There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the combo of peanut butter and chocolate, right? This Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that cozy, nostalgic feeling alongside a fun festive twist that makes snack time feel like a mini celebration. Trust me, these cookies won’t just disappear—they’ll fly off your plate!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to say, this recipe has become a go-to whenever I want a cookie that’s both simple and spectacular. It’s amazing how something so straightforward can taste so indulgent, and the chocolate dip elevates it from everyday treat to something special.
- Simplified Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand, so no last-minute store runs.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy on the inside with a subtle crisp on the edges—exactly what a peanut butter cookie should be.
- Fun Chocolate Dip: Adding the chocolate coating and sprinkles is a joyful way to personalize and dress up your cookies.
- Great for Gifting & Parties: These cookies have that homemade charm and festive look, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this peanut butter chocolate dipped cookies recipe plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Also, picking quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference, so here’s what I suggest when shopping.
- All-purpose flour: The base of our dough, sift it to keep your cookies light and airy.
- Baking powder & baking soda: They work together to give the cookies just the right lift without spreading too thin.
- Kosher salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key here—soft butter blends better with peanut butter and sugar for a creamy dough.
- Creamy peanut butter: Smooth and rich, it infuses every bite with that classic nutty character.
- Granulated & light brown sugar: A combo of both adds depth; brown sugar gives chewiness and a touch of molasses flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and helps with the cookie’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle flavor boost that you don't want to skip.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melting these creates that gorgeous coating—choose good quality for smooth, rich chocolate.
- Coconut or vegetable oil: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives it that shiny finish.
- Holiday sprinkles: Adds a festive crunch and visual fun; feel free to swap these out per occasion!
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with the decorations and even the type of chocolate I use for dipping. This cookie really opens up possibilities to match your mood or holiday with ease.
- Variation: One of my favorites is topping the chocolate-dipped cookies with crushed peanuts along with sprinkles—which adds a salty crunch contrast that’s hard to beat.
- Dietary swap: If you want to skip dairy, try vegan butter or coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate for dipping.
- Seasonal twist: Change out the sprinkles to match Valentine’s, Easter, or Halloween colors and themes for year-round fun.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together the dry ingredients
Start by sifting the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt into a bowl. This ensures even distribution and keeps your cookies lighter. I always give the bowl a quick whisk to avoid any lumps before setting it aside.
Step 2: Cream the butters & sugars
In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the room-temperature unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is where the cookie dough really starts to develop that luscious texture.
Step 3: Incorporate egg and vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until everything’s light and fluffy. This helps make the dough easier to portion and results in a softer cookie after baking.
Step 4: Combine all ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the sides as needed so everything is evenly incorporated without overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Scoop and shape the cookies
Use a medium cookie scoop to portion dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Then use a fork to gently press down the tops in a classic crisscross pattern—just two gentle presses so the round shape stays intact.
Step 6: Bake and cool
Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and let cool completely—you’ll want a firm base before dipping in chocolate.
Step 7: Melt chocolate and dip
Melt the chocolate chips gently in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid scorching. Once melted, stir in the coconut or vegetable oil so the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Half-dip each cooled cookie into the chocolate, then place them on parchment paper.
Step 8: Add sprinkles and set
Sprinkle your holiday sprinkles right away on the wet chocolate for best sticking power. Let the cookies set at room temperature for about an hour before moving or storing.
Top Tip
From my experience baking these cookies, a few little tricks make a difference between “good” and “wow!” I’m excited to share these so your batch comes out perfect every time.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and egg aren’t cold so they mix evenly—this gives a buttery smooth dough.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: While this recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, if your kitchen is warm, pop the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Chocolate Melting: Stir chocolate often and melt slowly in the microwave to avoid burning or seizing, which ruins the smooth finish.
- Pressing the Dough with a Fork: Use a light touch when making the crisscross pattern so the cookies don’t flatten too much but still crisp just right around the edges.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick to classic holiday sprinkles but love adding a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate dip occasionally—it creates a beautiful balance of sweet and salty that surprises the palate. Crushed roasted peanuts are another favorite for that extra crunch and flavor burst.
Side Dishes
Honestly, these cookies are a star on their own, but I’ve had great success pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. They also complement festive hot chocolate beautifully, especially when you’re cozying up by the fire.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like to arrange them on tiered cookie stands with fresh pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane with ribbons makes charming gifts that everyone actually wants to unwrap and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, usually layered with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They stay soft and fresh for about a week this way, but I have to admit they rarely last that long!
Freezing
This recipe is perfect for freezing because it yields quite a few cookies. I freeze them in single layers on parchment-lined trays, then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags once solid. They'll keep for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy them long after the initial bake day.
Reheating
When I want to refresh frozen cookies, I just let them thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to soften the cookie and slightly melt the chocolate. It’s like they were freshly baked—trust me, it’s worth the few extra minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! If you use salted butter, omit the additional ½ teaspoon of kosher salt this recipe calls for to keep the balance right.
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Yes, you can! Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds extra sweetness and a slight crunch, but keep in mind the chocolate dip already adds a sweet layer, so it’s optional.
Definitely! Chocolate melting wafers work perfectly for dipping and might even make the coating smoother and glossier.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with a festive flair that’s easy to pull off any time. Whether it’s a holiday party or a quiet afternoon treat, these cookies really shine. I hope you enjoy making them just as much as I do—because sharing these delights always brings a little extra joy.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies are a festive treat combining classic peanut butter flavor with a rich semi-sweet chocolate dip and holiday sprinkles. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are ideal for holiday celebrations and gifting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoon coconut or vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Oven: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and continue mixing until the batter becomes light and fluffy.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Portion and Shape Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, placing them at least 2 inches apart. Gently press each cookie down using a fork with two crisscross presses, keeping the shape round.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Melt Chocolate: In a small mixing bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue melting in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Oil with Chocolate: Stir the coconut or vegetable oil into the melted chocolate until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Dip and Decorate Cookies: Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, then place on parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles. Allow the chocolate-dipped cookies to set for 1 hour at room temperature or until firm.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain freshness.
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the additional ½ teaspoon salt from the recipe.
- These peanut butter cookies freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making them perfect for enjoying later.
- Melting wafers can be substituted for chocolate chips for a smoother coating.
- If desired, roll cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking to add extra sweetness and texture.
- For variation, top dipped cookies with crushed peanuts, festive mini M&Ms, or sprinkle with sea salt for a salty-sweet flavor.
- Chocolate type can be swapped: use milk chocolate for sweeter cookies or dark chocolate for richer flavor.
- Change holiday sprinkles according to the occasion to make these cookies suitable for any celebration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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