Who doesn’t love the classic snickerdoodle with its soft, chewy texture and cinnamon-sugar coating? Now, imagine that delightful treat with a rich, nutty twist. Enter peanut butter snickerdoodles—a fusion of two beloved flavors that creates a cookie you’ll find hard to resist.
This recipe brings together the creamy goodness of peanut butter and the nostalgic warmth of snickerdoodles. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet on a lazy afternoon. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients
For the best peanut butter snickerdoodles, you will need a selection of key ingredients and a few extras for the perfect topping. Let’s break down everything you’ll need.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Substitutions
- For a richer flavor, substitute 1 cup of brown sugar for the granulated sugar.
- If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use vegan butter alternatives and ensure your vanilla extract is dairy-free.
- Gluten-free flour can replace regular flour if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Mix the sugar and cinnamon thoroughly in a small bowl to use for rolling the cookie dough before baking.
Equipment Needed
Before diving into baking your peanut butter snickerdoodles, gather the essential equipment. Ensuring you have the right tools on hand will streamline the process and yield perfect cookies every time.
Mixing Bowls
Start with a set of mixing bowls, preferably in different sizes. You’ll need a large bowl for combining the main ingredients and a smaller one for the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
A hand mixer or a stand mixer is crucial for blending the peanut butter and sugar until creamy. This step ensures a smooth and even dough consistency which is key for the perfect snickerdoodles.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are essential in baking. Use standard measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients to maintain the right balance in your cookies.
Cookie Scoop
A cookie scoop helps you portion the dough evenly. This tool makes uniform cookies ensuring each one bakes at the same rate.
Baking Sheets
Prepare two baking sheets to accommodate all the cookies. Lining them with parchment paper or using silicone baking mats prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Cooling Racks
Once the cookies are baked, transferring them to cooling racks allows them to cool evenly and prevents over-baking from residual heat on the baking sheets.
Spatula
A spatula is useful for transferring the cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack without crushing them.
Having all these tools ready before you start will make the process of baking peanut butter snickerdoodles smooth and enjoyable.
Directions
These instructions will guide you to make the perfect peanut butter snickerdoodles. Follow each step carefully for the best results.
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press each dough ball lightly with the back of a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Special Tips
Adding a few extra touches to your peanut butter snickerdoodles will make them even more delightful. Below I share my tried-and-true tips for achieving the perfect cookies.
For Soft, Chewy Cookies
To create soft and chewy peanut butter snickerdoodles, follow these key strategies:
- Underbake Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit doughy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven, allowing them to finish baking from residual heat.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This can create a better-emulsified dough, leading to a softer texture.
- Add an Extra Yolk: Including one additional egg yolk boosts moisture and chewiness.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This solidifies the fats and prevents excessive spreading.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to provide a non-stick surface that helps cookie dough hold its shape.
- Proper Butter Usage: Avoid using melted butter. Stick to softened or room temperature butter to maintain the dough’s consistency.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too little flour can make cookies spread too much. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
Serving Tips
When it comes to serving peanut butter snickerdoodles, presentation and pairings can elevate the experience. Here are some tips to make your cookies shine and taste even better.
1. Serve Warm:
Nothing beats a warm snickerdoodle fresh out of the oven. Serve them within 10-15 minutes after baking. The warm, gooey center will melt in your mouth and the cinnamon sugar coating will be at its most fragrant.
2. Pair With Beverages:
These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A cold glass of milk is a classic. For adults, a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa complements the rich, nutty flavor of the cookies.
If you want something refreshing, try a glass of almond or oat milk.
3. Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Turn your peanut butter snickerdoodles into delightful ice cream sandwiches. Place a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies. Gently press them together and enjoy immediately or freeze for a firmer treat.
4. Gift Ideas:
These cookies make perfect gifts. Place them in a decorative tin or a glass jar tied with a ribbon. Attach a handwritten note for a personal touch. They are great for holidays, birthdays, or as a thoughtful gesture any time of year.
5. Storing and Reheating:
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They stay soft for up to five days. To reheat, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds to bring back its warm, chewy goodness.
6. Adding Toppings:
For extra flair, drizzle melted chocolate over your cookies or sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before serving. These additions add an extra layer of flavor and an appealing presentation.
7. Dessert Platter:
Create a dessert platter for your next gathering. Combine your peanut butter snickerdoodles with other cookies, brownies, and fresh fruit. This variety will impress your guests and provide something for everyone to enjoy.
By using these serving tips, your peanut butter snickerdoodles will not only taste amazing, but they will also leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to try them.
Storage and Freezing
To ensure your peanut butter snickerdoodles stay fresh and delicious, follow these storage and freezing tips.
How to Store
Storing your peanut butter snickerdoodles properly is key to keeping them soft and flavorful. Here’s how you can do it:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool entirely on a wire rack before storing.
- Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out.
- Layering: If stacking the cookies, use parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze Individually: Place the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Storage Bag: After the cookies are individually frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the bag with the date. Frozen cookies can last for up to three months.
- Thawing: To enjoy, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes to refresh their texture.
Conclusion
Peanut butter snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on a classic cookie that I believe you’ll love. With their rich flavor and the perfect blend of ingredients, they offer a unique treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them warm with a cup of coffee or turning them into ice cream sandwiches, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t forget the storage tips to keep them fresh for longer. Happy baking!