change up the recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs.
These 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies show that baking can be easy and fun. They’re quick to make, have simple ingredients, and taste great. They’re perfect for an after-school snack, a last-minute dessert, or just because. They’re sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.
FAQ
You’ll need natural peanut butter and powdered sugar. Jif Natural, Santa Cruz Organics, or Justin’s are good peanut butter brands. Powdered sugar helps bind the dough.
Natural peanut butter adds great flavor and texture. It’s just peanuts and salt. Powdered sugar, with cornstarch, thickens the dough for a soft cookie.
No, you only need a bowl and spoon. That’s it!
They’re quick to make with simple ingredients. This makes them perfect for sudden cravings. Plus, kids love helping with this easy recipe.
Preparation is fast, and the oven heats up while you mix. Baking takes 9-11 minutes. They’re a speedy treat.
Can I customize this recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences?
Yes, you can. Try different nut butters or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar. You can even make them nut-free with sunflower seed butter.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer, refrigerate for 4 weeks or freeze for 6 months.
If they’re too soft, add an egg for structure. If the dough is sticky, use powdered sugar on your hands when rolling. Choose the right peanut butter to avoid spreading.
