The smell of Peanut Butter Cookies baking instantly fills a kitchen with warmth. On a chilly December afternoon, there’s nothing better than pulling a tray of these golden cookies from the oven while snow flurries drift outside. They taste like cozy sweaters and Christmas movies soft, sweet, and just nutty enough to make everyone smile.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies
Classic Flavor with a Holiday Twist
These cookies carry that nostalgic peanut butter flavor you know and love, but with a touch of sweetness that fits perfectly into any Christmas cookie lineup. They’re rich, aromatic, and pair beautifully with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Ideal Texture – Crispy Edges, Chewy Centers
Each bite has the best of both worlds: a delicate crunch on the outside and a soft, chewy center inside. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them hard to resist — even when they’re still warm from the oven.
Easy, Family-Friendly Recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The dough comes together quickly, and the crisscross fork pattern is fun for kids to help with. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange or just a quiet night in, these cookies fit right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pantry Essentials
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter, room temperature (or shortening)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (chunky works too)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
For a twist, try adding mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. You can also use natural peanut butter that doesn’t require stirring for a more wholesome texture.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a stand mixer, beat together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla, then mix again until smooth.
Step 2 – Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until a soft dough forms.
Step 3 – Form the Cookie Dough
Scoop out 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each one gently between your palms until smooth.
Step 4 – Roll and Shape the Cookies
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until coated. Arrange them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the back of a fork to press down twice, forming a crisscross pattern.
Step 5 – Bake and Cool to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
If you’re out of butter, use Crisco for a slightly crispier texture. Chunky peanut butter adds a fun crunch, while creamy keeps things classic.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Flavor and Texture Secrets
For a deeper nutty flavor, use roasted peanut butter. Always bring your butter to room temperature before mixing it makes the dough smoother and helps the cookies bake evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
These cookies shine with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of cocoa. They also sit beautifully beside Chocolate Crinkle Cookies for the holidays and Peppermint Bark Brownies for Christmas dessert platters.
Gifting and Holiday Presentation Ideas
Stack a few cookies in a clear bag tied with a red ribbon, or tuck them into a tin with layers of parchment paper. Add a few Chewy Pumpkin Cookies perfect for fall and winter for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to good peanut butter cookies?
The key is to balance moisture and fat. Use room-temperature butter and don’t overbake they should look slightly soft in the center when you pull them out.
What are the ingredients for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
That version typically uses peanut butter, sugar, and one egg. Simple and delicious, though this recipe offers a more classic texture.
What are the two ingredients for peanut butter cookies?
If you’re keeping it minimal, peanut butter and sugar can make a basic dough, though it won’t have the same softness or chew.
What goes well with peanut butter in a cookie?
Chocolate, sea salt, or even chopped peanuts make great pairings. Try a drizzle of melted chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
More Such Recipes
- Easy no-bake cookies for festive treat trays
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with a rich center
- Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars that double as festive holiday snacks
- Pistachio Pudding Cookies with a soft, vibrant texture
Conclusion
Every bite of these Peanut Butter Cookies brings back the magic of simple holiday baking the kind that fills your home with laughter and the scent of something sweet. Whether you gift them, share them, or keep them all to yourself, they’re sure to add comfort and nostalgia to your Christmas cookie platter.
For more holiday ideas, follow along on Pinterest or visit our community on Facebook.
Print
Peanut Butter Cookies – The Perfect Christmas Treat
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Christmas Peanut Butter Cookies that are soft inside, crisp around the edges, and full of warm, nutty flavor. Perfect for gift boxes or holiday cookie trays.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup butter (room temperature; shortening can be used instead)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (chunky is also acceptable)
½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Using a stand mixer, beat together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add in the egg, vanilla, and milk, and mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until dough forms.
6. Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough using a cookie scoop.
7. Roll each ball into granulated sugar until coated.
8. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined or Silpat-lined baking sheet.
9. Flatten each ball with the back of a fork, pressing again in the opposite direction to form a crisscross pattern.
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned.
11. Cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Cookies are crisp on the outside and chewy inside, with a strong peanut butter flavor.
Double the recipe if making for a group—these cookies go fast.
Crisco can replace butter; chunky peanut butter works instead of creamy.
Mini chocolate chips can be added for a fun twist.
Use natural peanut butter that doesn’t require stirring.
Let butter come to room temperature before mixing.
Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 109
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 131mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 14mg