Soft & Chewy Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies

Introduction to Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies

Soft & Chewy Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic crinkle cookie, infused with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter. These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty, with a texture that is both soft and slightly crisp on the outside. Inspired by the beloved Nutter Butter cookie, this recipe transforms a familiar flavor into a new, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress. The crinkle effect on top, combined with the nutty richness, makes them visually appealing and irresistible. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delicious cookies, ensuring that you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Ingredients Overview

To create these Soft & Chewy Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The key ingredients include:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar, for rolling

For those looking to experiment, you can consider adding extras like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies

Making these cookies is straightforward, even for novice bakers. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to handle.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have a crinkled appearance. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking Tips and Techniques

Achieving the perfect Soft & Chewy Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies involves a few key techniques:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: As mentioned earlier, chilling is crucial for the right texture. It also helps in achieving the beautiful crinkle effect.
• Use the Right Peanut Butter: For best results, use a creamy, commercial peanut butter rather than natural or homemade varieties, which can be too oily or inconsistent.
• Monitor Baking Time: These cookies can go from perfectly chewy to overbaked quickly. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are just set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: If you skip chilling, the dough will be too soft, causing the cookies to spread too much and lose their shape.
• Using Warm Butter: Using butter that’s too warm can make the dough too soft, resulting in flat, dense cookies. Always use room-temperature butter for creaming with sugar.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Be sure to measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and use an oven thermometer if necessary to avoid baking at too high or too low a temperature.

Variations of Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies

One of the joys of baking is the ability to experiment and customize recipes to suit your taste. Here are some variations you can try with your Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies:

• Chocolate-Dipped Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies: After the cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference. Let the chocolate set before serving.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Crinkle Cookies: Add a small dollop of your favorite jelly or jam to the center of each cookie before baking. The jelly will create a delicious contrast to the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Nutter Butter Sandwich Cookies: Make a double batch of the cookies and use them to create sandwich cookies with a creamy peanut butter filling. Mix powdered sugar, peanut butter, and a little bit of milk to create a smooth filling.
• Crunchy Add-Ins: For added texture, mix in crushed pretzels, peanuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips to the dough before baking.

These variations allow you to enjoy the same great base recipe with different flavors and textures, making your cookies even more special.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies can help you enjoy them in moderation:

• Calories: Each cookie contains approximately 120-150 calories, depending on the size and specific ingredients used.
• Fat: Expect about 7-9 grams of fat per cookie, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats from the peanut butter and butter.
• Sugar: Each cookie has around 10-12 grams of sugar, contributing to its sweetness and chewy texture.
• Protein: Thanks to the peanut butter, each cookie provides around 2-3 grams of protein.

For those who want to lighten the recipe, consider using a sugar substitute, reducing the amount of butter, or using a lower-fat peanut butter. However, these changes may affect the texture and flavor.

Storing and Freezing Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies

Proper storage ensures that your Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies remain fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent them from becoming too soft or stale.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want to extend their freshness, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.

Freezing cookie dough is also an option. Form the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store the dough balls in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Classic Presentation: Serve the cookies on a decorative platter, perfect for parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Use the cookies to create sandwich cookies with peanut butter, chocolate, or marshmallow filling.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Milk Pairing: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or hot cocoa. The rich peanut butter flavor pairs beautifully with a creamy drink.

These serving suggestions add a touch of creativity to your presentation, making these cookies suitable for any occasion.

FAQs About Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies

Q: Can I use a different type of peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can use creamy, chunky, or natural peanut butter. However, natural peanut butter might alter the texture slightly due to its oil content. For the best results, stick to commercial creamy peanut butter.

Q: Why are my cookies not crinkling as they should?
A: The crinkle effect may not happen if the dough is too warm. Ensure that you chill the dough adequately before baking. Additionally, coating the dough balls in granulated sugar helps to create the crinkles as the cookies bake.

Q: How long can I store these cookies?
A: At room temperature, these cookies can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they can last up to 10 days, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and peanut butter, are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Soft & Chewy Nutter Butter Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter with a fun, crinkled appearance. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a fan of classic Nutter Butters or just love a good peanut butter cookie, this recipe is a must-try.

For more baking inspiration, you might also enjoy checking out recipes like Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies or Classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try Chewy Oatmeal Cookies, which offers a wholesome twist on a classic favorite.

With so many delicious options to explore, there’s always a reason to bake! Happy baking!