Classic Peanut Butter Cookie

1. History

   • Peanut butter cookies originated in the United States, with their development dating back to the 1910s. George Washington Carver, an American agricultural extension educator from Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute, was a prominent promoter of peanuts as a crop. He compiled numerous peanut recipes, including three for peanut cookies that called for crushed or chopped peanuts. The iconic fork marks on peanut butter cookies appeared in recipes around the 1930s.

2. Ingredients and Variations

   • The classic peanut butter cookie recipe includes peanut butter, sugar, an egg, and flour. Over time, variations have emerged, such as the addition of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even stuffing the cookies with mini Reese’s cups. The choice of peanut butter—crunchy or smooth—can significantly affect the cookie’s texture.

3. Nutritional Information

   • Peanut butter cookies are quite calorie-dense, mainly due to the peanut butter, sugar, and flour. On average, a standard cookie contains around 90-100 calories. They also provide protein and fats, with the exact nutritional content varying based on the recipe and size of the cookie.

4. Cultural Significance

   • Peanut butter cookies have a rich cultural significance, especially in the United States. They are associated with childhood memories and comfort food. National Peanut Butter Cookie Day on June 12 celebrates this beloved treat’s place in American culinary history.

5. Serving Suggestions

   • These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. They pair well with milk or coffee, can be used as a base for ice cream sandwiches, or crumbled as toppings for sundaes. For a festive touch, dipping half the cookie in dark chocolate and sprinkling with crushed peanuts is a popular option.

6. Modern Twists and Trends

   • Modern twists on the classic peanut butter cookie include adding caramel, different types of chocolate, or even cookie butter for a unique flavour profile. Experimenting with various add-ins and mix-ins has become a trend, allowing bakers to personalize their creations

 Ingredients:

• 200g peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
• 175g golden caster sugar
• ¼ tsp fine table salt
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-assisted).
2. Line two large baking trays with baking parchment.
3. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, and salt until well combined.
4. Add the egg and mix again until the mixture forms a dough.
5. Break off pieces of dough about the size of cherry tomatoes and place them well spaced apart on the trays.
6. Press the cookies down with the back of a fork to squash them slightly.
7. Bake for 12 minutes, until golden around the edges and paler in the centre.
8. Cool on the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies!