Peacekeeper Cookies are a classic treat that bring together rich flavors and a delightful crunch in every bite. Originating from a beloved family recipe, these cookies have stood the test of time as a favorite for gatherings and cozy afternoons. They’re simple to make yet impressively delicious, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
We love how Peacekeeper Cookies balance sweetness with just the right hint of spice, making them a versatile snack that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises warm, comforting flavors and a satisfying texture every time.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Peacekeeper Cookies, we carefully select each ingredient to blend rich flavors and an ideal texture. Below are the essential ingredients categorized for clarity.
Dry Ingredients
We start with these dry ingredients to build the cookie’s structure and signature flavor profile:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Base structure |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Leavening agent |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon | Helps rise |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Warm spice flavor |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon | Adds gentle spice tone |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Enhances overall taste |
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness, ensuring each cookie is tender and flavorful:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
To customize our Peacekeeper Cookies and add extra texture and taste, we often include:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
Using these optional add-ins lets us tailor the cookies for every occasion — from nutty crunch to chocolate bursts or fruity accents. We recommend choosing one or a combination to enhance the cookie’s classic charm.
Equipment Needed
To bake Peacekeeper Cookies perfectly, having the right equipment is crucial. Here’s a detailed list of the essential tools we use to achieve consistent texture and flavor in every batch.
- Mixing Bowls: Use at least two medium-sized bowls. One for combining the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best for even mixing.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment helps cream together the butter and sugars smoothly, ensuring a light, fluffy dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurement of ingredients like flour, baking soda, spices, and extracts is necessary for the ideal texture and flavor balance.
- Rubber or Silicone Spatula: For scraping the sides of bowls to fold in dry ingredients evenly without overmixing.
- Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely, maintaining their perfect crunch.
- Baking Sheets: Heavy-duty, rimmed baking sheets provide even heat distribution and prevent cookie spreading.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and promotes even browning.
- Cookie Scoop (Optional but Recommended): Ensures uniform cookie sizing, leading to even baking times and consistent results.
- Wire Whisk: Useful for blending the dry ingredients together thoroughly before mixing.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Separate dry and wet ingredient mixing |
| Electric Mixer | Cream butter and sugars smoothly |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Accurate measurement of ingredients |
| Rubber/Silicone Spatula | Fold ingredients gently and scrape bowls |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cookies while maintaining crispness |
| Baking Sheets | Even heat distribution for baking |
| Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat | Non-stick surface and even browning |
| Cookie Scoop | Uniform cookie size for consistent baking |
| Wire Whisk | Blend dry ingredients thoroughly |
Equipping ourselves with these tools enables us to bake perfect Peacekeeper Cookies every time, ensuring their delightful crunch and rich flavor come through in every bite.
Prep Work
Before we dive into mixing our Peacekeeper Cookies, taking care of the initial prep sets us up for smooth baking. Proper preparation ensures even cooking and helps us achieve that perfect golden crunch every time.
Preparing the Baking Sheets
We start by readying our baking sheets, which play a crucial role in the cookie’s texture. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Line each baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and promotes even heat distribution.
- If neither is available, lightly grease the sheets with unsalted butter or non-stick spray.
- Using a cookie scoop, we will portion the dough uniformly. This helps the cookies bake evenly and look consistent.
- For batches larger than one sheet, rotate the sheets halfway through baking to avoid uneven browning.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Liners | Parchment paper or silicone baking mat |
| Greasing alternatives | Unsalted butter or non-stick spray |
| Portioning tool | Cookie scoop (1.5 tbsp recommended) |
| Baking rotation | Rotate sheets halfway into baking time |
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven properly is essential to achieving the iconic crisp edges and soft centers of our Peacekeeper Cookies.
- Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Allow the oven to fully reach this temperature before placing the cookies inside.
- If your oven tends to have hot spots, consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Position the racks in the middle for balanced heat exposure.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare our Peacekeeper Cookies perfectly. Each step ensures we achieve the ideal texture and rich flavor these cookies are known for.
Mixing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of light brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to enhance the rich aroma and sweetness.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Adding the Chocolate Chips and Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of mini chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.
- If desired, add 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or ½ cup of dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- Be careful to fold; avoid vigorous stirring to maintain the dough’s softness and uniformity.
Shaping the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough evenly onto the prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Each scoop should measure approximately 1.5 tablespoons.
- Space the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Lightly flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass for a more uniform thickness.
- Place the baking sheets on the center rack of the preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Cookies should appear golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and maintain their delightful crunch.
| Step | Temperature | Time | Portion Size | Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baking | 350°F (175°C) | 10 – 12 minutes | 1.5 tablespoons | 2 inches apart |
| Cooling on baking sheet | Room Temp | 5 minutes | N/A | N/A |
Baking Directions
Let’s dive into the essential steps to bake our delicious Peacekeeper Cookies perfectly every time. Following these precise instructions will ensure a delightful balance of crunch and soft richness in each bite.
Baking Time and Temperature
We preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee even baking. Using heavy-duty baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats prevents sticking and promotes uniform heat distribution. After shaping the dough into uniform rounds with a cookie scoop, we space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
| Baking Sheet Preparation | Parchment paper or silicone mats |
| Cookie Spacing | 2 inches apart |
| Baking Time | 10 to 12 minutes |
We bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges turn golden brown. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up once cooled. Baking them at this temperature and time frame preserves their tender center and crispy edges—signature characteristics of Peacekeeper Cookies.
Cooling the Cookies
After removing the cookies from the oven, we let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This brief period allows the cookies to set and prevents breaking during transfer.
Next, we transfer them carefully to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain the cookies’ crunchy texture by allowing air circulation underneath. Cooling fully ensures each bite retains that classic crisp yet chewy balance typical to our Peacekeeper Cookies.
Storage Tips
To keep our Peacekeeper Cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Follow these tips to maintain their perfect crunch and rich flavor for days or even weeks.
- Cool Completely Before Storing
Ensure the cookies are fully cooled on a wire rack. Storing warm cookies creates condensation, which makes them soggy and softens their signature texture.
- Use an Airtight Container
Place the cookies in an airtight container to protect them from air exposure. This seals in moisture without causing sogginess, retaining the ideal balance between crisp edges and soft centers.
- Layer with Parchment Paper
If stacking cookies, add parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.
- Room Temperature Storage
Store the airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Under these conditions, cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing for Longer Freshness
To extend shelf life, we recommend freezing the cookies. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
| Storage Method | Container Type | Shelf Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight container | Up to 5 days | Keep out of direct sunlight and heat |
| Freezer | Individual wrap + bag | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature before eating |
“For best taste, we suggest enjoying frozen Peacekeeper Cookies within one month. Thaw uncovered for 30 minutes to restore their delightful texture.”
By following these Storage Tips we ensure our Peacekeeper Cookies remain as delightful as the moment they came out of the oven.
Conclusion
Baking Peacekeeper Cookies is a rewarding experience that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, we can create cookies that offer the perfect blend of crunch and softness. Whether for a casual snack or a special occasion, these cookies never fail to impress.
By following the steps carefully and storing them properly, we ensure every bite stays fresh and flavorful. Let’s keep this classic recipe alive and enjoy the simple joy of homemade Peacekeeper Cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peacekeeper Cookies?
Peacekeeper Cookies are a classic homemade treat known for their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, offering a crunchy yet slightly soft texture. They are made from a family recipe and enjoyed as a delightful snack with coffee or tea.
What ingredients do I need to make Peacekeeper Cookies?
You need all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and optional add-ins like nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruits.
What tools are essential for baking Peacekeeper Cookies?
Key tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a rubber or silicone spatula, a cooling rack, heavy-duty baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, and a cookie scoop for even sizing.
How do I prepare the dough for Peacekeeper Cookies?
Cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients and combine with wet ingredients. Fold in optional mix-ins like chocolate chips before shaping the dough into cookies.
What is the ideal baking temperature and time for these cookies?
Bake Peacekeeper Cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, spacing them about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets, until edges are golden while centers stay slightly soft.
How should I cool and store Peacekeeper Cookies?
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I customize Peacekeeper Cookies with add-ins?
Yes, you can customize with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, dried fruits, or other favorite mix-ins to enhance flavor and suit your preferences.
What texture can I expect from Peacekeeper Cookies?
They have a satisfying crunch on the outside with a slightly soft and chewy center, making them a perfect balance of textures in every bite.