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Tuesday, March 1 marks the annual National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, so today, I’ll share with you three ways to make delicious peanut butter baked goods.

If you’re allergic to peanuts, do not fear: you can substitute almond butter into every one of these recipes. And if you are allergic to almond butter, you can substitute SunButter. But if you’re allergic to SunButter, I am so sorry because I have nothing for you.

Peanut blossoms

Peanut blossoms are always a fan favorite. The peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss on top adds a sweet touch and gives it the flowery look that makes the cookie’s name. My mom grew up making these cookies with her mom ahead of school bake sales, so these cookies are always a nostalgic, delicious treat in my house. You’ll be lucky if these one-bite treats stay in your kitchen for long.

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup peanut butter (creamy)
• ½ cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

1. Beat sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and egg in a bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder until dough forms.
2. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll these in granulated sugar. Place about two inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees, or until the edges are golden brown. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie. Let cool and enjoy.

Peanut butter swirl chocolate brownies

The rich peanut butter-chocolate combination is just as good in a cookie as it is in a fudge brownie. The gooey chocolate brownie is perfectly complemented by the peanut butter swirl on top, making this a rich and delicious treat. If you wish, top a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavor with this a la mode treat. Make sure to bring friends, since the 8-by-8 pan should be more than enough to share.

• 4 ounces dark chocolate
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup peanut butter (warmed till pourable)

1. In a double boiler, melt dark chocolate and butter until smooth. Whisk in sugar and brown sugar, then cool. Whisk in one egg at a time and vanilla extract.
2. In a bowl, combine flour and cocoa powder. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms.
3. Scrape the batter into a greased 8-by-8 pan. Drop small spoonfuls of peanut butter evenly over the batter and swirl with a toothpick.
Bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Let cool and enjoy.

Peanut butter blondies

If you’re not a fan of the peanut butter-chocolate combination, these peanut butter blondies are a way to get the peanut butter deliciousness without the overpowering chocolate taste. You can add chocolate chips, M&M’s or any other crushed up treat if desired, but these brownies are sure to be a great dessert to keep in your kitchen.

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Chocolate chips or any other filling of choice

1. Beat brown sugar and butter until fluffy. Mix in peanut butter, vanilla and eggs until well-blended.
2. Stir in flour and baking powder. Then stir in the desired filling.
3. Spread dough evenly in a greased 13-by-9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cool, cut and enjoy!

Published on February 28, 2022 at 11:54 pm