Peanut Butter Frosted Sugar

Peanut Butter Frosted Sugar Cookies are the answer when you crave something soft buttery and sweet with a little nutty twist The cookies bake up pillowy and tender then get swirled with a creamy peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth They are perfect for bake sales afternoon snacks or just because

When I made these for the first time my kids raced to the kitchen drawn in by that peanut butter aroma Now they know the holidays are coming when this recipe is on the counter

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: gives structure and softness Choose unbleached flour for the freshest taste
• Baking powder and baking soda: help the cookies puff up perfectly Always check for expiration to ensure maximum lift
• Salt: balances sweetness and brightens flavors Use fine sea salt for best mixing
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and creaminess Make sure it is fully softened for easy blending
• Granulated sugar: creates that classic sugar cookie sweetness Pick superfine sugar for a delicate crumb
• Large egg: binds and brings tenderness Use room temperature for fluffy texture
• Pure vanilla extract: deepens the flavor Try to use real extract for warm bakery notes
• Whole milk: keeps cookies moist and helps form the dough Fresh milk gives the best result
• Creamy peanut butter for frosting: provides nutty flavor and smooth texture Go for a freshly opened jar for maximum freshness
• Powdered sugar: delivers a melt in the mouth frosting Sift it to avoid any lumps
• Decorative sprinkles or chopped peanuts optional: add crunch and a playful finish

Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Heat your oven to 350 F or 175 C Line two baking sheets with parchment paper This keeps cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly

Whisk Dry Ingredients:

Combine flour baking powder baking soda and salt in a medium bowl Whisk until fully blended so leaveners are evenly distributed for uniform rise

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl beat softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer for about two to three minutes Mix until pale and fluffy which creates air for tender cookies

Add Wet Ingredients:

Add the egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter sugar mixture Beat until combined and smooth This stage further aerates the dough and infuses more flavor

Combine Wet and Dry Plus Milk:

Gradually add the dry ingredients in thirds alternating with splashes of milk Beat on low until just mixed This switch off approach creates a silky dough without overworking which could toughen your cookies

Shape Cookies:

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop portion out rounds of dough Place them two inches apart on baking sheets for even spreading

Bake Cookies:

Bake for nine to eleven minutes Watch for edges to be set and centers to look soft pale gold For the right texture stay close to your oven and remove as soon as they puff up A slight underbake keeps them extra soft

Cool Cookies:

Cool baked cookies on the trays for five minutes This lets them set then gently transfer to a wire rack for full cooling to avoid soggy bottoms

Make Peanut Butter Frosting:

Beat creamy peanut butter and softened butter together in a bowl until smooth and fully blended This is the base for rich flavor

Mix Frosting Ingredients:

Add sifted powdered sugar whole milk vanilla extract and a pinch of salt Beat until a fluffy creamy frosting forms If it is too stiff splash more milk in little by little for desired spreadability

Frost Cookies:

Once cookies are completely cool spread generous swirls of frosting on each Top with sprinkles or chopped peanuts if you like Let frosting set a little before serving for tidier eating

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The peanut butter frosting is my favorite because it turns a simple sugar cookie into something with a childhood touch I remember making these with my grandma and we would laugh when the powdered sugar floated in the air like dust These cookies always fill my kitchen with nostalgia

Storage Tips

Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness Line a container with wax paper in between layers so the frosting does not stick If you want to prep ahead freeze unfrosted cookies then frost once thawed for that just baked taste

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap almond butter for peanut butter in the frosting for a new flavor If you are low on whole milk any 2 percent or even non dairy milk like oat or soy can work well Use margarine for a dairy free batch just watch for salt in the substitute and adjust accordingly

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with ice cold milk on the side or stack a few and wrap in wax paper for a sweet after school treat At parties decorate with festive sprinkles or colored sugar to fit any holiday Bake them smaller for bite size versions great for cookie platters

Cultural and Historical Context

Sugar cookies have roots in early American baking traditions famed for their simplicity Over time the classic base evolved and families added personal touches such as nut flavored toppings Peanut butter frosting is very American combining two favorite flavors for a comforting recipe

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in pumpkin pie spice for vanilla during autumn months Decorate with pastel sugars for spring and Easter Use red and green sprinkles to make these a holiday centerpiece

Success Stories

These cookies never fail for bake sales or potlucks Many friends have asked for the recipe after just one taste and kids love getting involved in frosting duty If you stash some in the freezer there is always a quick treat on hand for surprise guests

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze these cookies bake and cool them first Do not frost until ready to serve Layer the plain cookies in a zip top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months Thaw overnight then frost fresh for best texture

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These cookies are perfect for sharing or keeping for yourself Each batch is a celebration of classic sweetness and nutty delight Enjoy them fresh or save for later and relive warm memories bite by bite

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter works well for the frosting. It provides a different nutty flavor while keeping the texture smooth.

→ How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to retain their softness.

→ Can I freeze frosted cookies?

Yes, you can freeze them. Place cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers.

→ Is it possible to make the cookies gluten-free?

You may replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Texture may vary slightly, so check consistency before baking.

→ How do I achieve a fluffy, creamy frosting?

Beat peanut butter and butter together until very smooth, then slowly incorporate the sugar and milk. Adjust milk for spreadability.

→ Can I add toppings to the frosted cookies?

Absolutely. Try sprinkles, chopped peanuts, or a pinch of sea salt for texture and extra flavor.