Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies

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Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies

Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that combines nostalgic flavors with a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Imagine the sweet, nutty aroma wafting through your home as these delightful cookies bake in the oven. Each bite is a charming blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate from the peppermint Hershey’s Kisses tucked on top, making this recipe a festive favorite for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Best of all, this easy, step-by-step guide will help you create a batch in no time, bringing warmth and cheer to your festive season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies recipe is not just simple; it’s a delightful treat that everyone will love. With minimal prep time and only a handful of ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a batch quickly, perfect for unexpected guests or cozy family nights. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, making it suitable for all ages. Whether you enjoy them with a mug of hot cocoa by the fire or gift them to friends and neighbors, these cookies are bound to spread joy and holiday spirit wherever they go.

Ingredients

To create these wonderful Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup softened butter: Provides a creamy base that ensures your cookies are melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds crispiness and sweetness to every bite.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like depth to the flavor.
• 1/3 cup peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers that delightful nutty taste.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together for perfect cookie consistency.
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic essence.
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for these delicious cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures that the cookies rise beautifully.
• Wilton pearlized nonpareil Christmas sprinkles: For a festive touch and delightful crunch.
• Peppermint Hershey’s Kisses: The perfect chocolatey topping that adds a festive flair.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for evenly baked cookies.

2. Line a Baking Sheet: Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.

4. Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the peanut butter until fully incorporated, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly blend the all-purpose flour and baking soda into the dough. Mix just until incorporated to maintain a tender cookie.

6. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the festive Wilton pearlized nonpareil Christmas sprinkles, mixing to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

7. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space in between.

8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them – you want them soft in the center.

9. Cool and Add Toppings: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, gently press a peppermint Hershey’s Kiss onto the center of each cookie.

10. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This will set the chocolate and enhance the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality peanut butter, preferably natural with minimal additives.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking. This won’t affect the taste and might help the cookies hold their shape better.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also fantastic when paired with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate. They’re perfect for holiday cookie swaps, family gatherings, or even as a sweet treat on a cold winter day. Consider adding a festive touch by serving them on a decorated holiday platter or packaging them in a lovely tin for gift-giving.

Nutritional Information

These cookies are a delightful indulgence. Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, with essential nutrients from the peanut butter and a bit of protein from the egg. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially during the festive season when sweet treats are abundant.

Storing Tips & Variations

To keep your Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage; simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To enjoy them later, allow them to thaw at room temperature.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try variations like adding chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or incorporating different flavored Kisses, like caramel or cherry, for a unique twist!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They combine comforting flavors with an easy step-by-step process that even novice bakers can follow. Share your experience making these cookies, and don’t forget to spread the holiday cheer with family and friends!

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a few days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator or freeze it for longer storage!

2. How can I make the cookies chewy?
To ensure a chewy texture, be careful not to overmix the dough and avoid overbaking. You want them to be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

3. Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes, feel free to substitute with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

4. What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough before baking, which will help the cookies hold their shape.

5. How can I make these cookies more festive?
Incorporate more holiday-themed sprinkles or use colored chocolate melts instead of Kisses for a festive touch.

Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies

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Delightful Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies combining creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate topped with peppermint Hershey’s Kisses.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
5. Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour and baking soda until just incorporated.
6. Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles.
7. Scoop the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between.
8. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes, then press a peppermint Hershey’s Kiss onto each cookie.
10. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality peanut butter. Chill the dough if too soft. Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

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