Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that combines the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with a delightful holiday twist, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe is my absolute favorite Christmas cookie to bake and share—it’s packed with classic flavors, super easy to make, and decorated with cheerful sprinkles to get you in the holiday spirit. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser and a staple in my holiday baking tradition.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe plays its part to create the perfect texture and flavor. From the all-purpose flour to the chocolate chips and sprinkles, I’ll share little tips to make sure you get the best results.

• All-purpose flour: I always sift mine to avoid lumps and ensure a tender crumb.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents guarantee just the right amount of rise and softness.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness of peanut butter.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creates a creamier dough—don’t skip letting it soften!
• Creamy peanut butter: Go for a natural or classic creamy variety—chunky is tasty but changes the texture.
• Granulated sugar & light brown sugar: This combo gives the cookies a perfect sweetness and moist chewiness.
• Egg: Brings the dough together and adds richness; room temperature is best for easy mixing.
• Vanilla extract: My secret ingredient to add a warm, comforting note.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For dipping, these bring just the right hint of chocolate without overpowering.
• Coconut or vegetable oil: Mixed into the melted chocolate to keep it smooth and glossy.
• Holiday sprinkles: Choose your favorite—reds and greens always brighten up the look and add a festive crunch.

Variations

I love that you can easily personalize this Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe to suit your holiday style or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or need a quick swap, here are some ideas you might enjoy trying out.

• Peanut butter swap: If you want to try something different, almond butter makes a lovely nutty twist, though the texture changes a bit.
• Chocolate drizzle instead of dip: For a lighter chocolate touch, I often drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies instead of full dipping—looks elegant and is less messy.
• Gluten-free version: I’ve experimented by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; just watch the dough—it can be a bit more delicate.
• Extra crunch: Add chopped roasted peanuts into the dough for a surprise crunch that my family goes crazy for.

How to Make Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and mix the dry ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—that helps the cookies bake evenly and keeps cleanup easy. Then, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This step is crucial because it makes sure all the leavening is evenly distributed, so your cookies rise perfectly.

Step 2: Cream the butters and sugars

In a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I found that this step takes about 3 to 5 minutes on medium speed, and it really makes the difference between a dense cookie and one that’s tender and light.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Keep mixing until it’s light and fluffy. This adds moisture and flavor that bring your cookies to life. Make sure your egg is at room temperature—it helps your batter combine smoothly without getting lumpy.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet mix. Don’t rush this—you want to mix just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough. Scrape down the sides of your bowl occasionally to get an even mix. You’ll notice the dough start to come together perfectly, with that familiar peanut buttery aroma making the kitchen feel cozy.

Step 5: Scoop and flatten the cookies

Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto your prepared sheet, making sure to leave at least 2 inches between each ball because they spread a little. Now, here’s a trick I discovered: gently press down on each cookie ball with the back of a fork, making a crisscross pattern with two presses. This keeps the cookies crisp around the edges while maintaining a soft center, plus it gives them that classic peanut butter cookie look.

Step 6: Bake and cool

Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. Resist the urge to overbake—cookies harden as they cool. Remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before moving on to the chocolate dip. I love that cooling step because it gives you a moment to breathe and get the finishing touches ready.

Step 7: Melt the chocolate and dip

In a small bowl, melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave—start with 1 minute, stir well, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Stir in the coconut or vegetable oil to give the chocolate a silky shine and keep it from setting too hard. Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, then set them back onto parchment paper. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle your holiday sprinkles on top for that festive pop.

Step 8: Let chocolate set

Let those chocolate-dipped beauties set for about an hour at room temperature—this gives the chocolate time to firm up without getting dull or cracked. After that, you’re ready to enjoy some seriously delicious Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love using classic red and green sprinkles to keep things festive, but silver nonpareils or tiny edible stars add a touch of whimsy that’s perfect for holiday parties. Sometimes I toss on crushed candy canes after dipping the cookies for an extra peppermint kick—such a crowd-pleaser!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or a glass of cold milk—my go-to pairing to balance all that peanut butter and chocolate goodness. For a holiday brunch, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to round out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I arrange the cookies in cute holiday tins lined with parchment paper, separating layers with wax paper so they stay pristine. Another idea I love is plating them on a festive platter piled high with assorted holiday treats—perfect for Christmas parties or cookie exchanges.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cookies have completely cooled and the chocolate has set, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and chewy for about 5 days, though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the raw dough balls and the baked cookies successfully. For dough, scoop and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag; when ready, simply bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time. For baked cookies, freeze completely cooled, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth, pop leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil. The chocolate might soften beautifully, making them irresistible again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the cookie I always bake first each holiday season. The smell of peanut butter and vanilla in the kitchen brings back memories of cozy afternoons with family. I know you’ll love making and sharing these delightful cookies as much as I do—they’re truly a delicious way to make your holiday gatherings extra sweet and special. So go ahead, try this recipe, and enjoy every bite!

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