Peanut Butter Crunch Cookies

By mitzzy

These chewy cookies get their crunch from a hidden surprise—crispy rice cereal (and chopped peanuts) mixed into the batter.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam (optional)

Details

Servings 30

Preparation

Step 1

1.Heat oven to 375°F. Using an electric mixer set on high speed, cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl. Lower to medium speed and add the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture on low speed. Beat until incorporated. Fold in the rice cereal and peanuts.
2.Form the dough into approximately 1 1/2 -inch balls. Place on parchment- or foil-lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Gently press the cookies with the back of a fork to create classic hatch marks. Use your thumb to create a shallow well in the center of each cookie and fill with a spoonful of jam, if desired.
3.Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.