Pin It Delightfully whimsical cookies with a rich peanut butter flavor, shaped to resemble charming pinecones—perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun family baking project.
I have fond memories baking these with my family during the holidays; the shaping step always brings lots of laughter and creativity.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour , 1/2 teaspoon baking soda , 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened , 1 cup creamy peanut butter , 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed , 1/4 cup granulated sugar , 1 large egg , 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For Shaping and Decorating: 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles or sliced almonds (for pinecone scales) , 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional , for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl , whisk together flour , baking soda , and salt . Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl , beat the butter , peanut butter , brown sugar , and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract beat until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture , mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Dough:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough . Shape each portion into a small oval , tapering one end to form a pinecone shape.
- Place on Baking Sheet:
- Place ovals on prepared baking sheets , spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Decorate:
- Using clean tweezers or the tip of a small knife , gently press chocolate sprinkles or sliced almonds into the dough at an angle to mimic pinecone scales , starting at the tapered end and working upward.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes , until set and lightly golden.
- Cool:
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes , then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect before serving.
Pin It Our family loves gathering around the kitchen to shape and decorate these cookies , creating sweet memories that last beyond the holidays.
Notes
For a chocolatey twist dip the base of each cookie in melted chocolate and let set . Swap almond slices for sunflower seeds if nut allergies are a concern but note peanut content remains . Serve with hot cocoa or spiced tea for a festive treat.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls , electric mixer , measuring cups and spoons , baking sheets , parchment paper , tweezers or small knife , wire rack
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories 140 , Total Fat 8 g , Carbohydrates 15 g , Protein 3 g
Pin It These pinecone peanut butter cookies offer a delightful combination of fun shaping and rich flavor perfect for sharing.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the pinecone texture?
Chocolate sprinkles or sliced almonds are gently pressed into the shaped dough to mimic pinecone scales, adding texture and visual charm.
- → Can nut allergies be accommodated?
While peanut butter is essential for flavor, almond slices can be swapped for sunflower seeds to reduce tree nut exposure, but peanuts remain a concern.
- → How should the dough be shaped for best results?
Portions of dough are formed into small ovals with one tapered end, then decorated to resemble pinecones before baking.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Cookies bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until set and lightly golden, then cool on a wire rack.
- → Any tips for serving these treats?
For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy experience.