If you are a cookie lover looking for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, this Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe is guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the iconic cinnamon-sugar coating of traditional snickerdoodles, resulting in a perfect balance of tender texture, slight chewiness, and a hint of spice. They are buttery, soft in the center with just enough crisp on the outside—ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe is a breeze thanks to the simplicity and pantry-friendly nature of these ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding a soft chew, sweet depth, or that unmistakable cinnamon kick that ties the whole cookie together.
- 2 cups flour: The foundation that gives structure and body to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Adds lightness so cookies lift gently while baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses rich, nutty creaminess for a unique twist.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Delivers tender richness and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided: Sweetens the dough and adds to the signature cinnamon-sugar crust.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness and moist crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to softness.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Lifts flavors with aromatic warmth and a touch of sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that turns these cookies into authentic snickerdoodles.
How to Make Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy clean-up and prevents sticking while your Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles bake to perfection.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This blend will evenly distribute your leavening and seasoning for perfectly tender cookies.
Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients
Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, 3/4 cup of sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well incorporated. This process aerates the dough and brings out the rich, nutty flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Step 5: Portion the Dough
Using a small ice cream scooper, portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps ensure your cookies are uniform in size and bake evenly.
Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
Gently roll each scoop of dough into a smooth ball with your hands. This step helps the famous snickerdoodle shape take form and sets you up for the signature coating.
Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon. This sweet-spicy mixture will create that irresistible, crackly snickerdoodle crust.
Step 8: Coat the Cookies
Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This step not only adds flavor but also gives the cookies their classic crunch and aroma.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheet with enough space between them and bake in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges while remaining soft in the center.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
After removing from the oven, allow your Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time lets them finish baking and firm up just enough for the perfect bite.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of your freshly baked Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles amplifies their sweet and salty contrast beautifully. Alternatively, a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar right before serving can intensify that cozy spice flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop. The creamy textures and warm flavors complement each other, making snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles stacked on a vintage plate tied with a ribbon for a charming gift, or arrange them in a decorative tin with parchment paper for a delightful hostess treat. For parties, pair them alongside other cookies and label them so guests can spot this unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and flavorful. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they will stay fresh and ready to enjoy.
Freezing
You can freeze these Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. For dough, shape and coat them, then place on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, freeze in airtight containers with parchment layers to avoid sticking.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked feel, warm your cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This softens the centers and refreshes the cinnamon-sugar crust perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra bit of texture and nutty bursts throughout the cookie, making each bite even more interesting.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be mindful that it might slightly affect texture.
Can I substitute the butter for margarine or oil?
Butter is key for the flavor and texture in this recipe. Using margarine or oil might make the cookies less rich or change their structure, so it’s best to stick with real butter if you want the classic result.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake your cookies—the moment the edges turn golden, they are ready. Also, store them in an airtight container to retain moisture and softness.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter, flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and a plant-based peanut butter, you can create a vegan version. Keep in mind the texture and taste might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe enough if you want to take your cookie game to new heights. The combination of creamy peanut butter with that nostalgic cinnamon-sugar coating creates a cookie you’ll crave again and again. Dive in, share with loved ones, and let these warm, comforting cookies become your new favorite indulgence.
