Quick Answer
Yes, you can add peanut butter to Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix to make peanut butter cookies. The peanut butter will add flavor and change the texture of the cookies. You’ll need to adjust the amount of other wet ingredients to account for the extra fat from the peanut butter. Start by substituting 1/4 cup peanut butter for 1/4 cup butter or margarine. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough seems too sticky. Be sure to mix everything thoroughly so the peanut butter is evenly incorporated. The cookies will spread more than regular sugar cookies, so allow extra space between them on the baking sheet. Bake as directed on the package.
Ingredients Needed
To make peanut butter cookies with Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix, you will need:
- 1 pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water or milk
The cookie mix contains sugar, enriched flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla flakes. You’ll need to provide the wet ingredients – peanut butter, egg, and water/milk.
Substituting Peanut Butter for Butter
The original Betty Crocker sugar cookie recipe calls for 1/4 cup butter or margarine. To add peanut butter flavor, you can substitute 1/4 cup of peanut butter for the butter.
Since peanut butter contains oil, you may need to reduce any additional oil or butter called for in the original recipe. The fat from the peanut butter will provide enough moisture.
Be sure to use regular creamy peanut butter, not natural or freshly ground peanut butter. The regular peanut butter has the right consistency for baking.
Adjusting other ingredients
When adding peanut butter to cookie dough, the extra fat and oil can throw off the balance of wet and dry ingredients.
Here are some tips for adjusting the recipe:
- Reduce the amount of any additional butter or oil by about 2-3 tablespoons.
- Add the egg and just 1-2 tablespoons water or milk instead of the amount listed on the package.
- If the dough seems too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
Add small amounts at first until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky. You don’t want to add too much extra flour, or the cookies may turn out dry.
Mixing in the Peanut Butter
It’s important to thoroughly mix the peanut butter into the cookie dough so it’s evenly distributed. Here are some tips:
- Allow the peanut butter to soften at room temperature before mixing it into the batter.
- Cream together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and water/milk before adding in the dry ingredients.
- Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to thoroughly blend everything.
- Mix just until combined and uniform. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
You may need to occasionally stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all the peanut butter is incorporated. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky when it’s ready.
Baking Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or greased foil.
Scoop balls of dough, about 1.5 tablespoons each, and place them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- The peanut butter dough will spread more than regular sugar cookie dough, so leave extra space between the cookies.
- For soft, chewy cookies, bake for about 8-10 minutes. For crispy edges with chewy centers, bake for 11-13 minutes.
- The cookies may seem underbaked when you remove them from the oven, but they’ll continue to set up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a rack before frosting or eating.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Enjoy these easy homemade peanut butter cookies!
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies
Here are a few additional tips for success:
- Use regular creamy peanut butter, not natural or freshly ground.
- Measure the peanut butter before mixing it into the batter.
- Adjust other wet ingredients to account for the extra fat from the peanut butter.
- Mix thoroughly until the dough is uniform.
- Chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before scooping and baking if it seems overly sticky.
- Grease the measuring cup before scooping sticky peanut butter cookie dough.
- Bake for the recommended time – do not underbake.
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting or eating for the right texture.
With a few easy ingredient swaps and adjustments, it’s simple to transform store-bought sugar cookie mix into delicious homemade peanut butter cookies. Enjoy this quick and easy treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a cookie with extra texture. Just make sure to mix it thoroughly so the dough is cohesive and there aren’t large lumps of peanut butter.
Do I need to change the baking time?
The baking time should remain the same – 8-13 minutes based on chewy or crispy preferences. Just be sure not to underbake, as peanut butter cookies may appear undone even when fully baked.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Mix in chocolate chips, M&Ms, crushed candy, or other mix-ins just before baking. Stir them gently into the finished peanut butter dough.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, greasing the baking sheet is recommended as peanut butter cookies tend to spread and stick more than regular sugar cookies. You can use cooking spray, butter, or parchment paper.
Should I refrigerate the dough before baking?
You can chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before scooping if it seems overly sticky or greasy. This helps firm it up for easier scooping and shaping. Just let chilled dough sit out for 5-10 minutes to soften before baking.
Conclusion
Making peanut butter cookies from a store-bought sugar cookie mix is an easy baking hack. With just a few extra ingredients like peanut butter, egg, and milk, plus some simple adjustments, you can create fresh, homemade peanut butter cookies. Be sure to substitute 1/4 cup peanut butter for the butter, reduce any additional fat, mix thoroughly, scoop dough onto greased baking sheets, and bake for the recommended time. Soon you’ll be enjoying the delightful flavor of warm peanut butter cookies straight from the oven. Get creative by adding chocolate chips or other mix-ins. Making your own cookies is fun, fast, and delicious.