Peanut Butter Shortbread Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter Shortbread is a buttery, tender treat with a rich peanut butter flavor that melts in your mouth. This easy-to-make cookie combines the crumbly texture of shortbread with a hint of sweetness and optional mix-ins for added crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup (64g) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (50g) firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ounces (57g) optional add-ins (such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts)
• 1 Tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325ºF (163ºC). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 2–3 minutes until the dough begins to clump together. If using add-ins, fold them in until evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Gather the dough with your hands and press it evenly into the lined cake pan. Use a fork to prick the surface all over (docking), then sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 28–30 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
7. Step 7: When just warm, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and use a sharp knife to cut the shortbread into 8, 12, or 16 pieces. Let the pieces cool completely or enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding chopped peanuts or chocolate chips as add-ins.
• Press the dough firmly and evenly into the pan for an even bake and consistent thickness.
• Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more roasted peanut flavor.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake a couple of minutes longer but watch closely to avoid burning.

Storage

Store the shortbread slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months; thaw them at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently if preferred warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add texture and bits of peanuts throughout the shortbread for extra crunch.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or potato starch to maintain the shortbread’s tender crumb.

Peanut Butter Shortbread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

Delightfully buttery and rich Peanut Butter Shortbread cookies combining creamy peanut butter with tender, crumbly shortbread texture. Perfectly sweetened with brown and granulated sugars, these easy-to-make treats are ideal for snacking or sharing.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 16 pieces depending on slicing 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup (64g) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (50g) firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins and Toppings

• 2 ounces (57g) optional add-ins (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts)
• 1 Tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325ºF (163ºC). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of the shortbread after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. This blend helps create a tender texture in the shortbread.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Then increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes, until the dough starts to form clumps and comes together.
5. Add Optional Mix-ins: If using optional add-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the dough and mix until evenly dispersed throughout.
6. Press Dough and Add Toppings: Gather the dough using your hands and press it evenly into the prepared cake pan. Use a fork to prick (dock) the dough evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly on top.
7. Bake the Shortbread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and the shortbread feels set.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the shortbread to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently lift the parchment paper out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice the shortbread circle into 8, 12, or 16 even pieces.
9. Serve and Store: Let the shortbread slices cool completely or enjoy warm. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze slices for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving.

Notes

• Be sure to measure the flour properly to avoid dense or dry cookies.
• Optional add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts add extra flavor and texture.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
• Shortbread can be enjoyed warm or cooled for firmer texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing sliced shortbread allows for longer storage without loss of flavor or texture.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Shortbread, shortbread cookies, peanut butter cookies, easy dessert, buttery cookies, homemade cookies