These delightful peanut cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of ground peanuts with a perfectly crispy texture that melts in your mouth. Enhanced with sesame seeds and crushed peanuts for extra crunch, these homemade cookies offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Perfect for tea time, special occasions, or as a wholesome snack, this peanut cookie recipe creates bakery-quality treats that are both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 35g (1/4 cup) raw peanuts, for blending
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 25g (2 tablespoons) milk powder
- 5g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) water, as needed
For the Topping:
- 30g (1/4 cup) peanuts, roughly crushed
- 15g (2 tablespoons) sesame seeds
- Extra sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture development.
Step 1: Prepare Peanut Sugar Mixture
Place the raw peanuts and granulated sugar in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and forms a fine paste. The natural oils from the peanuts will help bind the sugar, creating a creamy base for your cookies.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk powder, and baking powder until evenly distributed. This ensures proper leavening and prevents any lumps from forming in your cookie dough.
Step 3: Create the Cookie Dough
Add the peanut-sugar mixture to the dry ingredients along with the vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or your hands until the mixture begins to come together. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a cohesive ball that holds together without being sticky.
Step 4: Rest the Dough
Wrap the formed dough in plastic wrap or cover with a damp kitchen towel. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the flour hydrate fully and makes the dough easier to handle and shape.
Step 5: Prepare Toppings
While the dough rests, roughly crush the remaining peanuts using a rolling pin or food processor. You want pieces that are about half the size of whole peanuts. Keep the sesame seeds separate and ready for topping.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Divide the rested dough into 16-18 equal portions, each about the size of a walnut. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls, then gently flatten them into discs approximately 5cm (2 inches) in diameter and 8mm (1/3 inch) thick.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Press the crushed peanuts and sesame seeds gently into the surface of each cookie, ensuring they adhere well. The toppings should be evenly distributed and slightly embedded in the dough to prevent them from falling off during baking.
Step 8: Arrange for Baking
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3cm (1 inch) of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading during baking. The cookies will maintain their shape but may expand slightly.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. The exact timing depends on your oven and desired level of crispness.
Step 10: Cool and Store
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain their crispy texture.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16-18 cookies
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 95
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Magnesium: 15mg
- Phosphorus: 25mg
These peanut cookies provide a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats from peanuts, along with essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. The moderate calorie content makes them perfect for portion-controlled snacking.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Version
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t contain it. The texture may be slightly more crumbly but equally delicious.
Chocolate Chip Addition
Fold in 60g (1/3 cup) of mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping. The chocolate adds sweetness and creates a delightful contrast with the nutty peanut flavor.
Coconut Variation
Replace sesame seeds with unsweetened shredded coconut and add 1/2 teaspoon of coconut extract to the dough. This creates a tropical twist on the classic peanut cookie.
Spiced Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warming spiced flavor that complements the peanuts beautifully.
Almond Alternative
Substitute peanuts with blanched almonds for a more delicate nutty flavor. The preparation method remains the same, but the finished cookies will have a slightly different texture and taste profile.
Healthier Whole Grain Option
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of water to achieve the proper dough consistency.
Sugar-Free Adaptation
Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for baking, such as erythritol or stevia blend. Adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of your chosen substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my peanut cookies too crumbly?
Crumbly cookies usually result from insufficient moisture or overmixing the dough. Ensure you add water gradually until the dough just comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time until it holds together properly.
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Yes, roasted peanuts work well and add a deeper, more intense flavor to the cookies. However, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes since roasted peanuts are already cooked and may brown more quickly.
How do I store these peanut cookies to maintain freshness?
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking for easier handling.
What’s the best way to crush peanuts for topping?
Place peanuts in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin, or pulse them briefly in a food processor. Aim for pieces that are roughly half the size of whole peanuts to provide good texture without being too fine or too large.
These homemade peanut cookies offer the perfect combination of nutty flavor, satisfying crunch, and wholesome ingredients. The addition of sesame seeds and crushed peanuts creates textural interest, while the simple preparation method makes them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.