Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies

Imagine a cookie that melts in your mouth, delivering a rich, buttery embrace with every bite, all while boasting that irresistible peanut butter flavor. These Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies are exactly that: a simple yet utterly sublime treat that will steal your heart and become your new go-to recipe. Get ready to bake bliss!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a ticket to pure joy. Prepare to fall in love with their charm and ease!

• Irresistibly Buttery Texture: Each cookie boasts a tender, crumbly texture that truly melts in your mouth.
• Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: We’ve infused them with creamy peanut butter for that classic, nutty taste everyone adores.
• Effortlessly Simple: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, these are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Quick to Prepare: From mixing bowl to cooling rack, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for afternoon tea, lunchbox treats, holiday platters, or simply a sweet indulgence.
• Aromatic Delight: Your kitchen will be filled with the comforting scent of baking butter and peanut butter.
• Kid-Friendly: The simple shaping and delightful taste make them a hit with children, both in baking and eating!

Ingredients Needed for Your Perfect Peanut Butter Shortbread

Crafting these delectable shortbread cookies requires only a handful of pantry staples. Opt for quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (225g), softened. Crucial for that signature shortbread richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ensure it’s truly soft for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g). Provides just enough sweetness without overpowering the peanut butter.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup (125g). Use a good quality creamy peanut butter for smooth blending and robust flavor. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as it can affect texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g). The base of our shortbread, giving it structure. Measure precisely for the best results.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1g). A small but mighty ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Adds a lovely aromatic depth to the cookies.

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Essential Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking these Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies an absolute breeze.

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: (Handheld or Stand) For creaming butter, sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. This makes the process much quicker and ensures proper aeration.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy sheet ensures even baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies completely, which is vital for achieving the perfect crisp-yet-tender shortbread texture.

Recipe Overview

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Get ready for a quick and rewarding baking experience!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Shortbread Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly tender and flavorful peanut butter shortbread that everyone will adore.

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies don’t stick and make for easy transfer.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and creamy peanut butter.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is visibly light, fluffy, and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract until it is fully incorporated, adding a fragrant note to your dough.

Step 3: Form the Dough

4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed, or by hand, until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Troubleshooting Tip: Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop too much gluten and result in tougher cookies. Mix just until combined.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

5. Roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
6. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the tines of a fork, pressing down once then turning the fork 90 degrees to create that classic crisscross pattern.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This initial cooling helps them set and prevents them from breaking.
9. Carefully transfer the partially cooled cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

CHECK OUT: Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies – For another amazing peanut butter and chocolate fusion!

Tips for Success

Elevate your Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies from great to absolutely exceptional with these expert insights:

• Room Temperature Butter is Key: Ensure your unsalted butter is genuinely softened, not melted. It should yield easily to pressure but still hold its shape. This ensures proper creaming and a uniform dough.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision, or spoon flour lightly into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is added, mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing develops gluten, making shortbread tough instead of tender.
• Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft to handle, chilling it for 15-30 minutes before rolling can make shaping easier and help the cookies hold their form.
• Watch for Doneness: Shortbread cookies don’t brown significantly. Look for lightly golden edges; the centers should still appear pale. Overbaking will make them dry.

Variations & Substitutions

Get creative with your Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies! Here are some ideas to customize them:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some semi-sweet or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of decadence.
• Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips with the flour for a chocolatey twist.
• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the dough or press them onto the top of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These classic peanut butter shortbread are delightful on their own, but pairing them can elevate the experience.

• With Coffee or Tea: Their buttery richness makes them a perfect companion for a warm cup of coffee, a soothing herbal tea, or a creamy latte.
• Alongside Milk: A tall, cold glass of milk is the quintessential partner for any peanut butter cookie.
• Ice Cream Topper: Crumble a few cookies over a scoop of vanilla bean or chocolate ice cream for an instant dessert upgrade.
• Gift Idea: Stack them in a pretty tin or cello bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Health Benefits

While an indulgence, these Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies offer a few noteworthy aspects:

• Protein Boost: Peanut butter contributes a decent amount of protein (2g per cookie), helping you feel satisfied.
• Healthy Fats: The peanut butter also provides healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Moderate Sweetness: With only 4g of sugar per cookie, they offer a satisfying sweetness without being overly sugary.
• Energy Source: The combination of carbohydrates, fats, and protein provides a quick burst of energy.

Storage & Reheating

Keep your Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies fresh and delicious for longer with proper storage.

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing Dough: You can roll the dough into balls, flatten, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Fully cooled baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating: If desired, warm frozen or stale cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these cookies “shortbread”?

Shortbread refers to a biscuit (cookie) made with a high proportion of butter to flour, resulting in a distinctively tender, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

While you can, creamy peanut butter is recommended for the smoothest dough and classic shortbread texture. Crunchy peanut butter will add a different textural element.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if your butter was too soft/melted, if you didn’t use enough flour, or if your oven temperature was too low. Ensure exact measurements and properly softened (not melted) butter.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! These cookies store well at room temperature for several days, making them perfect for advance preparation for parties or gatherings.

How do I get the perfect crisscross pattern?

After rolling the dough into balls, gently press a fork down, then lift and rotate the fork 90 degrees and press again. Don’t press too hard, or the cookies will be too thin.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved these Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies, you’ll surely enjoy these other sweet treats and savory delights from our kitchen!

• Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies – Dive into the ultimate comfort with these classic, tender peanut butter cookies.
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies – A delightful peanut butter cookie topped with a gooey chocolate kiss!
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – The best of both worlds in a single, irresistible bite.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies are a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. Their buttery, crumbly texture and rich peanut butter taste are pure joy in every bite. Happy baking, and remember to share your creations with us! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

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