Nothing beats the combination of rich peanut butter, hearty oats, and sweet brown sugar in a cookie. These Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making them a family favorite and a perfect treat for any occasion. With a delightful crunch from roasted peanuts and the natural sweetness of rolled oats, these cookies strike a balance between indulgence and wholesome comfort. Plus, they're easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to craft these delectable cookies, along with why each ingredient matters:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies, ensuring a perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise, creating a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, while creating a soft, tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps retain moisture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, lending a nutty richness and creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie's structure.
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted salted peanuts: Adds crunch and a salty contrast to the sweet dough.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides chewiness and a rustic texture while complementing the nutty flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Wet Ingredients
Using a mixer, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2–3 minutes. Blend in the peanut butter until smooth.
4. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract and the egg to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture in three parts, scraping down the bowl and beaters as needed. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Add the Oats and Peanuts
Gently fold in the rolled oats and chopped roasted peanuts with a spoon or spatula.
7. Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, drop uniform balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. For a slightly flatter cookie, press each ball down gently with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone but will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step ensures they retain their shape and achieve the perfect texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Salted Peanuts: The contrast of salty peanuts against the sweet dough adds depth of flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Well: This step creates air pockets, resulting in a softer cookie.
- Uniform Cookie Sizes: A cookie scoop ensures consistent sizing and even baking.
- Avoid Overbaking: The cookies will continue to cook as they cool, so remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Pair them with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pack them as a sweet treat in lunchboxes or as a thoughtful gift wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful mix of soft, chewy, and crunchy textures. They're easy to make and versatile, perfect for a quick snack or a festive occasion. The blend of peanut butter, oats, and roasted peanuts creates a balanced, satisfying flavor that's hard to resist.
Make Them Today!
Whether you're a cookie connoisseur or a novice baker, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to deliver irresistible results. Bake these cookies once, and they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen!