I don’t know how I ever functioned in life before I started liking coffee. Anybody know what I mean?
Okay, fine so it’s not something I couldn’t live without (I’m not that addicted) but I really have been enjoying it as the weather’s been turning colder. We used to do our coffee with an old-fashioned percolator on the stove and, while I really like doing it that way and would definitely recommend it to any die-hard lover of strong coffee, I have also been loving the ease of k-cups and a Keurig machine. Did you know they make vanilla cream puff flavor???
Alright, coffee addictions aside, I think it’s pretty common knowledge that nothing goes better with a cup of the Joe than a freshly baked cookie, right? I know there’s been a lot of sweet stuff around here recently but, what can I say, it’s the Holidays!
So I never realized this until I was a little older, but did you know that peanut butter is not a big deal in a huge portion of the world? The first time I found this out was with my sisters. They’re from Ukraine and apparently peanut butter isn’t a favorite over there. They pretty much despise it. Also, living and traveling internationally showed has shown me that it’s not the most common thing. You can find it in South America, but it’s not super common. In Europe they seem to eat it a little more, but again it’s not a staple there like it is for those of us in the States.
Maybe the magic of these cookies can help show the world how truly amazing PB is. Oh, and speaking of living internationally, I have been shocked at myself so far this holiday season at how normal it feels to be cold this time of year. I’d thought that 4 years living in South America with opposite seasons would have at least left me feeling a little off right about now, but surprisingly my Northern roots seem to be too strong for that and I feel completely at home with the cold.
I’m also surprised that we haven’t had any lasting snow yet. That’s very unusual for our area up here in the Rockies, but my suspicion is that the snow’s going to come strong and heavy right before Christmas. I guess we’ll see. Of course, even despite the lack of the fluffy stuff it’s still getting colder. Just this week the temps crossed the threshold of what I could handle for biking in so I’ve started driving to the gym now. Haha, I so prefer the fresh air and activity of riding, but my fingers prefer the car.
Anyway, these cookies are something that I think would make a great addition to any holiday goody tray or gathering. They’re also one of the fastest and easiest cookies to make and they just turn out so pretty. You can use the Brach’s chocolate stars
Happy baking guys!
XOXO
These cookies bring the magic of the chocolate and peanut butter combo into a perfect treat with a soft and pillowy texture.
Ingredients
- Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks butter), softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 4 1/2 cups flour
- 2 cups Brach's chocolate stars
or Hershey's kisses
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F (180 C). Cream butter and sugars together in the bowl of stand mixer fitted with beater attachment. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add salt, soda, vanilla, and peanut butter and beat until smooth. Add flour one cup at a time until the dough comes together and is evenly mixed.
- Roll the dough into 1 inch-ish balls and place on parchment lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Place a chocolate star on top of each one and press down slightly. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes until edges are just beginning to brown. Remove from oven and leave on pan for about 5 minutes, then remove to cooling rack.
In high school, my absolute favorite snack in study hall was a chocolate chip cookie straight from the caf, and a cup of breakfast blend coffee. I would probably do the same thing every day now, if I had access to fresh cookies all the time! 😉 Also, the texture of these cookies looks absolutely perfect – soft and chewy, just how I like it!
Oh, that’s great Sarah! Thank you so much for reading!
You lived in South America for 4 years? How cool!!! I didn’t know peanut butter isn’t well known but I for one can’t live without it (nor can my dog). I love these cookies and your photography is amazing! I can’t wait to give these tasty babies a try! 🙂
Oh, that’s the sweetest comment I’ve gotten all day. Thanks Christina!