These Homemade Chocolate Peanut Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanuts in a no-bake, easy-to-make recipe. The cookies are packed with protein and healthy fats from the peanuts and butter, making them not only delicious but also energizing. Whether you’re craving something sweet to accompany your tea or want to impress guests at a gathering, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Here’s how to make them.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 500g cookies – You can use any type of cookies such as digestive biscuits or graham crackers to create the cookie crumbs. This forms the base for the mixture.
- 120g peanuts – Roughly chopped peanuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
- 70g sugar – The sugar helps balance the bitterness of the cocoa and enhances the sweetness of the treat.
- 60g cocoa – Cocoa powder gives the cookies their rich chocolate flavor.
- 250ml milk – The milk is needed to dissolve the cocoa and sugar and create a smooth chocolate mixture.
- 150g butter – Butter adds richness to the cookies and helps bind the mixture together.
Topping Ingredients
- 40-50g peanuts – Additional peanuts for sprinkling on top of the cookies after they are coated with chocolate.
- 180g chocolate (dark and milk) – The combination of dark and milk chocolate creates a balanced chocolate coating for the cookies.
- 30ml sunflower oil (2 tablespoons) – Used to help melt the chocolate and give it a smooth, glossy finish.
Directions
1. Prepare the Base
Start by crushing the cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they’re broken into small pieces. This will form the base of your cookie mixture.
Roughly chop the peanuts (120g) into smaller pieces. These chopped peanuts will add texture and flavor to the cookie dough.
2. Make the Chocolate Mixture
In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, and milk. Stir the mixture well to ensure the cocoa and sugar dissolve evenly into the milk.
Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. This step helps the cocoa and sugar blend together into a smooth, thick mixture.
Add the butter to the saucepan and stir until it is fully melted and combined into the chocolate mixture. Once the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before proceeding.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs and chopped peanuts. Stir them together to distribute the peanuts evenly throughout the cookie crumbs.
Next, pour the chocolate mixture over the cookie crumbs and peanuts. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky but firm, with the crumbs well-coated in the chocolate.
4. Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with cling film or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into cookies.
5. Shape the Cookies
Once the mixture has chilled and is firmer, take it out of the refrigerator. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls or cookie shapes, as desired. Make sure the cookies are compact to hold together well.
Place the shaped cookies onto a lined baking tray or plate, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
6. Prepare the Topping
Roughly chop the remaining peanuts (40-50g) to use as a topping for the cookies.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate (both dark and milk) and sunflower oil. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. The oil will help the chocolate melt more evenly and give it a glossy finish.
7. Decorate the Cookies
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, dip each cookie into the melted chocolate or drizzle the chocolate over the cookies. After coating the cookies with chocolate, immediately sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch and decoration.
8. Final Chill
Place the decorated cookies in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and firm up.
Serving Suggestions
These Homemade Chocolate Peanut Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delicious snack or dessert. They also make a great addition to dessert platters for parties or gatherings.
Additional Serving Ideas:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Pair with a hot beverage like tea or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
Cooking Tips
- Cool the Chocolate Mixture: Ensure the chocolate mixture is well-cooled before combining it with the cookie crumbs. This will prevent the butter from melting too quickly and ensure the dough sets properly.
- Use Your Favorite Cookies: You can use any type of cookies you prefer. Digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or even shortbread will work well in this recipe.
- Chill the Mixture: Make sure to refrigerate the cookie mixture long enough for it to firm up. This will make it easier to shape and ensure the cookies hold their shape.
Nutritional Benefits
- Peanuts: Peanuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a great addition to any snack. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and magnesium.
- Cocoa: Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect your body from free radicals. It also contains flavonoids, which can improve heart health and lower blood pressure.
- Butter: While butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies, it also provides a small amount of vitamin A and healthy fats.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 5g
Storage
Store these Homemade Chocolate Peanut Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They can also be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days if you prefer a softer texture. If you need to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or enjoy them frozen.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted peanuts for the cookies?
Yes, you can use salted peanuts, but be mindful of the amount of additional salt you may want to add to the recipe. The salt from the peanuts will add a savory contrast to the sweet chocolate.
2. Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted chocolate instead to achieve the same chocolate flavor. Just reduce the amount of sugar to account for the sweetness of the chocolate.
3. Can I use a different nut?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts such as cashews, walnuts, or pecans. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies will change depending on the nut you use.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the cookies?
Feel free to add dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, or other mix-ins like chocolate chips or shredded coconut to customize the cookies.
5. How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
These Homemade Chocolate Peanut Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and crunchy peanuts, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The no-bake recipe makes them easy to prepare, and they can be customized with different nuts or ingredients. With their delicious taste and nutritional benefits, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings while providing a good source of energy and protein. Whether for a snack or a dessert, these cookies will surely be a hit in your household!