Introduction
Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes are a staple of the holiday season, and today I’m excited to share with you a delicious and easy-to-make treat: Peanut Star Cookies. These cookies are perfect for the holidays, with their peanutty flavor and star-shaped design. Making Peanut Star Cookies is a breeze, and with this recipe, you’ll be enjoying a batch of freshly baked cookies in no time.
The combination of peanuts and sugar creates a delightful flavor that’s not too sweet, making these cookies a great choice for those looking for a lighter holiday treat. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic baking skills.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and delicious holiday activity, look no further than these Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes, specifically the Peanut Star Cookies recipe. With their unique flavor and adorable star shape, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peanut Star Cookies are a unique and delicious holiday treat that’s perfect for the season. The nutty flavor of the peanuts pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar, creating a delightful taste experience. These cookies are also surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic baking skills.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for the holiday season. The star shape of the cookies makes them a great addition to any holiday cookie platter, and the peanut flavor is a nice change of pace from the usual sugar cookies. Whether you’re looking for a fun holiday activity or just a delicious treat to enjoy, Peanut Star Cookies are a great choice.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and easy holiday recipe, look no further than these Peanut Star Cookies. With their unique flavor and adorable star shape, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. And, as an added bonus, they’re part of a great collection of Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes that are perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 200 g (7.2 oz) Unsalted Butter
- 120 g (4.2 oz) Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 375 g (13.2 oz) All-Purpose Flour
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Roasted Peanuts
- 1 Egg White
- Powdered Sugar for Decor
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to use unsalted butter for the best flavor. If you only have salted butter, you can omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.
For the peanuts, you can use either raw or roasted peanuts. If you choose to use raw peanuts, simply roast them in the oven at 350F (180C) for 10-15 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
In terms of substitutions, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. However, keep in mind that this may affect the texture of the cookies slightly.
Finally, make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results. This will help the dough come together smoothly and evenly.
Equipment Needed
To make these Peanut Star Cookies, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment. These include:
- Parchment paper
- A baking pan
- A spatula
- A cooling rack
- A mixer
- A rolling pin
- A cookie-cutter (star-shaped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
- Beat 200 g (7.2 oz) Unsalted Butter at room temperature together with 120 g (4.2 oz) Sugar and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract to a cream consistency.
- Add 1 Egg and mix together.
- Add 375 g (13.2 oz) All-Purpose Flour, 1/4 tsp Baking Powder, and 1/4 tsp Salt. Mix with a paddle attachment. You will have a soft dough. Make a ball and wrap it. Put in a fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
- Roast and chop 100 g (3.5 oz) of Peanuts.
- Divide the chilled dough into 2 pieces (it will be easier to work with).
- Roll the dough to 8mm thick.
- Cut the Cookies with a cookie-cutter.
- Beat 1 Egg White and brush Cookies with it. Sprinkle them with the chopped Peanuts.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 375F (190C) until golden brown.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you work through the recipe, keep an eye on the texture of the dough. It should be soft and pliable, but not too sticky. If you find that the dough is too sticky, you can add a small amount of flour to balance it out.
When rolling out the dough, make sure to use a light touch. You want to aim for a thickness of about 8mm, which will give the cookies a nice balance of crunch and chew.
Finally, be sure to keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in just a minute or two, so stay vigilant and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re done.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes people make when baking cookies is overmixing the dough. This can lead to tough, dense cookies that are more like rocks than treats. To avoid this, make sure to mix the ingredients just until they come together in a cohesive ball.
Another common issue is cookies that spread too much during baking. This can be caused by a number of factors, including overmixing the dough, using too much butter, or baking the cookies at too high a temperature. To avoid this, make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking, and use a moderate oven temperature.
If you find that your cookies are not turning out as expected, don’t worry! There are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue. First, check the expiration date of your baking powder. If either of these ingredients is old, it may not be functioning properly, which can affect the texture of your cookies.
Next, take a look at your ingredient ratios. Make sure you’re using the right amount of sugar, butter, and eggs, as these can all impact the final texture of the cookies. Finally, consider the temperature and humidity of your baking environment. If it’s too hot or too cold, this can affect the way the cookies bake, so try to find a happy medium.
Serving Suggestions/Storage/Variations
These Peanut Star Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties or gatherings. You can also package them up in cute containers or bags and give them as gifts to friends and family.
In terms of storage, the cookies will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, which makes them a great make-ahead treat.
If you want to mix things up, you can try using different types of nuts or flavorings in the cookies. Some ideas include:
- Using almonds or walnuts instead of peanuts
- Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough
- Using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per cookie:
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 23g
- Sugar: 13g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of nut in place of peanuts?
A: Yes, you can use other types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, in place of peanuts. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Q: How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
A: The cookies will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
Q: What if my cookies are too hard or too soft?
A: If your cookies are too hard, it may be because they were overbaked. Try reducing the baking time next time. If your cookies are too soft, it may be because they were underbaked. Try increasing the baking time next time.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour in place of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can use other types of flour, such as gluten-free flour, in place of all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Q: How do I get the star shape to hold its form?
A: To get the star shape to hold its form, make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking. You can also try using a cookie cutter with a sharp edge to help the cookies hold their shape.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Peanut Star Cookies that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their unique peanut flavor and adorable star shape, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why not give them a try and add them to your collection of Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes?
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your experiences with this recipe.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C)
- Beat 200 g (7.2 oz) Unsalted Butter at room temperature together with 120 g (4.2 oz) Sugar and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract to a cream consistency
- Add 1 Egg and mix together
- Add 375 g (13.2 oz) All-Purpose Flour, 1/4 tsp Baking Powder, and 1/4 tsp Salt. Mix with a paddle attachment. You will have a soft dough. Make a ball and wrap it. Put in a fridge to chill for 30 minutes
- Roast and chop 100 g (3.5 oz) of Peanuts
- Divide the chilled dough into 2 pieces (it will be easier to work with)
- Roll the dough to 8mm thick
- Cut the Cookies with a cookie-cutter
- Beat 1 Egg White and brush Cookies with it. Sprinkle them with the chopped Peanuts
- Bake for 15 minutes at 375F (190C) until golden brown