Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies! With their rich peanut butter flavor and soft, chewy texture, these cookies are a quick and satisfying treat. Perfect for busy bakers, this recipe uses a box of cake mix to streamline the process without sacrificing taste. Below is a comprehensive guide to creating these cookies, complete with Weight Watchers points and nutritional information.
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, based on preference)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture. While the oven is heating, you can prepare your baking sheet.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, mix these ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. The peanut butter should be fully incorporated with the eggs and oil, resulting in a creamy mixture.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Slowly add the contents of the dry yellow cake mix to the peanut butter mixture. It’s best to do this gradually to prevent a powdery mess. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined, and you have a thick cookie dough. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together well.
Step 5: Portion the Dough
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form about 15 even balls of dough. Each ball should be approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 6: Create the Crosshatch Design
To give your cookies their signature look, take a fork and press it gently into the top of each dough ball, creating a crosshatch pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; you want them to be lightly golden brown around the edges while remaining soft in the center. The cookies may appear slightly underbaked when you take them out, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them set and makes it easier to transfer them to a cooling rack. After 5 minutes, carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Weight Watchers Points
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Total Points: Approximately 4 points per cookie (Note: Points may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. Always check your Weight Watchers calculator for the most accurate results.)
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 160
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 4g
Additional Tips for Success
Ingredient Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla, to create unique variations of these cookies. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for extra flavor.
Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions: These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a glass of milk or as part of a dessert platter. Consider pairing them with fruit for a balanced snack.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies are a perfect solution for those who crave a sweet treat but are short on time. The use of cake mix simplifies the preparation process, allowing you to whip up a batch of cookies in no time. With their delightful peanut butter flavor and easy preparation, these cookies are sure to please everyone, from kids to adults. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of simplicity and taste!