Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles: 12 Perfect Bites

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Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles have been a staple in my family’s Christmas cookie box for as long as I can remember. The smell of them baking, that irresistible aroma of sweet peanut butter mixed with warm sugar, instantly transports me back to cozy evenings by the fire. These aren’t just any peanut butter cookies; they’re a delightful, easy holiday cookie recipe that turns out perfectly every single time with that signature, beautiful crinkled top. They’re so simple to make, even the kids can help roll them in sugar. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles

These little gems are more than just cookies; they’re pure holiday magic! Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe year after year:

The taste is absolutely divine – a perfect balance of sweet and nutty.
Prep time is a breeze, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
Their festive look makes them a star on any cookie platter.
They’re incredibly family-friendly, with simple steps for little helpers.
You only need basic pantry staples for this easy cookie recipe.
The signature crinkle top is beautiful and a hallmark of classic crinkle cookies.
Perfect for all your festive baking needs.

Ingredients for Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles

Gather these simple ingredients to create the best peanut butter cookies that are perfect for the holidays. The combination of ingredients ensures a wonderfully chewy and flavorful cookie.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – this provides richness and helps with texture.
1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed light brown sugar – the brown sugar adds moisture and a delightful chewiness that’s key to a great cookie.
2 large eggs – they bind everything together and add structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that classic warm aroma and flavor.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – the star of the show for that irresistible peanut butter flavor.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our cookie dough.
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise and spread slightly.
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter taste.
1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling – this creates the beautiful sugary coating and helps achieve that signature crinkle.

How to Make Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles

Whipping up these delightful holiday cookie recipe delights is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to achieve that perfect crinkled top and chewy center that everyone loves.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, along with the 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed light brown sugar. Beat them until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisking them together ensures they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Pour the 1/4 cup granulated sugar into a shallow dish. This sugar coating is what gives our crinkle cookies that beautiful, sparkling finish.
Step 7: Roll the cookie dough into balls, aiming for about 1 inch in diameter. They should be uniform in size for even baking.
Step 8: Roll each dough ball in the sugar until it’s completely coated.
Step 9: Place the sugar-coated balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This gives them room to spread.
Step 10: Gently flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or your hand. Then, using a fork, press down in one direction and then the other to create that signature crisscross pattern that defines these Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles.
Step 11: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden and the centers still look a little soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Step 12: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy this fantastic holiday cookie recipe!

Pro Tips for the Best Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles

Want to make sure your Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles are absolutely perfect? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee success. These tips will help you achieve that signature crinkle and delightful chewiness every single time.

Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture and preventing them from spreading too much.
Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten, which can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
Chill the dough balls for about 15 minutes before rolling in sugar and baking. This helps them keep their shape and encourages that beautiful crinkle.
Bake them just until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look a little soft; they’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

What’s the secret to perfect Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles?

The real secret lies in the balance of sugars and not overmixing the dough. Using both granulated and brown sugar gives them chewiness and depth, while gentle mixing ensures a tender crumb. This makes them a truly easy cookie recipe.

Can I make Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough balls, roll them in sugar, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Baked cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles?

To prevent cookies from spreading too much, ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and consider chilling the dough. For that signature crinkle, make sure to gently flatten the balls before creating the crisscross pattern with a fork. For more information on cookie baking techniques, you can explore resources on baking ingredients.

Best Ways to Serve Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles

These delightful Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles are so versatile and make a wonderful addition to any festive spread. I love pairing them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa on a chilly evening; the warm chocolate and rich peanut butter are a match made in heaven! They also look absolutely stunning as part of a larger cookie platter, adding a classic touch and a beautiful crinkled texture among other treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies. Consider them for your next holiday bake sale or as a sweet treat to share with neighbors – they’re always a crowd-pleaser and a perfect example of delicious holiday desserts.

Nutrition Facts for Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for these delicious Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles. Remember, these are estimates and can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and how large you make your cookies.

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 75mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles

Proper holiday cookie storage is key to keeping your delicious Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles fresh and tasty. Once your cookies have completely cooled on the wire rack, it’s time to store them. I usually place them in an airtight container, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stored this way at room temperature, they’ll stay wonderfully fresh for about 3-4 days. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet! Wrap the cooled cookies well in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. For a quick refresh, you can gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for just 2-3 minutes. For more tips on food preservation, check out resources on food storage.

Variations of Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles You Can Try

While these classic Holiday Peanut Butter Crinkles are perfect as is, I love experimenting to make them even more special. Sometimes, I add about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey surprise within the peanut butter goodness. For an even more intense peanut butter punch, I’ll swap the creamy peanut butter for a natural peanut butter – just be aware this might make the dough a little softer, so chilling it is extra important. Another fun twist for your festive baking is to roll the dough balls in a mix of granulated sugar and festive sprinkles before baking. This adds a pop of color and extra sparkle, making them truly stand out on any holiday dessert table! You can find a wide variety of festive sprinkles to enhance your creations.