# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
06 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ For Shaping and Decorating
10 - 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles or sliced almonds (for pinecone scales)
11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
04 - Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture; beat until fully combined.
05 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and shape each into an oval, tapering one end to mimic a pinecone.
07 - Place shaped dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
08 - Using tweezers or a small knife tip, press chocolate sprinkles or almond slices angled into the dough starting from the tapered end upwards to imitate pinecone scales.
09 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies are set and lightly golden.
10 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect before serving, if desired.
