If you adore peanut butter and love cookies that bring a touch of whimsy and warmth to your kitchen, then this Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These irresistibly soft and chewy peanut butter cookies come alive with a chocolate disk center and playful chocolate chip paw prints, making each bite a delightful experience both visually and flavor-wise. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies prove that a simple combination of classic ingredients can create a batch of treats that feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients for the Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe is straightforward but crucial. Each item plays a vital role: the peanut butter lends richness and moisture, sugars balance sweetness and texture, while the chocolate details give that iconic finishing touch.
- Butter, 1/2 cup softened: Adds creamy richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1 cup: Infuses the cookies with that unmistakable nutty flavor and soft texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Light brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and chewiness.
- Eggs, 2 large: Bind all the ingredients together and give structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The sturdy base that forms the cookie dough.
- Baking soda, 2 teaspoons: Helps the cookies rise and become wonderfully light.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and amplifies all those delicious flavors.
- Chocolate melting disks, 48: The star of the “blossom” center, melting perfectly into each cookie.
- Chocolate chips, 144: Used to craft the charming bear paw prints on top of each cookie.
How to Make Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
The key to perfect cookies starts with a properly preheated oven—set it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake that makes cookie removal a breeze.
Step 2: Beat Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is where your cookies get their luscious base. Then, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and silky.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together. This mix is essential for providing that classic cookie texture. Gradually introduce these dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking your dough.
Step 4: Shape Dough and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and carefully place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. For an extra touch of sparkle and crunch, feel free to roll each dough ball lightly in sugar before baking. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 7 to 9 minutes—just until they puff and look soft.
Step 5: Add the Signature Bear Paw Touch
The magic happens immediately once the cookies come out of the oven: gently press a chocolate melting disk into the center of each warm cookie. Then, use three chocolate chips arranged just right to create the adorable bear paw imprint. Let the cookies cool on wire racks so the chocolate sets perfectly.
How to Serve Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny sprinkle of sea salt can elevate their flavor and appearance. You might also consider a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate around the edges for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serving these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a classic pairing. For a more decadent twist, pair them with vanilla ice cream or a smooth chocolate mousse to celebrate each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next party? Arrange the cookies on a platter alongside fresh berries or vibrant edible flowers. For kids’ gatherings, place them atop cupcake stands or in themed cookie jars to make snack time feel like a craft-filled adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, ready whenever a peanut butter cookie craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to save these cookies for a later treat, you can freeze them. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will soften the peanut butter and chocolate for a blissful bite every time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful texture inside the cookies, giving a bit of satisfying crunch alongside the soft chew of the dough.
What if I don’t have chocolate melting disks?
No worries! You can substitute with regular chocolate chips or even chocolate squares, but melting disks are ideal for smooth, even melting and that classic blossom look.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and peanut butter are properly softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if needed. Also, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart helps keep them from merging during baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that suits baking. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly depending on the flour used.
Why use both brown and granulated sugar?
The combination balances moisture, sweetness, and chewiness. Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and moistness, while granulated sugar gives a crisp edge and helps with structure.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the delicious secrets behind the Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and fill your home with the sweet aroma of freshly baked peanut butter goodness topped with charming chocolate paws. This recipe is more than just cookies—it’s a joyful baking adventure that promises smiles at every bite. Don’t wait to share these with your loved ones and make some unforgettable memories!
Print
Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies combine the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and buttery dough with a fun, paw-shaped chocolate decoration. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are topped with a chocolate disk and chocolate chips to resemble adorable bear paws, making them a charming treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Decorations
- 48 chocolate melting disks
- 144 chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape and Bake: Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Optionally, roll each dough ball in extra granulated sugar for a slight crunch and sparkle. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes until cookies are puffy and soft.
- Decorate: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one chocolate melting disk into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. Then, arrange three chocolate chips around the disk to form the shape of a bear paw. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely, allowing the chocolate to set.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best mixing results.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- If desired, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
- Use parchment paper for easy cookie removal and quicker cleanup.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
