Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the joy of the holiday season. These scrumptious cookies boast a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter and sweet, melting chocolate from the iconic Hershey’s Kisses.
The moment you take a bite, you’re met with a soft, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible. Perfectly festive with vibrant sprinkles adorning the tops, they instantly brighten up any holiday gathering.
This recipe is not only easy to follow but also delivers cookies that are sure to impress family and friends. Discover how simple it is to create these delicious treats with this step-by-step guide!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies recipe stands out for numerous reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly straightforward and requires minimal prep time—perfect for busy holiday schedules! Even novice bakers will find this recipe approachable and rewarding. This is a truly family-friendly activity; enjoy baking these cookies together, creating lasting memories while your kitchen fills with delightful aromas.
Additionally, the ingredient list is simple yet satisfying. With basic pantry staples, you likely have most of what you need on hand already. Furthermore, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate always evokes joy and comfort, making these cookies a timeless holiday favorite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a quick treat to share, these cookies hit the mark every time.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
- 1/2 cup softened butter: Rich and creamy, this will add a silky texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness to balance the flavor.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds depth with that caramel-like hint.
- 1/3 cup peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives this cookie its beloved flavor.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together, ensuring a chewy texture.
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract: A comforting note that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: For structure and a perfectly soft cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly while baking.
- Wilton pearlized nonpareil Christmas sprinkles: For a festive touch.
- Peppermint Hershey’s Kisses or any kind: Adds the perfect melty topping!
Step-by-Step Directions for Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F: Heat up the oven to prepare for the cookies. This ensures that they bake evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper: This protects your cookies from sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter with your sugars: Cream together until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air, ensuring the cookies turn out soft and chewy.
- Now mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla: Stir until fully combined—this will create that irresistible peanut butter flavor.
- Then mix in your flour and baking soda: Combine until the dry ingredients are just incorporated; avoid overmixing for optimal texture.
- Mix in a few tablespoons of sprinkles: Add a touch of festivity right into your dough.
- Scoop out your dough with a tablespoon and roll it into a ball: Place them a couple of inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes: Watch for the edges to turn a light golden brown, indicating they’re done.
- Let your cookies cool for about 5 minutes: This helps them set before adding the toppings.
- Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the top of each cookie: Gently press it down so it slightly sinks but not too much. Remember, if you add the kisses too soon, they will melt!
- Let your cookies cool completely: Allow the kisses to set and maintain their shape.
- Enjoy your lovely Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies!: Share with loved ones or keep them all to yourself!
Tips & Tricks for Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
To elevate your cookie-making experience, consider these chef’s secrets and optional extras. For a touch of extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness or even toss in some chocolate chips for an even richer treat. Make sure your butter is truly softened for easy mixing, but not melted, to avoid dough that’s too runny.
Chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking can yield thicker cookies that hold their shape better, especially if you live in a warm climate. For an added festive flair, try using different types of sprinkles that reflect your holiday theme—red and green for Christmas, or pastel colors for a spring celebration.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies shine on their own, but there are several delightful ways to present and pair them. Consider stacking them on a decorative plate adorned with holiday-themed decorations for a festive centerpiece. You might also host a cookie exchange among friends and family, sharing these treats and others while enjoying warm beverages like hot cocoa or spiced chai.
For adults, pair these cookies with a glass of chilled almond milk or a hot cup of coffee to contrast the sweet flavors. Alternatively, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert twist!
Nutritional Information
For a standard serving of these Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies, you can expect around 150 calories, with 7 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein per cookie. While they are indulgent, savoring these treats during the holiday season is entirely appropriate—after all, balance is key. So treat yourself and enjoy!
Storing Tips & Variations for Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
Storing these cookies is simple: keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to enjoy for up to three months.
For healthier variations, you can replace regular flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a different texture and a bit of extra fiber. You can also swap out granulated sugars for coconut sugar or honey for a slight twist in flavor. Add your choice of nuts for a delightful crunch!
Conclusion for Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
Now that you’ve discovered the magic of Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies, it’s time to dive into this delightful recipe and create some memories. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is truly unmatched, and once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cookies are a staple in holiday festivities. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the process of baking these delicious treats today!
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use. Just thaw it before baking.
2. Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work as excellent substitutes, ideal for those with nut allergies.
3. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can freeze them for longer storage.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to fold in chocolate chips for an added chocolatey twist!
5. Why did my cookies spread too much when baking?
This could be because your butter was too warm or you may have overmixed the dough. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and mix until just combined.
Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful peanut butter cookies topped with melting chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Wilton pearlized nonpareil Christmas sprinkles
- Peppermint Hershey’s Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter with your sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla; stir until fully combined.
- Mix in the flour and baking soda until just incorporated.
- Add a few tablespoons of sprinkles into the dough.
- Scoop out your dough with a tablespoon and roll it into a ball, placing them a couple of inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, until the edges turn light golden brown.
- Let your cookies cool for about 5 minutes.
- Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the top of each cookie.
- Let your cookies cool completely.
- Enjoy your lovely Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies!
Notes
Consider adding a pinch of salt for balance or tossing in chocolate chips for extra flavor. Chill the dough for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
