Savory-Sweet Miso Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly without sticking to the sheet.

2. Cream Peanut Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of peanut butter and 0.5 cup of white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps to evenly distribute the sugar, ensuring each bite is just as sweet as the last.

3. Add Miso Paste

Once the peanut butter and sugar are well combined, add 0.25 cup of miso paste and blend thoroughly. The miso paste adds a savory depth to the cookies that balances the sweetness perfectly.

4. Beat in Egg

Next, beat in 1 egg until the mixture is fully incorporated. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, giving the cookies their structure.

5. Optional: Add Chopped Peanuts

If you like a bit of texture, you can stir in 0.5 cup of chopped peanuts at this point. This adds a satisfying crunch to the cookies.

6. Shape and Flatten Cookies

Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each cookie down lightly with a fork to create a crosshatch pattern. This not only gives the cookies a classic look but also helps them bake evenly.

7. Bake Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. It’s important not to overbake them; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up and reach their perfect texture. Enjoy your savory-sweet miso peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.