Salted Peanut Cookies: A Sweet and Salty Delight

Recipes Italian Chef

Salted Peanut Cookies: A Sweet and Salty Delight

These salted peanut cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. The combination of crunchy peanuts, a hint of salt, and a buttery cookie base makes for an irresistible and satisfying snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.

## Why You’ll Love These Salted Peanut Cookies

* **Sweet and Salty Perfection:** The marriage of sweet cookie dough and salty peanuts is a flavor explosion in your mouth.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for any skill level.
* **Crunchy and Chewy Texture:** The peanuts add a delightful crunch, while the cookie itself is soft and chewy.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These cookies are great for holidays, parties, or just a simple afternoon treat.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding chocolate chips, different types of nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 1/4 cups (281 grams)
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon
* **Baking Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon (plus extra for sprinkling)
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
* **Granulated Sugar:** 3/4 cup (150 grams)
* **Brown Sugar:** 3/4 cup (165 grams), packed
* **Eggs:** 2 large
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Roasted Salted Peanuts:** 1 1/2 cups (about 225 grams), coarsely chopped

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need at least two, one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
* **Baking Sheets:** You’ll need at least two baking sheets to bake the cookies in batches.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** These will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
* **Cookie Scoop (Optional):** A cookie scoop will help you create uniform cookies.
* **Cooling Rack:** To cool the cookies properly after baking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions for perfect salted peanut cookies.

### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

### Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to ensure that the baking soda and baking powder are evenly distributed.
2. Set the dry ingredients aside.

### Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
2. Creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for creating a light and airy cookie. Don’t rush this step!

### Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated into the mixture before adding the next.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

### Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears into the batter.

### Step 6: Fold in Peanuts

1. Gently fold in the coarsely chopped roasted salted peanuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

### Step 7: Scoop and Bake

1. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
2. Slightly flatten the cookies with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon.
3. Sprinkle a tiny bit of extra salt on top of each cookie. This enhances the salty-sweet flavor.
4. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

### Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

1. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
2. Once the cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

## Tips for Perfect Salted Peanut Cookies

* **Use Softened Butter:** Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter will cream properly with the sugar, creating a light and airy cookie.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** For even thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
* **Use Roasted Salted Peanuts:** The roasted peanuts add a deeper flavor, and the salt enhances the sweetness of the cookie.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
* **Storage:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
* **Other Nuts:** Substitute the peanuts with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies for a more intense salty flavor.
* **Peanut Butter Chips:** Add 1 cup of peanut butter chips to the dough for an extra peanut butter flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

## Serving Suggestions

These salted peanut cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **With a Glass of Milk:** A classic pairing that never fails.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** The cookies complement the warm beverage perfectly.
* **As Part of a Dessert Platter:** Include these cookies in a dessert platter with other treats like brownies, cupcakes, and fruit.
* **As a Gift:** Package the cookies in a pretty box or tin and give them as a gift to friends and family.
* **Ice Cream Sandwich:** Make an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Serving Size: 1 cookie
* Calories: 150-200 (depending on ingredients and size)
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 4-6g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 18-25g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?**
A: I don’t recommend using natural peanut butter *in* the cookie dough, as it can affect the texture. However, you can use it *on top* of the cookies, as a decoration.

**Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly before baking as directed.

**Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

**Q: My cookies are spreading too thin. What am I doing wrong?**
A: Several factors can cause cookies to spread too thin, including using melted butter, not measuring the flour correctly, or using a warm baking sheet. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, measure the flour accurately, and use a cool baking sheet.

**Q: My cookies are too dry. What am I doing wrong?**
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cookies. Make sure to bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set, but not overbaked. Also, make sure you are using the correct amount of butter and eggs in the recipe.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?**
A: While granulated and brown sugar are recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of sugar like coconut sugar or maple syrup, but it might slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

## Conclusion

These salted peanut cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to please. The perfect balance of sweet and salty, combined with a satisfying crunch, makes them irresistible. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delicious cookies! They are perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to a festive holiday gathering. Enjoy!

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