Heavenly Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies – A Delightful Treat
Looking for a tasty treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and fits with your vegan lifestyle? Look no further than these delectable vegan peanut butter cookies! These cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a soft and chewy texture that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make with just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these vegan peanut butter cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who takes a bite. So, let’s roll up those sleeves and get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true game-changer in the world of vegan baking. If you’ve been skeptical about vegan desserts or have had bad experiences with dry, crumbly cookies in the past, I urge you to set those doubts aside and give this recipe a chance.
One of the best things about these peanut butter cookies is their versatility. They’re perfect for all kinds of occasions, whether it’s a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or even as a gift for your favorite vegan foodie. I promise they will be a hit with everyone who tries them, regardless of their dietary preferences.
Another fantastic feature of this recipe is its simplicity. With just nine basic ingredients and one mixing bowl, it doesn’t get much easier than this. You won’t need any fancy equipment or advanced culinary skills to whip up these delicious treats. In fact, they’re so easy that you could even get kids involved in the baking process.
What really sets these peanut butter cookies apart, though, is their taste and texture. With just the right amount of sweetness and saltiness and a rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies are truly irresistible. Plus, they’ve got those iconic fork marks on top that make them look like classic peanut butter cookies.
And the best part? These cookies are completely vegan! No eggs or dairy products needed – just some simple substitutions like vegan butter and egg substitute (such as applesauce) to make them 100% plant-based. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based recipes into your diet, these cookies are the perfect treat.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and taste for yourself why it’s such a standout in the world of vegan baking. Trust me – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients we’ll need to make these delicious vegan peanut butter cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or coconut oil, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk or water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
These home ingredients can be easily found in any grocery store. Most of them are pantry staples, so you might even have everything you need already. Make sure to measure out everything correctly for best results.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get started with the recipe. Here is a step-by-step guide to making these delicious vegan peanut butter cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is the optimal temperature for baking peanut butter cookies.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. These ingredients will provide your dough with structure and prevent your cookies from falling apart.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of vegan butter and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Use an electric mixer to whip up these two ingredients until they are well blended.
Step 4: Add the Sugars and Flavorings
Continuing to use your electric mixer, beat into the wet mixture 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness and flavor, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until your batter is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 5: Combine Both Mixtures
Now for the fun part! Add your dry mixture to your wet mixture in three or four different stages. Keep using your electric mixer until both mixtures are completely combined.
Step 6: Create Your Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to create cookie balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet at least two inches apart from each other so that they don’t stick during baking. Using a fork, press down on each ball with fork marks going in two directions to create that classic peanut-shaped look.
Step 7: Bake Time
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. You are looking for that perfect balance between crispy edges contrasted by a slightly softer center.
Step 8: Cool Your Cookies
Once your cookies are done baking, allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before you handle them as they will still be quite fragile right out of oven. Once cooled, ideally on a wire rack ,they will be crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside.
With these easy-to-follow steps, you’re now have freshly baked vegan peanut butter cookies hot out of the oven! Enjoy them with a cold glass of almond milk, vegan hot chocolate or simply on their own as a sweet snack!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always substitutions and variations that can be made to tailor the dish to your preferences. Here are a few ideas for this vegan peanut butter cookies recipe:
– Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or oat flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Almond flour will result in a denser, more melt-in-your-mouth cookie, while oat flour will create a lighter and chewier cookie.
– Sugar replacements: For a healthier twist, substitute the granulated sugar and brown sugar with maple syrup or date syrup. These natural sweeteners add a unique flavor and depth to the cookie, without leaving it overly sweet.
– Non-dairy option: Swap the vegan butter for coconut oil or avocado oil, and use almond milk or soy milk instead of water to make these cookies dairy-free.
– Crunchy peanut butter: If you prefer a crunchy texture in your cookies, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. The nutty chunks add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
– Chocolate peanut butter: Want to take your peanut butter cookies to the next level? Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for an irresistible chocolate peanut butter flavor combo.
Experiment with different substitutions and find what works best for you! Just make sure to keep the ratios and measurements in mind when making changes to ensure that the cookies still turn out perfectly soft and chewy.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked a batch of these vegan peanut butter cookies, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! These cookies are incredibly versatile and make the perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.
For a classic pairing, try serving these peanut butter cookies with a glass of nut-based milk or a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. The sweetness of the cookie pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the milk, making for a deliciously indulgent treat.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, try pairing these cookies with some fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries. The juicy sweetness of the fruit will complement the nutty flavor of the peanut butter in the cookie, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
If you’re hosting a party or entertaining guests, consider making a vegan ice-cream sandwich using two cookies and a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream. Serve them up on a plate and watch as your guests devour these irresistible treats in seconds flat.
Regardless of how you choose to serve and enjoy these cookies, you can rest assured that they will be loved by everyone who tries them. They are simply too good to resist!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once these vegan peanut butter cookies are baked, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days. For longer storage, it is best to freeze them and they will last for up to three months. To freeze the cookies, let them cool to room temperature and then place them in a single layer in an airtight container separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.
You can also make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
If you happen to have leftover cookies that have become dry or crumbly, try reheating them in a microwave for a few seconds or until they soften up. If you don’t have access to a microwave, try reheating them in an oven for a few minutes or until warm.
Butter cookies tend to get too moist when stored inside an airtight container which can cause them to stick together or fall apart easily, but this is not the case with this vegan peanut butter cookie recipe. Even after freezing, thawing or reheating, these cookies hold their shape well and maintain their perfect texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
The success of any baking venture depends on a variety of factors, from the quality of your ingredients to the way you measure those ingredients, to personal techniques and tricks. As an experienced vegan chef, let me share some tips that will help you make perfect vegan peanut butter cookies every time.
Tip #1: Use the Right Peanut Butter
To achieve perfect results, always use natural creamy peanut butter as opposed to chunky. Chunky peanut butter may introduce an unpleasant texture that could affect the consistency of your cookie dough.
Tip #2: Measure Your Ingredients Correctly
To make sure your ingredients measurements are correct, use level cups and spoons with ingredients that clump together such as sugar or flour. You don’t want to have too little or too much of an ingredient in your mixture because it will transform the taste and texture of your cookies.
Tip #3: Don’t Overmix Your Cookies
While mixing, ensure you do not overdo it as this can cause excess gluten development resulting in tougher cookies. The goal is to mix everything gently just to combine.
Tip #4: Chill Your Dough at Every Stage
It’s essential to chill the dough before rolling it into balls give them their shape. This helps them keep their shape when they go into the oven. Also, chill them again after applying fork marks or right before baking if your kitchen is hotter or more humid than usual.
Tip#5: Watch Your Oven Time
Overbaked cookies will result in crispier, drier products while under-baked ones are soft and chewy or worse — raw. So pay attention and set a timer for 1-2 minutes before they should be done.
With these tips, you’re sure that correctly follow each step in your recipe approach with confidence every time you bake these delicious vegan peanut butter cookies.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there might be a few questions that come to mind while preparing these delicious vegan peanut butter cookies. Don’t worry though, I’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions that I have received about this recipe along with the answers.
Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?
Do you find that your peanut butter cookies made with only 3 ingredients are breaking apart when you try to take them off the baking sheet? The secret to avoiding this crumbly catastrophe is to exercise patience and allow the cookies to cool completely before attempting to remove them from the pan.
Why put fork marks peanut butter cookies?
Have you ever wondered why some peanut butter cookies have fork marks on them? It’s actually a clever trick to ensure that the cookies bake evenly. Peanut butter is a dense ingredient and can cause the cookies to become too dense and undercooked in the middle. By adding the criss-cross pattern on top of the cookie dough, it helps the cookies to spread out and bake evenly.
Why are my homemade peanut butter cookies falling apart?
When making peanut butter cookies, you may find that they turn out dry and crumbly. This issue could have occurred because the cookies were overcooked. It’s important to note that peanut butter cookies may not appear to be fully cooked even when they are done.
Why don’t my peanut butter cookies taste like peanut butter?
When making peanut butter cookies, it’s important to choose the right type of peanut butter. The ideal peanut butter for these cookies is a creamy processed variety, with Jif or Skippy being preferred options. Choosing the wrong type of peanut butter can lead to less-than-optimal results.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these vegan peanut butter cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delicious batch of cookies that will satisfy any craving. Whether you follow the recipe as written or try some of the substitutions and variations, these cookies are sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.
So, what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of these tasty treats today and enjoy the satisfying crunch of soft-baked peanut butter goodness. And don’t forget to share them with your family, friends, and colleagues to spread the joy of vegan baking. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies! Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (Make sure it's Vegan, www.ilovepeanutbutter.com has amazing Vegan Peanut Butter Varieties!)
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1/4 cup vegan butter (Earth Balance is the best!)
- 1/8 cup applesauce
- 1 tablespoon egg substitute, powder (Bob's Red Mill is good for this)
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat Oven to 375.
- Put all ingredients into a medium size bowl in order of ingredients listed.
- Mix all ingredients together until well mixed.
- Take Spoon size pieces and roll them into balls and put them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Flatten in crisscross pattern with fork.
- Bake 9-10 Minutes or until light brown.
- Once out of oven, move to a wire rack or large plate and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- ENJOY!
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.