Name: Peanut Butter Paw Print Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons milk (optional for adjusting consistency); 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for paw print design)

These Peanut Butter Paw Print Cookies are a fun and delicious treat that any dog lover will appreciate! With their soft and chewy texture, combined with the adorable paw print design, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family. Not only are they a joy to make, but they also offer a delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons milk (optional for adjusting consistency)

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for paw print design)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach the desired consistency.

Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Using a fork, gently press each dough ball to flatten it slightly, creating a crisscross pattern.

Press mini chocolate chips into the center of each flattened cookie to form the paw print design—3 chips for the toes and 1 for the pad of the paw.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Add-ins: You can mix in additional ingredients like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for added texture and flavor.

Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Vegan option: Swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag once fully frozen. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. Just be aware that it may result in a slightly different texture, and you might need to adjust the amount of milk to get the dough to the right consistency.

Do I have to add milk to the dough?

Milk is optional and only needed if the dough feels too thick or dry. If your dough is coming together well without it, you can skip the milk.

Can I make these cookies without the chocolate chips?

You can definitely skip the chocolate chips if you prefer, or you can replace them with other ingredients like dried fruit, nuts, or even pieces of caramel for a different twist.

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use alternative flours like oat flour or almond flour, but the texture and consistency might change slightly, so it may require some trial and error.

How can I get the paw print design perfect?

Pressing the mini chocolate chips gently into the dough is key. For the paw print, use three chips for the toes and one for the pad. You can use a toothpick to adjust the chips into a perfect paw shape before baking.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Paw Print Cookies are a fun, delicious, and easy treat that will bring joy to anyone who loves peanut butter and animals. With their chewy texture, adorable design, and rich flavors, they’re perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Recipe: