Peanut butter cookies are an all around classic. The flavor is reminiscent of childhood, and that fork-pressed, criss-cross design is iconic. And while I love a good classic, this time I opted for a slight adaptation. These Garam Masala Peanut Butter Cookies still have that old-fashioned feel, but with a flavor update.
What is Garam Masala?
Garam masala is a blend of spices used mainly in Indian cooking. It’s similar in scent to a curry blend, but has a slightly sweeter flavor. The blend of spices can vary, but it usually contains black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, nutmeg or mace, and turmeric (the one I have at home also has a bit of mustard powder added in). You can buy it (here’s the one I have), or mix your own. If you opt to make your own, here’s a simple-looking recipe.
I have to admit the idea to mix garam masala and peanut butter wasn’t my own, and to be honest at first it sounded strange to me. I found a garam masala peanut butter made by Eliot’s Nut Butters at the kitchen store I work at occasionally, and I had to try it (I love finding odd-sounding flavor combinations!). Holy cow, was it amazing! I mean, truly delicious. There was a peanut butter cookie recipe on the side of the jar, so of course I had to try it. They were so, so good – I’ve been dreaming of them since.
I recently went looking for more of that peanut butter, and couldn’t find it. It’s no longer on Eliot’s website, so it’s possible they don’t make it anymore. So instead I decided to try to re-create those cookies myself by adding garam masala to a traditional peanut butter cookie recipe. It took a few attempts, but I finally landed on this recipe.
Use a Good Peanut Butter
I prefer to use a natural peanut butter in these cookies, without any added sugar or salt. Not because it’s healthier (I mean, we’re still going to add sugar and salt to it to make cookies, so…). I just like to be able to control the amount of sweetness and saltiness myself. You can feel free to use any peanut butter you like though (see the recipe notes for adjusting the sugar & salt). The peanut butter is the main flavor in this cookie, so you should use one you like the taste of.
A few options/substitution ideas:
- Not feeling adventurous enough to try the garam masala? Leave it out for a classic peanut butter cookie.
- I opted for creamy peanut butter, but these cookies would also be delicious with a bit of crunch, so use a crunchy PB if you prefer.
- Have a peanut allergy? Swap the peanut butter out for almond or cashew butter, or even tahini!
- Craving chocolate? Stir in some milk chocolate chips – milk chocolate would be delicious in these cookies!
No matter how you decide to make them, this is a simple recipe that will have you eating fresh peanut butter cookies in no time.
Enjoy!
Garam Masala Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 c flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt*
- 1 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 c natural peanut butter*
- 1/2 c butter softened
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1/2 c brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and garam masala.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together peanut butter, butter, and both sugars until light & fluffy, scraping bowl as needed.
- Add egg & yolk, then add vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Add dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, scoop into 1" balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on each dough ball.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are beginning to brown and centers are set.
- Remove from oven and let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (or freeze for up to a month).