Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the hearty, chewy texture of oats to create a delightful treat. These cookies are a perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a satisfying texture that makes them stand out from your typical cookie. Ideal for a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or a dessert for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
This recipe is designed for both beginners and seasoned bakers. It’s straightforward and requires common kitchen ingredients, making it accessible for anyone looking to whip up a batch of homemade cookies. By following a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy warm, homemade cookies that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Make sure it’s smooth and well-stirred.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats: Adds a chewy texture and hearty element.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional): Adds extra crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake more evenly.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Combine Peanut Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until smooth and well-combined. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and moisture, while the vanilla adds a rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Add Chopped Peanuts (Optional): If using, fold in 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies
- Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
- Cool on Baking Sheets: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
About the Main Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter
Creamy peanut butter is the star of this recipe, providing a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture. It’s essential for achieving the distinctive taste and consistency of these cookies. Ensure you use well-stirred peanut butter to avoid an overly oily or dry dough.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies hold their shape, while brown sugar contributes moisture and a caramel-like flavor. The combination of both sugars provides a balanced sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and give the cookies their structure. They also add moisture, making the cookies soft and chewy.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor to the cookies, complementing the peanut butter and sugars. It’s a key ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
Old-Fashioned Oats
Old-fashioned oats add a chewy texture and hearty element to the cookies. They provide a satisfying bite and complement the creamy peanut butter.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread. It creates air pockets in the dough, giving the cookies a light and airy texture.
Salt
Salt enhances the flavors of the cookies and balances the sweetness. It also helps to intensify the nutty flavor of the peanut butter.
Chopped Peanuts (Optional)
Chopped peanuts add extra crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies. They are optional but can enhance the texture and taste of the finished cookies.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of peanut butter with the heartiness of oats. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can enjoy homemade cookies with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious cookies with friends and family!
