Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
There’s something magical about biting into a freshly baked cookie, especially when that cookie is a perfect blend of puffy vanilla and sweet peanut butter chips. These Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion, whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or impress your friends and family at a gathering. With their soft texture and delightful flavor, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are not just your average sweet treat. The combination of puffy vanilla and creamy peanut butter creates a balance of flavors that is simply irresistible. The use of shortening gives them that extra puffiness, making each bite soft and chewy. Plus, they’re versatile! You can easily swap out the peanut butter chips for butterscotch, white chocolate, or even chocolate chips, depending on your mood. These cookies are perfect for cookie jars, dessert platters, or just a cozy night in with a glass of milk.
Ingredient List
To whip up these delightful Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup Crisco or vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup peanut butter chips (or butterscotch, white chocolate, or chocolate chips, if preferred)
Tools of the Trade
Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: To cream the shortening and sugars together easily.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
- Baking Sheet: For placing your cookie dough before baking.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
From Start to Finish: Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the baking process!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that desired puffiness.
Step 2: Cream the Shortening and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of Crisco (or vegetable shortening), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Once your sugars and shortening are well combined, beat in 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of water, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in the Peanut Butter Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of peanut butter chips (or your choice of chips) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely, or dive right in while they’re still warm!
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
These Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be easily adapted for various holidays and seasons:
- Christmas: Add red and green sprinkles or festive M&Ms for a holiday touch.
- Fall: Incorporate pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
- Valentine’s Day: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for a sweet treat for loved ones.
- Birthday Parties: Decorate with colorful frosting or serve with ice cream for a fun dessert!
Learn from These Mistakes
Baking is a science, and even the best bakers can make mistakes. Here are common pitfalls to avoid when making Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies:
- Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies; mix until just combined.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and leveling tools for precise measurements.
- Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Using Stale Ingredients: Check your baking powder and chips for freshness for the best flavor.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies fresh, consider the following storage tips:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Common Questions
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but the texture may be slightly different. Using butter will yield a richer flavor but may result in flatter cookies.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour, but it may make the cookies denser. A mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour can be a good compromise.
What can I substitute for peanut butter chips?
If you’re not a fan of peanut butter chips, you can easily swap them for butterscotch, white chocolate, or chocolate chips. Each option will give the cookies a unique twist!
How do I make my cookies puffier?
Using shortening instead of butter, chilling the dough before baking, and ensuring not to overmix are key factors that contribute to puffier cookies.
See You at the Table
These Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and delight to your family and friends. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe is bound to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy warm, delicious cookies that are as delightful to make as they are to eat. You’ll find that every bite is a heavenly blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. Happy baking!
Puffy Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the shortening, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, water, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the peanut butter chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For a festive touch, add sprinkles or M&Ms for special occasions.
- Chilling the dough can result in an even puffier cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
