Peanut Butter Cookies - Old school & KETO Recipe

Are we really who we think we are? Try some of these tasty peanut butter cookies now while diving deep in the soul of human kind!

Although the Aztecs invented peanut butter in the 14th century, it wasn’t until the 20th century that peanut butter cookies became an American favorite. Peanut butter, a delicious and versatile spread made from ground peanuts, quickly became a staple ingredient in various recipes. It was around this time that the idea of incorporating peanut butter into cookie dough emerged, giving birth to the Peanut Butter Cookie.

While the exact origin of Peanut Butter Cookies is not well-documented, it is widely believed that George Washington Carver, a renowned scientist and inventor, played a significant role in popularizing this delightful treat. Carver was a prominent figure in the early 20th century and was known for his research and promotion of peanuts. He advocated for their nutritional value and encouraged farmers to cultivate peanuts as an alternative crop to cotton, which was depleting the soil. Carver even published recipes that featured peanuts, including one for Peanut Butter Cookies.

While Peanut Butter Cookies are undeniably tasty, it’s important to note that they are not considered a health food. Peanut butter itself is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. However, Peanut Butter Cookies typically contain added sugars and fats that contribute to their delicious texture and taste. As a result, they tend to be high in calories, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.

However, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, they offer several health benefits:

Nutritional Value: Peanut Butter Cookies contain peanut butter as a key ingredient, which is a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
Energy Boost: Peanut Butter Cookies provide a quick energy boost, making them an ideal snack for athletes or individuals needing a pick-me-up throughout the day.
Heart Health: Peanut butter, the main component of these cookies, is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats. Consuming moderate amounts of peanut butter may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Protein Source: Peanut butter is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making Peanut Butter Cookies a suitable choice for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Ingredients

Old school

(35 0.5 oz / 15g cookies)

1 ½ cups / 200g Flour
¼ teaspoon Salt
½ cup / 100g Butter
¾ cup / 200g Peanut butter
1 Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
2 tablespoons Agave or sweetener of choice
Optional
- ½ cup / 60g Chopped peanuts

New school – Keto

(20 0.5 oz / 15g cookies)

1cup / 260g Peanut butter
1 Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Optional
- Sweetener to taste

How to make Peanut butter cookies

Old school

Measure all the ingredients.
Mix the ingredients until there is a uniform texture.
Roll the dough out into two logs so it will be easier to measure out the cookie sizes if we are after a somewhat uniform sized cookie batch. Try out how the different sized dough spread and pick the one that is closes to our heart.
We have found the 0.5 oz / 15g balls are the perfect size for our cookies.
Press them down vertically with a wet or slightly oiled fork.
Then horizontally.
Put the cookies into a 350°F / 180°C preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Mind not to keep them there much longer as they can dry out and crumble at the slightest touch.
Try one out.

Enjoy!

New school – Keto

Measure all the ingredients.
Mix the ingredients until there is a uniform texture.
Roll the dough out into two logs so it will be easier to measure out the cookie sizes if we are after a somewhat uniform sized cookie batch. Try out how the different sized dough spread and pick the one that is closes to our heart.
We have found the 0.5 oz / 15g balls are the perfect size for our cookies.
Press them down with a wet or slightly oiled fork vertically then horizontally.
Put the cookies into a 350°F / 180°C preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Mind not to keep them there much longer as they can dry out and crumble at the slightest touch.

Enjoy!

F.A.Q.

How do we make peanut butter cookies?

Peanut butter cookies can be made by combining ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and, of course, peanut butter. The dough is typically mixed together until well combined, then shaped into small balls and flattened with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern. After that, they are baked in the oven until golden brown. Once baked, we let them cool before enjoying these delicious treats.

Can peanut butter cookies be made without flour?

Yes, peanut butter cookies can be made without flour. One alternative recipe involves using oats or almond flour instead. Oats can be ground into a fine powder and used as a substitute for traditional flour. Similarly, almond flour can also be used in place of regular flour to make gluten-free peanut butter cookies. These alternative recipes can provide a slightly different texture and flavor compared to the traditional flour-based version.

How can we make vegan peanut butter cookies?

To make vegan peanut butter cookies, we can substitute animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Instead of using butter, we can use vegan butter or margarine. Eggs can be replaced with ingredients like applesauce, mashed bananas, or flaxseed mixed with water to create a binding effect. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the peanut butter used does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. By making these substitutions, we can create delicious vegan peanut butter cookies that align with a plant-based lifestyle.

What variations can we try with peanut butter cookies?

1. Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
2. Jelly Thumbprint: Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with jam or jelly before baking.
3. Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans into the dough to add a crunchy texture.
4. Peanut Butter Cup: Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking for a delightful surprise.
5. Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce on top of the cookies after they are baked to add a sweet and salty twist.

How peanut butter cookies should be stored?

To maintain the freshness and flavor of peanut butter cookies, we should store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers can help prevent sticking. If stored properly, they can stay fresh for up to one week. For longer-term storage, we can freeze peanut butter cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, we can thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.