Okay, so, Christmas baking! Isn’t it just the BEST? I mean, the smells alone – pure magic. But let’s be real, sometimes you just want something easy, right? That’s where these slice and bake cookies christmas peanut butter come in. They’re seriously perfect for the holidays – minimal fuss, maximum flavor. I remember one year, my little sister and I tried making gingerbread men from scratch. What a disaster! These? Total lifesaver. You get that homemade cookie satisfaction without, you know, the all-day commitment. Plus, who doesn’t love a good peanut butter cookie at Christmas…or anytime, really?
Why You’ll Love These Slice and Bake Cookies Christmas Peanut Butter
Seriously, you’re gonna adore these! Why? Here’s the lowdown:
Convenience
Let’s face it, we’re all busy! These slice and bake cookies save SO much time. No need to chill and then roll…just slice and bake!
Perfect for the Holidays
They’re festive, fun, and everyone loves ’em! Plus, that peanut butter smell baking? Christmas vibes, big time.
Delicious Peanut Butter Flavor
I mean, come ON. Peanut butter cookies are just the best, aren’t they? These are perfectly peanut-buttery, trust me.
Make Ahead
You can make the dough DAYS in advance! Seriously, it’s a total lifesaver during the crazy holiday season.
Slice and Bake Cookies Christmas Peanut Butter Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need: 1 cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened!), ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Ingredient Notes
Okay, so a few things about these ingredients… they’re kinda important!
Peanut Butter
Gotta use creamy peanut butter for these! It just gives the best texture. I haven’t tried it, but I bet other nut butters (like almond or cashew) would work too. Let me know if you try it!
Flour
All-purpose flour is the way to go here. I haven’t tested it with gluten-free flours, but if you do, make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute.
Sugar
We’re using both granulated and brown sugar! The brown sugar adds a nice, chewy texture and a little extra molasses-y flavor. Don’t skimp on it! Packed brown sugar is key!
How to Make Slice and Bake Cookies Christmas Peanut Butter: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, ready to get baking? Don’t worry, it’s super easy! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect slice and bake cookies christmas peanut butter in no time.
Preparing the Dough
First, grab a large bowl – you’ll want a big one! Cream together your peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s all smooth and creamy. Then, beat in that egg and vanilla. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Now, gradually add the dry stuff to the wet stuff, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix!
Forming the Logs
Okay, divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface (trust me, you’ll want the flour!), shape each half into a log. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect!
Chilling the Dough
This is important! Wrap those logs tightly in plastic wrap. Then, pop them in the fridge for *at least* 2 hours. You can even leave them for up to 3 days! This chilling step is key to keep the cookies from spreading too much when baking.
Baking the Cookies
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – makes cleanup a breeze! Slice the chilled dough logs into about ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them on the baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie (about 2 inches). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely…if you can wait that long!
Tips for the Best Slice and Bake Cookies Christmas Peanut Butter
Want perfect slice and bake cookies christmas peanut butter every time? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few secrets to success.
Ensuring Even Baking
Rotate your baking sheets halfway through! Seriously, it makes a HUGE difference. That way, all your cookies bake evenly.
Preventing Spreading
Make sure your butter is *softened*, not melted! Also, chilling the dough is key! Don’t skip that step, or you’ll end up with flat, sad cookies.
Perfecting the Shape
Use a sharp knife to slice the dough. A dull knife will squish the cookies. And if the dough gets too soft while you’re slicing, just pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes!
Variations for Your Slice and Bake Cookies Christmas Peanut Butter
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down – now let’s get FUNKY! Here are a few ways to jazz up your slice and bake cookies christmas peanut butter.
Chocolate Chips
Duh! I mean, who *doesn’t* love chocolate and peanut butter? Just stir in about a cup of your favorite chocolate chips into the dough. Milk, dark, semi-sweet… whatever floats your boat!
Sprinkles
It’s Christmas! Gotta have sprinkles! Roll the dough logs in Christmas-themed sprinkles before chilling. So festive and fun!
Different Nut Butters
Feeling adventurous? Try using almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. It’ll give the cookies a totally different (but still delicious!) flavor.
Storing Your Slice and Bake Cookies Christmas Peanut Butter
Alright, so you’ve baked these awesome cookies… now what? Here’s how to keep ’em fresh!
Storing Baked Cookies
Just pop ’em in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for up to a week… if they last that long! (Mine never do.)
Storing Cookie Dough
The dough’s even easier! You can keep those logs wrapped tight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, even better, freeze ’em! Just thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking. So easy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slice and Bake Cookies Christmas Peanut Butter
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making these slice and bake cookies christmas peanut butter. I wanna make sure you nail ’em!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Just wrap those dough logs super tight in plastic wrap, then pop ’em in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months! To use, thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking. Easy peasy!
How long will the dough last in the fridge?
You can keep the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly so it doesn’t dry out!
Can I use a different type of sugar?
You *could*, but it’ll change the texture and flavor a bit. Brown sugar makes ’em chewy, so if you skip it, they’ll be a bit crisper. I don’t recommend using *only* white sugar, though. Experiment if you want, but this recipe is perfect as is!
What if my dough is too crumbly?
Oops! That usually means it’s too dry. Try adding a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together. Don’t add too much, though, or it’ll be sticky!
My cookies spread too thin, what did I do wrong?
Ah, cookie spreading! It’s usually a few things: butter was too warm, dough wasn’t chilled enough, or you used too much sugar. Follow the recipe carefully, and chilling is KEY!
Nutritional Information
Okay, so, I’m no nutritionist, so take this with a grain of salt (or, you know, a sprinkle of sugar!). I can’t give
Enjoy Your Homemade Slice and Bake Cookies Christmas Peanut Butter!
Alright, that’s it! Go bake some cookies! And hey, if you make ’em, rate the recipe and share your pics! I wanna see what you create!
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