If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon, then Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles are your answer! These delightful cookies offer a twist on the classic snickerdoodle, bringing in the creamy goodness of peanut butter while retaining the chewy texture and sugary topping that you know and love. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a sweet treat to share with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles. The combination of peanut butter and cinnamon creates a unique flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and exciting. These cookies are soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar blend that adds a perfect sweetness. Plus, they are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a great choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, holiday gathering, or just because, these cookies will impress everyone who tries them.
Ingredient Checklist
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (134g) peanut butter (smooth or chunky, your choice)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
- ¼ cup (67g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer – to cream the butter and sugars together smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in your ingredients.
- Baking sheets – to place your cookie dough on for baking.
- Parchment paper – optional, but recommended for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for portioning your cookie dough.
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect chewy texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine the additional granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will give the cookies their signature snickerdoodle flavor.
Step 7: Form the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles fresh out of the oven or store them for later!
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
- Spring: Serve with a refreshing glass of lemonade for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Summer: Pack them for a picnic with friends; they travel well and are sure to please!
- Fall: Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai or apple cider for a cozy autumn snack.
- Winter: Gift them in festive tins during the holidays for a homemade gift that everyone will love.
If You’re Curious
Did you know that snickerdoodles originated in New England in the 19th century? The unique name is thought to come from a German word for a type of cookie, and these treats have been cherished ever since. By adding peanut butter to the mix, we’ve created a modern twist that brings a whole new level of flavor to this classic cookie.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To store your Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature for a soft, chewy bite.
Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it’s well-stirred and has a similar consistency to regular peanut butter to ensure the right texture in your cookies.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add in some chocolate chips or chunks to the dough before baking. This addition will take your Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles to a whole new level!
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Time to Try It
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the perfect Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky, your choice)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter. Beat until creamy, then gradually add in the granulated and brown sugars, mixing well.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the additional granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for rolling.
- Scoop portions of dough, roll into balls, and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze cookies for up to three months for longer storage.
- To reheat, microwave for a few seconds for a soft, chewy experience.
