If you love peanut butter, there’s no better way to enjoy it than in a warm, freshly baked cookie. Large peanut butter cookies, with their soft and chewy centers and crispy edges, are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy a craving, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making large peanut butter cookies, answer the common question “Do peanut butter cookies expand?” and share some tips for making them perfect every time.
What Makes Large Peanut Butter Cookies So Special?
Peanut butter cookies are a classic. But when you make them larger than usual, they bring an extra level of indulgence. Large peanut butter cookies are soft and chewy in the center, with slightly crisp edges that add texture and flavor. The peanut butter flavor is rich and satisfying, but not overwhelming. This balance makes large peanut butter cookies the perfect dessert for any peanut butter lover.
One of the reasons these cookies are so special is their versatility. They can be enjoyed warm with a glass of milk, crumbled on top of ice cream, or packed into lunchboxes for a midday snack. The size makes them feel more indulgent, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without needing to bake multiple batches.
Do Peanut Butter Cookies Expand?
A common question that many bakers have when making peanut butter cookies is, “Do peanut butter cookies expand?” The answer is yes, but not as much as some other types of cookies, like chocolate chip cookies. Peanut butter cookies don’t spread out widely during baking because peanut butter has a thick, dense texture. However, they will still expand slightly, particularly if you roll the dough into large balls.
To ensure that your large peanut butter cookies turn out just the way you like them, be sure to space them evenly on your baking sheet. This will allow them to expand without merging into each other, giving you perfectly shaped cookies with room to breathe. If you prefer even less spreading, you can slightly chill the dough before baking.
How to Make Large Peanut Butter Cookies
Making large peanut butter cookies is easy and fun! Here’s a simple recipe that guarantees delicious results:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional for added softness)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or a whisk. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too thick, you can add a bit of milk to soften it. - Shape the Dough
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out large portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons each). Roll the dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. - Flatten the Cookies
Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, making a criss-cross pattern. This is a classic peanut butter cookie feature, and it helps the cookies bake evenly. - Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Enjoy!
Once cooled, your large peanut butter cookies are ready to enjoy! Serve them with a glass of milk, crumble them over ice cream, or simply savor them on their own.
Tips for the Best Large Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This will make it easier to cream the butter and sugar together, resulting in a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough: If you’re worried about your cookies spreading too much, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better.
- Don’t Overbake: For soft and chewy cookies, make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown to ensure they stay soft in the center.
- Try Different Peanut Butters: If you like extra texture, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth. This adds more bite and a richer peanut flavor to the cookies.
- Add Mix-ins: For an extra twist, add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a handful of oats to the dough.
Why Large Peanut Butter Cookies Are So Popular
Large peanut butter cookies are a hit for several reasons. First, their size makes them feel indulgent and special. Unlike regular-sized cookies, which can sometimes leave you feeling like you need to eat more, large peanut butter cookies give you a satisfying portion that feels like a treat.
Secondly, they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them at parties, pack them as a snack for kids, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the afternoon. The chewy center combined with the crisp edges makes them perfect for nearly every occasion.
Finally, peanut butter is a flavor that most people love. It’s creamy, salty, and slightly sweet—all qualities that come together perfectly in a cookie. These large peanut butter cookies are a great way to highlight the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter without being overwhelming.
Conclusion: Bake Large Peanut Butter Cookies Like a Pro
Large peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that everyone will love. They’re easy to make, and with the right techniques, you can ensure they come out perfectly every time. From their soft and chewy centers to their rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to bake for a special event, share them with friends, or just enjoy a homemade treat, large peanut butter cookies are always a good idea.
So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet, indulgent snack, try making large peanut butter cookies. They’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for satisfying your peanut butter cravings!