Name: Honey Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: ½ cup Unsalted Butter (softened); ½ cup Peanut Butter; ½ cup Dark Brown Sugar (firmly packed); 2 tablespoons Honey; 1 large Egg (room temperature); 1 large yolk Egg Yolk (room temperature); 1½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1½ cups All-Purpose Flour; ½ teaspoon Baking Powder; ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt; ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda; 1¼ cups Honey-Roasted Peanuts (chopped); to taste pinch Flaked Sea Salt (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something truly magical about baking, especially when it comes to making Honey Peanut Butter Cookies. I still remember the first time I indulged in these delightful treats—a warm, gooey sensation that wrapped around my taste buds and made me feel right at home. It was a chilly afternoon, and the scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through my kitchen, drawing in friends and family alike. Each bite was a blend of sweet honey, creamy peanut butter, and a hint of saltiness, creating a perfect balance that made it hard to stop at just one. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a warm embrace, a reminder of cozy gatherings and sweet moments spent with loved ones.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
2 hr 20 mins

Prep Time:
120 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

What Sets This Honey Peanut Butter Cookies Apart

Comforting and Satisfying

What draws us to Honey Peanut Butter Cookies is their unique combination of flavors. The warmth of the oven brings out the rich, nutty essence of the peanut butter, complemented beautifully by the sweetness of honey. This harmony creates a comforting treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Simple Ingredients

Another reason I love these cookies is the simplicity of their ingredients. You likely have most, if not all, of the components in your pantry. The ability to whip up a batch with just a few staples makes it so accessible, whether for a spontaneous gathering or a quiet evening at home.

Versatile Treat

These cookies are incredibly versatile! You can tweak the recipe by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. Every variation adds a personal touch, making it feel like your very own creation.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Honey Peanut Butter Cookies shine during holidays and casual get-togethers, but they’re also perfect for a midweek treat. They bring smiles to faces, whether served at a party or enjoyed quietly with a cup of tea.

Family Tradition

For me, these cookies hold sentimental value. Baking them has become a cherished family tradition, passed down through generations. Each batch reminds us of those who came before us, gathering in the kitchen, laughter ringing out as we shared stories and cookies.

Easy to Share

Lastly, these cookies are easily shareable! They make wonderful gifts for friends, neighbors, or anyone in need of a little sweetness in their life. A plate of Honey Peanut Butter Cookies is a simple yet heartfelt gesture, showing you care.

Main Ingredients for Honey Peanut Butter Cookies

When it comes to the ingredients in Honey Peanut Butter Cookies, each plays a pivotal role in creating their unique flavor and texture. The key players here include the creamy peanut butter, which infuses the cookies with richness, and honey, which adds a natural sweetness and chewiness. Together, these ingredients create a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.

Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113 grams), softened for that perfect creamy texture.
Peanut Butter: ? cup (85 grams), the star of the show that brings nutty goodness to each bite.
Dark Brown Sugar: ½ cup (110 grams), adding depth and moisture.
Honey: 2 tablespoons (42 grams), the sweetener that balances the flavors beautifully.
Large Egg: 1, at room temperature, for binding the ingredients.
Large Egg Yolk: 1, at room temperature, enriching the dough.
Vanilla Extract: 1½ teaspoons (6 grams), enhancing the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups (188 grams), the base of the cookie.
Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams), helping the cookies rise.
Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams), balancing sweetness.
Baking Soda: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams), working with the baking powder for the perfect texture.
Honey-Roasted Peanuts: 1¼ cups (113 grams), adding crunch and flavor.
Flaked Sea Salt: for garnish, elevating the flavor profile.

Directions for Honey Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking Honey Peanut Butter Cookies is a delightful endeavor full of rich flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create these delicious treats!

Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial to ensure your cookies don’t stick and have that perfect golden bottom.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the unsalted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey. Beat this mixture on medium speed until creamy—this should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Remember to pause occasionally to scrape the paddle and the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Add the large egg and large egg yolk to the creamy mixture. Beat until fully combined. The eggs help bind everything together, giving your cookies the structure they need.
Next, add the vanilla extract, giving your dough an aromatic lift. Scrape the sides of the bowl again to incorporate.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. This step is vital as it ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed.
With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Beat until just combined, taking care not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
Once combined, gently fold in the honey-roasted peanuts. This will add delightful crunch and flavor to your cookies.
Using a ½-cup dry-measuring cup, scoop out a scant ½ cup of dough (about 122 grams) and place it 2 inches apart on the prepared pan. This spacing is important to allow room for the cookies to spread.
Press a 3-tablespoon spring-loaded scoop, rounded side up, into the middle of each dough scoop to create a mounded center with a border. This step helps assure an even bake.
Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough is crucial for flavor development and controlling spread during baking.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line another large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the chilled dough 3 inches apart on the prepared pan and garnish with flaked sea salt, if desired.
Bake until golden brown, about 17 to 20 minutes. Remember to rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking. While the cookies are still hot, gently swirl a 4- to 5-inch round cutter around each cookie to create a perfect round shape.
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is essential to help them set up nicely!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—if they last that long!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, yielding a thicker cookie.
Texture Check: Look for a golden-brown color around the edges; the centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up while cooling.
Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality peanut butter and honey makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Don’t skimp on these key ingredients!
Measuring Flour: Always spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures accurate measurements.

Making Adjustments

Every kitchen has its quirks, and so does every baker! Here are some tips to help you make Honey Peanut Butter Cookies your own.

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container.
Variations: Experiment with adding dark chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Serving: Try serving these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Gifting: Package cookies in decorative boxes or jars to create thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

What to Serve With Honey Peanut Butter Cookies

Finding the perfect accompaniments for your Honey Peanut Butter Cookies can enhance the whole experience. Here are some ideas:

Milk: A classic pairing! A cold glass of milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack time.
Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with light, refreshing flavors.
Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled chocolate sauce.
Cheese Platter: Pairing with a mild cheese can create an interesting contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Seasonal Events: These cookies are perfect for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy night in.

FAQ

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your Honey Peanut Butter Cookies an added texture and crunch. Just make sure it’s a good quality peanut butter so the flavor shines through. Some people love the extra bite and flavor that crunchy peanut butter brings, so feel free to experiment!

Look for a golden-brown color around the edges of your cookies. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. If you want them chewier, take them out a little sooner. Remember, cookies will continue to cook slightly while cooling on the pan, so don’t wait until they look fully done!

Yes, you can! To make gluten-free Honey Peanut Butter Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your peanut butter and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture might change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious!

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer!

Conclusion

The beauty of Honey Peanut Butter Cookies lies in their perfect harmony of flavors and textures. They are not just cookies; they are a nostalgic treat that brings joy to any gathering or cozy evening at home. I encourage you to try making them yourself and experience the warmth they bring. You won’t be disappointed—these cookies will surely become a favorite in your household!