Peanut Butter Cookies – A Classic Christmas Treat

Nothing says Christmas like homemade peanut butter cookies fresh from the oven. These sweet, nutty treats have crispy edges, chewy centers, and a rich flavor that’s simply irresistible. Best of all, the recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for holiday sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that balances tradition with flavor, peanut butter cookies are the answer. They use simple pantry staples but taste bakery fresh. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sugars, and butter gives every bite a nutty sweetness that melts in your mouth.

You’ll love how quickly they come together, needing only a few steps and about 20 minutes from start to finish. The crisscross fork marks add a nostalgic touch, reminding many of childhood holidays spent baking with family.

They also travel well, making them perfect for cookie swaps or gifting to neighbors and friends. Imagine packing them in festive tins along with other favorites like Christmas sprinkle cookies – the ultimate holiday treat or even a slice of cranberry nut bread for festive breakfast spreads. These cookies bring joy to every holiday table.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

With only a handful of ingredients, these cookies prove that flavor doesn’t require complexity. Peanut butter, butter, and a blend of sugars create a soft yet rich cookie that everyone craves.

Classic Texture – Crispy Edges, Chewy Center

These cookies bake with lightly browned edges and soft, chewy middles. The result is a timeless texture that keeps people reaching for more.

Perfect for Holiday Sharing and Gifting

Wrapped in a box or tucked into a cookie tin, these cookies make a thoughtful, homemade gift. Add them to a plate with best toffee ever for a classic homemade Christmas gift, and you’ll have the sweetest present.

Ingredients

You’ll need flour, salt, baking soda, butter or shortening, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, an egg, milk, and vanilla. Roll the dough in extra sugar for sparkle. For a fun twist, stir in mini chocolate chips or swap in chunky peanut butter.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Grab a mixing bowl, a whisk, and measuring cups for the dry ingredients. A stand mixer or hand mixer helps cream the butter and sugars quickly. A cookie scoop ensures even portions, while a baking sheet lined with parchment keeps cleanup simple. Finally, a cooling rack lets cookies firm up with the perfect chewy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready by the time your dough is mixed.

Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

Beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step builds the base flavor.

Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth. These help bind the dough and add richness.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture into the wet bowl, blending just until combined.

Roll, Coat, and Shape the Cookies

Scoop dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each one in granulated sugar for a sweet crunch. Place them 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Use a fork to press the tops in a crisscross pattern.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8–10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.

Cool and Enjoy

Move cookies to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy warm or let them cool completely for gifting.

Expert Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Always use room temperature butter for even mixing. If you prefer natural peanut butter, choose one that doesn’t require stirring. For a deeper flavor, chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.

For variety, add mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or even festive sprinkles to the dough. If you want a softer cookie, slightly underbake them and let the residual heat finish the job.

Finally, remember to press the classic fork marks gently so your cookies keep their round shape without flattening too much.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter can be swapped with shortening for a slightly lighter texture. Creamy peanut butter is traditional, but chunky peanut butter adds a fun crunch. For a holiday spin, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. You can even drizzle with white chocolate for a festive look.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are best paired with a tall glass of cold milk. You can also serve them alongside easy Christmas cheesecake slab – a no-bake dessert idea for variety at your dessert table. They make thoughtful holiday gifts, especially when packed in mason jars or wrapped in colorful paper.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking for added convenience. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Cookies themselves also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

• Christmas sprinkle cookies – the ultimate holiday treat
• Cranberry nut bread for festive breakfast spreads
• Best toffee ever for a classic homemade Christmas gift
• Easy Christmas cheesecake slab – a no-bake dessert idea

Conclusion

These peanut butter cookies are everything you want in a Christmas recipe. They’re easy to make, deliciously nutty, and perfect for sharing. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or wrap them up for friends, they’ll always bring joy.

So this holiday season, bake a batch and watch how quickly they disappear. For more festive ideas and inspiration, check out my holiday recipe board on Pinterest.