The Ultimate Crisco Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible

A Classic Cookie Reimagined: Crisco Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies have been a beloved favorite for generations, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The classic combination of peanut butter, sugar, and salt has remained a staple in many households, but it’s time to elevate this timeless treat with a secret ingredient: Crisco.

Our Crisco peanut butter cookie recipe is designed to deliver the perfect balance of texture and taste. With Crisco’s unique blend of vegetable oils, these cookies will yield a soft, chewy center and a delicate crunch on the edges.

What sets our recipe apart is the use of Crisco, which provides a rich, buttery flavor without the need for actual butter. The result is a cookie that’s both classic and reimagined, with a depth of flavor that’s sure to impress.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating the ultimate Crisco peanut butter cookie. Get ready to indulge in a chewy, peanut-buttery delight that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Crisco Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe Card

This classic Crisco peanut butter cookie recipe yields a deliciously soft and chewy treat. Here’s a summary of what you need to know:

• Ingredients: 240 g / 1 cup peanut butter, 200 g / 1 cup granulated sugar, 100 g / 1/2 cup Crisco, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 300 g / 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes at 180°C / 350°F
• Yield: 24-30 cookies
• Difficulty Level: Easy

To make these easy peanut butter cookies, simply preheat the oven, mix the ingredients, and bake. The result is a batch of quick peanut butter cookies that are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. With the help of Crisco, these cookies retain their moisture and flavor, making them a great option for a quick dessert or snack.

What You’ll Need

These peanut butter cookies rely on simple, pantry-staple ingredients. Feel free to experiment with different peanut butter brands – natural or creamy, the choice is yours!

• 240 g / 1 cup Crisco shortening
• 170 g / ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 110 g / ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 240 g / 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 480 g / 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Additions

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped peanuts

Baking to Perfection: The Key to Irresistible Crisco Peanut Butter Cookies

With these simple yet crucial steps, you’ll unlock the secret to baking the perfect Crisco peanut butter cookies that are chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

1. Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet
   Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Ensure the paper is evenly spread to prevent cookies from sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 240 g (1 cup) peanut butter, 120 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, and 60 g (1/4 cup) brown sugar. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the Crisco and Mix
   Gradually add 120 g (1/2 cup) Crisco and mix until the dough forms a cohesive ball, about 3 minutes. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
4. Chill the Dough
   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This step is crucial for allowing the dough to firm up and the flavors to meld.
5. Scoop and Place the Cookies
   Scoop the dough into balls, about 15 g (1 tablespoon) each. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) of space between each cookie.
6. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. The cookies should be set but still slightly soft to the touch.
7. Cool and Store
   Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your Crisco peanut butter cookies. Remember to keep an eye on the cookies during the baking time, as the texture can quickly go from perfect to burnt.

• Key Techniques:
  • Don’t overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies.
  • Chill the dough to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
  • Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers are still slightly soft.

Pro Tips: Elevating Your Crisco Peanut Butter Cookies

To take your Crisco peanut butter cookies to the next level, consider the following insider tips and tricks. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial, as it allows the flour to hydrate and the butter to firm up, resulting in a better texture. When baking, line your sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from spreading too much and to ensure easy removal.

Achieving the Perfect Golden Brown

For a beautiful golden brown, bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can lead to dryness. To enhance browning, use a higher ratio of white sugar to brown sugar, as white sugar caramelizes more easily.

• Use a combination of granulated sugar (200 g / 1 cup) and brown sugar (100 g / 1/2 cup) for a richer flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together.
• For crispy peanut butter cookies, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes. However, be cautious not to overbake, as this can cause the cookies to become too dark.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best Crisco peanut butter cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Substitutions: Making it Your Own

This classic Crisco Peanut Butter Cookie recipe is already pretty darn delicious, but there are plenty of ways to tweak it to fit your dietary needs or preferences.

Gluten-Free Goodies

Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You’ll get the same soft and chewy texture without the gluten.

Dairy-Free Delight

Crisco is already dairy-free, so you’re good to go there! If you want to be extra sure, double-check the label of your peanut butter to make sure it doesn’t contain any dairy products.

Vegan Version

For a vegan take, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the dough. This will add a slightly nutty flavor.

You can also experiment with different types of sweeteners. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well, but keep in mind they might slightly alter the cookie’s texture.

Endless Possibilities: Variations on the Classic Crisco Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Take your Crisco Peanut Butter Cookies to the next level by experimenting with these creative variations.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

Add 120g / 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet and salty combination. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

Peanut Butter Cookies with Nuts

Introduce 60g / 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts to the dough for added texture and crunch. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

Flavored Peanut Butter Cookies: Vanilla Bean

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste to the dough for a subtle, creamy flavor. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

Flavored Peanut Butter Cookies: Cinnamon Swirl

Introduce 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dough and create a swirl pattern with a cinnamon sugar mixture before baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

Storage: Keeping Your Cookies Fresh

To maintain the freshness and texture of Crisco peanut butter cookies, proper storage is essential. Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days, in an airtight container.

For longer storage, place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate at 4°C / 39°F for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, cookies can be frozen at -18°C / 0°F for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider portioning cookies into freezer-safe bags or containers for easy reheating.

To reheat, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or reheat refrigerated cookies in the oven at 150°C / 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Always check cookies for any signs of spoilage before consumption, and consume within the recommended storage window for optimal flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Even the best peanut butter cookie recipe can sometimes encounter a few hiccups. But don’t worry! Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

1. Flat Cookies

   If your cookies spread too thin and are flatter than expected, it could be due to:

   • Too much butter: Ensure the butter is softened to the correct consistency (around 21°C/70°F) and not melted.
   • Not enough flour: Double-check your measuring technique. Too little flour can make the dough too soft and prone to spreading.
   • Overmixing the dough: Mixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, flat cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

2. Tough Cookies

   If your cookies come out hard and chewy, try these solutions:

   • Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven when the edges are just set.
   • Too much flour: Over-measuring flour can make cookies tough. Use a spoon to gently stir the flour into the dough.

Nutrition Facts: A Closer Look

Understanding the nutritional content of our Crisco Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe is essential for making informed choices. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key nutrients per serving:

• Calories: 120 per cookie (approximately 5 cookies per serving)
• Macros: 7g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 2g protein
• Fiber: 0.5g per cookie
• Sugar: 6g per cookie
• Sodium: 100mg per cookie

Please note that this recipe is not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets.

For a healthier twist, consider substituting some of the sugar with natural sweeteners or using a lower-sugar peanut butter option.

Mastering the Art: Key Takeaways

Crisco peanut butter cookies are all about that perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. Here’s how to nail it:

1. Creaming Power: Make sure your peanut butter and Crisco are thoroughly creamed together. This incorporates air, leading to a lighter texture.
2. Sugar Matters: Granulated sugar contributes to crispness, while packed brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness. Don’t skimp on either!
3. Chill Out: Chilling the dough is crucial. It firms up the butter and prevents spreading, resulting in neatly shaped cookies.
4. Baking Bliss: Bake at 180°C (350°F) until the edges are golden brown. Don’t overbake, or they’ll become dry and crumbly.
5. Cooling Technique: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set properly.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth Crisco peanut butter cookies.

From the Kitchen: A Love Affair with Crisco Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s something special about a peanut butter cookie that’s been baked to perfection. I recall childhood afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching as she expertly mixed and scooped the dough onto a baking sheet. The aroma of melting Crisco and peanut butter wafting from the oven is still etched in my memory.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various tweaks to this classic recipe. I’ve added a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the richness of the peanut butter, and even tried using natural peanut butter for a slightly nuttier flavor. The result? A cookie that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

• For an extra crunchy texture, try baking the cookies for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking!
• If you prefer a chewier cookie, bake for 8-9 minutes instead.
• Consider using a mix of creamy and crunchy peanut butter for a delightful texture contrast.

These Crisco Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless favorite, and with a few simple tweaks, you can make them your own.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Delights

Bake and indulge in the delicious Crisco peanut butter cookies, fresh from the oven at 180°C / 350°F. With this Crisco peanut butter cookies recipe, create homemade peanut butter cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Try the peanut butter cookie baking process and explore various recipes to find your favorite. Share your creations and enjoy the warmth of homemade treats.