Christmas Peanut Butter Cookies

A dip in white chocolate and some festive sprinkles turn year-round favorite peanut butter cookies into a delicious Christmas treat. They’re perfect for eating under the Christmas tree and leaving out for Santa with a little note.

Christmas Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Additional Time: 10 Minutes Total Time: 35 Minutes Servings: 24 – 28 Cookies

I don’t traditionally think of peanut butter cookies as Christmas cookies, but they are one of my all-time favorite cookies. The crunchy goodness of peanut butter baked into a cookie. YES! Please sign me up.

But what happens we turn our peanut butter cookies up a notch – BAMM! We get fancy Christmas cookies. And with a little dip into white chocolate and a few festive sprinkles, a beautiful cookie transformation occurs.

Traditional peanut butter cookie meets cookie exchange ideas. These goodies are perfect for serving your family, giving as a gift, fancy cookie exchanges and of course, Santa loves them! And I mean SANTA really loves them (wink, wink!).

Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup to 1 cup peanut butter, as needed*
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• One large egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white candy melts
• Festive Christmas Sprinkles

*Note: this will vary depending on your brand of PB – add up to a cup of PB to achieve a thick but not crumbly dough

What kind of melting chocolate should I use?

Did you know some white chocolate is only suitable for baking, while others are designed specifically for melting? It is true. And so many of us get confused (myself included).

Melted white chocolate is great for decorating baked goods such as cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, muffins, ice cream, and more. The best types of chocolates will melt at much lower temperatures than other chocolate and will have a smoother texture when melted properly.

For this reason, Ghirardelli, Candy Making & Dipping, White Melting Wafers (found in the baking section of the grocery store) or Wilton’s White Chocolate Melting Wafers are the perfect choice.

Otherwise, you may end up with very thick or clumpy melted chocolate.

How to store these cookies

As soon as they are cool, place the cookies in a tightly closed plastic container or resealable bag. They will stay fresh for several days. Typically, 5 – 7 days on the counter is good.

You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 – 4 months. Thaw at room temperature. Enjoy with friends.

How to make these classic peanut butter cookies

These are classic peanut butter cookies, just like your Grandma would make, and you know Grandma always made the best cookies. This recipe includes 3/4 cup to 1 cup of peanut butter (depending on the brand’s thickness). Add in only 3/4 cup until all other ingredients have been fully incorporated.

If you are finding you have a crumbly texture, this is when I suggest you add in your extra 1/4 cup of peanut butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions (scroll down to print)

1. The first step is to always preheat your oven. For this recipe, set your oven temperature to 350 degrees.
2. Then, in a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and peanut butter thoroughly. Add the sugars and beat for 2 minutes until creamy and light.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beat for 30 seconds, then slowly incorporate the flour mixture until just incorporated.
5. Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough on a lined cookie sheet.
6. Next, use a fork to press down on the cookies, flattening them and making a classic criss-cross pattern.
7. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and set.
8. Cool on the cookie sheet for about 30 minutes.

Adding in the Christmas Flare

STEP ONE: Melt candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl for 25 seconds. Stir and reheat as needed.

STEP TWO: Then dip each cookie individually in the melted candy melts, covering up to one-half of each cookie. Place the cookie back on the cookie sheets and decorate with your festive Christmas sprinkles as desired.

STEP THREE: Finally, allow the candy melts to set before storing or serving.

Easy Christmas Peanut Butter Cookies – Printable Instructions

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Eating out is easy, and it usually tastes delicious, but it’s expensive. Making this meal at home will save you money. Add this recipe to your weekly meal plan.