Peanut Butter and Honey Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These Peanut Butter and Honey Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly sweetened with honey and peanut butter. Rolled in brown sugar before baking for a subtle crunch, they can be optionally decorated with melted chocolate, chopped peanuts, or colorful sprinkles for a delightful treat that keeps well for a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-9 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural creamy or crunchy)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup runny honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For Rolling and Topping
- Light brown sugar (for rolling dough and sprinkling on top)
Optional Decoration
- Melted chocolate
- Sprinkles
- Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare 2 or 3 baking sheets by lining them with silicone mats or baking parchment to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, honey, and salt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, pulling and pressing the dough together until it forms a soft but cohesive dough.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Lightly sprinkle your work surface with light brown sugar, then roll out the dough on top until it is about 1/3 inch (approximately 8 mm) thick. Use a knife or cookie cutters to cut the dough into fingers or any shapes you prefer.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the tops lightly with more brown sugar. Bake one tray at a time in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or just until the edges start turning golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets completely before transferring them to a wire rack—note they will be soft when freshly baked.
- Optional Decoration: Once completely cooled, dip cookies in melted chocolate and immediately sprinkle with chopped peanuts or colorful sprinkles as desired. Place decorated cookies on baking parchment until the chocolate sets and becomes firm.
- Storage: Store cooled and decorated cookies in an airtight container or cookie jar to keep fresh for up to one week.
Notes
- Natural creamy peanut butter gives a smoother texture, but crunchy peanut butter works for added texture.
- Make sure the butter is just melted, not hot, to avoid cooking the eggs in the mixture if you choose to add any variations.
- Rolling the dough in light brown sugar adds a subtle crispy texture to the cookies’ surface.
- The cookies are very soft when fresh out of the oven but firm up upon cooling.
- Decorating is optional but adds a fun and tasty touch perfect for gifting or special occasions.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cookies, Honey Cookies, Shortbread Cookies, Easy Cookies, Baked Treats, Homemade Cookies, Dessert Recipes
