Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Cookies are the epitome of comfort food - sweet, chewy, and nostalgic. Among the countless varieties of cookies, peanut butter oatmeal cookies stand out for their rich, nutty flavor and hearty texture. Combining the creaminess of peanut butter with the wholesomeness of oats, these cookies offer a delightful balance of taste and nutrition. In this article, we present a mouthwatering peanut butter oatmeal cookies recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process can be done using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the pure vanilla extract, which enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

5. Fold in the Oats (and Optional Ingredients): Gently fold in the rolled oats, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can also incorporate chopped peanuts or chocolate chips at this stage.

6. Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

7. Flatten the Cookies (Optional): For a slightly crisper texture, you can lightly flatten each cookie using the back of a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern on the top.

8. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Be cautious not to overbake to maintain a soft and chewy center.

9. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. As they cool, the cookies will firm up slightly and become perfectly chewy.

10. Store for Later: Store the cooled peanut butter oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several days, but chances are they'll be devoured much sooner!

Final Thoughts: Peanut butter oatmeal cookies are a classic treat that combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter with the wholesome goodness of oats. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a sweet indulgence after dinner, these cookies are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. With this simple and delightful recipe, you can easily whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies to share with family and friends, spreading the joy of homemade goodness. Happy baking!