Muddy Buddy Cookies are a delightful fusion of the classic Muddy Buddies snack mix and soft, chewy peanut butter cookies. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, to create an indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
For the Topping:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cookies do not stick during baking.
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg to the mixture and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully blended. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft cookie texture.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring at least 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. The cookies should appear slightly underbaked, which ensures a soft and chewy texture.
Flatten and Cool:
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, use the bottom of a small glass or measuring cup to gently press down on each cookie, creating a flat surface and inducing attractive crinkled edges.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
Once the cookies have cooled, place the milk chocolate chips and canola or vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat the chocolate chips and oil in a microwave-safe bowl, microwaving in 30-second increments. Stir thoroughly after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
Apply the Chocolate Coating:
Using a spoon, drizzle a small amount of the melted chocolate onto the center of each cookie. Use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate evenly over the top surface.
Set the Chocolate:
Allow the chocolate-topped cookies to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, which may take up to 2 hours. To expedite this process, you can place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once the chocolate has fully set, use a fine-mesh sieve or sifter to lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar, giving them the classic Muddy Buddy appearance.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and egg are at room temperature before beginning. This allows for better emulsification and a smoother dough.
- Measuring Flour: To avoid dense cookies, measure the flour accurately. Fluff the flour in its container, spoon it into the measuring cup, and level it off with a straight edge.
- Melting Chocolate: Adding a small amount of oil to the chocolate helps achieve a smoother, shinier finish. Be cautious not to overheat the chocolate; melting it slowly prevents scorching.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. When stacking cookies for storage, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Variations:
- Nut Butters: While creamy peanut butter is traditional, feel free to experiment with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Types: Substitute milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Additional Toppings: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle the melted chocolate with crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of white chocolate before it sets.
Serving Suggestions:
Muddy Buddy Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Beverages: Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a soothing mug of tea.
- Dessert Platter: Include them in a cookie assortment for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations.
- Gifting: Package them in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
These cookies encapsulate the beloved flavors of the traditional Muddy Buddies snack in a handheld, portable form. Their soft peanut butter base, rich chocolate topping, and sweet powdered sugar dusting make them an irresistible treat for any occasion.