Alton Brown Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Joy

Sink your teeth into alton brown’s peanut butter cookies, a nostalgic symphony of flavor that dances between childhood memories and gourmet indulgence.

These golden-brown delights transform humble ingredients into culinary magic with remarkable simplicity.

Smooth peanut butter weaves its enchantment through every crumb, creating a texture that whispers comfort and excitement.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers, promising a sensory experience that transcends ordinary desserts.

Professional baking techniques elevate these cookies from everyday treat to extraordinary delight.

Each carefully measured ingredient contributes its unique voice to a harmonious flavor chorus.

Brace for a cookie adventure that will redefine your sweet expectations and leave you craving just one more delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 11

Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients (Alton Brown Style)

• Brown Sugar: Select soft, moist brown sugar without hard lumps for smoother mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Choose fine-grained sugar for even distribution and consistent sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Pick pure vanilla extract for rich, authentic flavor complexity.

• Egg: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for better incorporation and smoother dough.
• Peanut Butter: Use creamy, natural peanut butter without added sugars for authentic taste.
• Baking Soda: Ensure fresh baking soda for proper rising and tender cookie texture.

• Salt: Use fine kosher or sea salt to balance and enhance overall cookie flavor.
• Parchment Paper: Select non-stick, unbleached parchment for easy cookie release and clean baking.

Alton Brown’s Tools for Peanut Butter Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for mixing peanut butter and sugars without overmixing.
• Measuring cup: Helps portion dough precisely into 16 equal rounds.
• Fork: Creates signature cross-hatch pattern on cookie surfaces.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Half-sheet baking pans: Provides even heat distribution for consistent baking.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain crisp texture.

Baking Instructions for Alton Brown’s Cookies

• Warm Up Your Baking Space (Prepare Oven)

Get your kitchen ready by setting oven racks in the center and heating to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for smooth cookie magic.

• Blend Creamy Goodness (Mix Base)

In a big mixing bowl, combine peanut butter with sugars. Smash and stir until everything blends into a smooth, delicious mixture that looks and feels perfect.

• Create Cookie Magic (Add Ingredients)

Toss in egg, baking soda, salt, and vanilla. Stir everything together until your dough looks consistent and smells amazing. Pro tip: You can chill the dough overnight for extra flavor development.

• Shape Your Treats (Form Cookies)

Roll dough into 16 equal portions. Gently place cookies on prepared sheets, leaving space between each one. Use a fork to create those classic crisscross patterns that make peanut butter cookies instantly recognizable.

• Bake to Perfection (Cook Cookies)

Slide trays into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate sheets halfway through to ensure even golden-brown deliciousness. Watch for edges that look set but not dark.

• Cool and Enjoy (Finish Cookies)

Let cookies rest on wire racks for at least 10 minutes. They’ll firm up and become perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Grab a glass of milk and enjoy your homemade treat!

Flavor Tips for Alton Brown’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Customize Cookie Consistency: Adjust peanut butter brands for varied texture – natural peanut butter creates crumblier cookies, while processed versions yield smoother results.
• Enhance Flavor Dimensions: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to elevate sweet-savory profile and create gourmet restaurant-style finish.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Substitute standard flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version without compromising delicious taste and classic cookie structure.
• Storage Strategy: Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp edges.

Ways to Serve Alton Brown’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Delights: Serve these classic peanut butter cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Create a Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh berries for a beautiful dessert presentation.
• Pack as Sweet Gifts: Wrap a few cookies in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that's sure to bring smiles to friends and family.
• Elevate Dessert Time: Sandwich two cookies with a layer of chocolate ganache or raspberry jam for an extra special after-dinner surprise.

Storing and Prepping Alton Brown’s Cookies

• Preserve Cookie Freshness: Store completely cooled peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Pack cookies in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, keeping them fresh for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to maintain original texture.
• Dough Advance Preparation: Wrap raw cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, refrigerating for up to 24 hours. Let dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping and baking to ensure even cooking.
• Moisture Management: Add a slice of bread to storage container to help maintain cookie softness, replacing bread every 1-2 days to keep cookies perfectly tender and delicious.

Incredible Alton Brown Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s classic peanut butter cookie recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that delight cookie enthusiasts. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and rich peanut butter make these cookies an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) smooth peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• ⅔ cup (133 g) light brown sugar
• ½ cup plus 1 ½ tbsps (125 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven racks in upper and lower center positions. Preheat to 350°F. Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper.
2. Mixing Base: Combine peanut butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large bowl. Press and smear mixture against bowl sides, ensuring thorough integration using a wooden spoon.
3. Incorporating Ingredients: Fold in egg, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until uniformly distributed. Note: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight.
4. Portioning and Shaping: Create 16 uniform dough balls using a measuring tool. Distribute 8 rounds on each prepared baking sheet. Roll each ball between palms for a smooth finish.
5. Patterning Cookies: Use a fork to create classic cross-hatch patterns, gently pressing and swiping. Rotate fork 90 degrees to form perfect grid-like impressions. Each cookie should spread to approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
6. Baking Process: Place in preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, rotating baking sheets between racks at the 5-minute mark to ensure even browning. Cookies are ready when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
7. Cooling and Serving: Transfer baking sheets to wire cooling racks. Allow cookies to rest and firm up for at least 10 minutes before transferring or enjoying.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make dough one day in advance and refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap for enhanced flavor development and convenient baking.
• Precision Matters: Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon measuring tool to create uniform cookie sizes, ensuring consistent baking and professional-looking results.
• Mixing Technique: Press and smear peanut butter and sugars against bowl sides to guarantee complete ingredient integration and smoother dough texture.
• Baking Pro Tip: Rotate baking sheets between oven racks midway through cooking to achieve perfectly even golden-brown edges and soft, tender centers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg