In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies: A Decadent Delight

If your taste buds are yearning for a treat that’s both rich and satisfying, look no further than these Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. Perfectly blending the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the lusciousness of chocolate, these cookies are a delightful indulgence for any cookie lover. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and promises a delicious outcome every time.

Ingredients List

Before you dive into baking these Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, make sure you have all the ingredients ready:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup butter (cubed)
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening (divided)

Timing

Efficient timing is key to perfect cookies:

• Prep Time: 24 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 44 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Use a pastry blender to mix until the dough begins to form. Knead it gently into a smooth ball.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough to about 1/3-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create shapes, placing them 1/2-inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake

Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes until the centers are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Icing

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and half the shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Repeat with the peanut butter chips and remaining shortening.

Step 5: Decorate

Place the cookies on a cooling rack over wax paper. Spread the chocolate mixture over half of the cookies and the peanut butter mixture over the rest. Drizzle with any leftover icing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional facts for these cookies:

• Calories: 99 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Sodium: 76 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make these cookies a bit healthier, consider the following alternatives:

• Flour Substitutes: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond flour for added fiber.
• Sweetener Options: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to reduce sugar content.
• Butter Alternatives: Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies pair wonderfully with:

• A glass of cold milk
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat
• A warm cup of coffee or tea

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Dough: This can make the cookies tough.
2. Incorrect Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated to avoid uneven baking.
3. Skipping the Cooling Rack: This helps prevent cookies from becoming soggy.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy at home, their decadent taste is sure to be a hit.

FAQs

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, but it will alter the texture slightly, adding a bit of crunch to your cookies.

Q: How can I make these cookies vegan?
A: Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Q: What’s the best way to melt the chocolate chips?
A: Use the microwave method as mentioned or a double boiler for more control over the heat.

Looking for more delightful recipes? Check out our related posts on gourmet cookie recipes and baking tips for beginners to further enhance your baking prowess!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a buttery shortbread base, perfect for any cookie lover.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 24 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 44 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 99

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 192 g all-purpose flour
• 67 g sugar
• 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 152 g butter cubed
• 64 g creamy peanut butter
• 0.5 tsp vanilla
• 80 g peanut butter chips
• 80 g semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp shortening divided

Equipment

• Pastry Blender
• Microwave
• Cookie Sheet
• Wire Rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Add butter, peanut butter, and vanilla. Use a pastry blender to incorporate the ingredients.
4. Form the mixture into a ball with your hands and knead until smooth.
5. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/3-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
6. Place cutouts on an ungreased cookie sheet about 1/2-inch apart.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until centers are set. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. To make the icing, microwave chocolate chips and half the shortening in 30-second intervals until melted.
9. Repeat with peanut butter chips and remaining shortening.
10. Spread half of the cookies with the chocolate mixture and the other half with the peanut butter mixture.
11. Drizzle all cookies with the leftover icing.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months for future enjoyment.