Muddy Buddy Cookies are the perfect combination of peanut buttery goodness and rich chocolate indulgence. These cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also fun to make, especially with their crinkly edges and powdered sugar topping. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a handheld blender, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and light in color. Add the egg and blend until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend just until combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. You can fit about 15 cookies on each sheet as they won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake for 8 minutes. Immediately after baking, gently press down on each cookie with a small cup to flatten them and create crinkly edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, melt the chocolate chips and canola oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Using a spoon, place a small amount of melted chocolate on each cookie and spread it around. Let the chocolate set and cool completely, about 2 hours.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, dust the cookies with powdered sugar. For quicker cooling, you can place the cookies in the fridge or freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the cookies.
- Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- How long do these cookies last?
- Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will last for up to one week. However, they are best enjoyed within a few days of baking for optimal freshness.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a prepared cookie sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I omit the powdered sugar topping?
- While the powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch, you can omit it if desired or substitute it with cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, you can easily double or halve the recipe to make more or fewer cookies as needed. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version?
- Yes, you can use almond flour as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
- Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
- Absolutely! Chopped peanuts, pecans, or even mini marshmallows would make delicious additions to these cookies for added flavor and texture.
Tips:
- Chill the dough for easier handling: If the dough is too sticky to shape into balls, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up before rolling.
- Use a non-stick spatula for spreading the chocolate: A non-stick spatula or the back of a spoon works well for spreading the melted chocolate evenly over the cookies.
- Store in an airtight container: To keep the cookies fresh and prevent them from becoming stale, store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a piece of bread to help absorb excess moisture.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as crushed pretzels, toasted coconut, or drizzled caramel for unique flavor combinations.
