Save 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 first baked these cookies for the holidays and they were an instant hit with my family who loved shaping each cookie like a pinecone.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Step 4:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract beat until well combined.
- Step 5:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 6:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Shape each portion into a small oval, tapering one end to form a pinecone shape.
- Step 7:
- Place ovals on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8:
- 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.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
- Step 10:
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 11:
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect before serving.
Save Baking these cookies always brings back warm family memories with everyone gathering around to press in the scales and share stories.
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
Calories: 140, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 3 g per cookie
Save These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones and adding a whimsical touch to your holiday dessert table.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the cookies to look like pinecones?
Shape the dough into small ovals, tapering one end to mimic a pinecone. Press chocolate sprinkles or almond slices at an angle onto the dough with tweezers or a small knife to create the scales.
- → Can I substitute almond slices for decorations?
Yes, sliced almonds add a natural pinecone texture, but you can also use chocolate sprinkles for a different look. For allergies, sunflower seeds are a suitable alternative.
- → What makes these cookies soft and chewy?
The blend of creamy peanut butter with butter and sugars creates a moist, tender dough that yields soft, chewy treats after baking.
- → How should I store these treats after baking?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and texture for several days.
- → What drink pairs well with these pinecone treats?
Warm beverages like hot cocoa or spiced tea complement the rich peanut butter flavor and enhance the festive experience.