If you have a soft spot for peanut butter and can’t resist chocolate accents, then the Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These cookies combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with a tender, cakey texture, crowned by a melted chocolate disk and adorable chocolate chip paw prints—the perfect blend of tasty and whimsical. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a fun party platter, this recipe delivers comfort and charm in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of pantry staples is all it takes to whip up these delightful cookies. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to provide a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and that signature peanut butter cookie softness you’ll love.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and tender crumb for melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, offering that irresistible nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crunch on the outside.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings a touch of molasses flavor and extra moisture for chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet, nutty notes while adding depth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure without weighing the cookies down.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps with leavening, ensuring your cookies puff just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the peanut butter flavor.
- 48 chocolate melting disks: To create the iconic ‘blossom’ center that melts perfectly soft.
- 144 chocolate chips: Used to form the charming paw prints, adding texture and extra chocolate bliss.
How to Make Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote easy cleanup—small prep steps like these set you up for baking success.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies. Once the mixture is perfect, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything is evenly combined and beautifully smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Sifting these together not only distributes ingredients evenly but also helps prevent clumps. Gradually add this dry mix into your peanut butter batter, folding just until combined. Be careful not to overmix because that can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each to give them room to spread. If you want a little extra sparkle and crunch, roll the dough balls lightly in sugar before placing them on the sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes—watching for the cookies to puff up and turn slightly set around the edges but still soft in the center.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Disks and Paw Print Chips
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one chocolate melting disk into the center of each cookie. Follow this by placing three chocolate chips arranged like a paw print on and around the chocolate disk. This warm chocolate will melt softly, creating the signature “blossom” look and the cutest paw print detail. Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks before enjoying.
How to Serve Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just after adding the chocolate disks can elevate the cookie’s flavor with a bright, savory twist. You can also lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a festive, snow-kissed appearance—a subtle touch that adds charm and sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfection paired with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. If you’re serving a dessert platter, add fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples to balance the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by arranging the cookies in a circle with a bowl of chocolate or peanut butter dip in the middle—perfect for sharing. You could also stack a few as part of a layered dessert tower or gift them in a cute box with a handwritten note for friends and family. These Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe treats make for memorable and heartfelt presents!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their soft texture and flavor for up to 5 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week without losing any charm.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save extras, the cookie dough freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough into balls, flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen with an extra minute or two of cook time. Baked cookies can also be frozen—wrap them individually and store in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your chilled or frozen cookies with that fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the softness and revives the gooey chocolate centers, making every bite as good as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using chunky peanut butter will add a delightful extra crunch to your cookies, enhancing the texture. Just note that it might slightly change the smoothness of the dough, but the flavor will be just as amazing.
What if I don’t have chocolate melting disks?
No worries if you don’t have melting disks; you can substitute with regular chocolate chips or even small chocolate squares. Just press them gently into the cookie right after baking, so they soften and melt nicely.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. This will help maintain the cookie’s structure and moisture while keeping the flavor profile intact.
How long should I bake the cookies for a chewier texture?
For chewier cookies, aim for the lower end of the baking range—about 7 minutes. They might look slightly underbaked in the center but will firm up as they cool, remaining soft and chewy.
Is it okay to prepare the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time even helps deepen the flavors and can improve the cookie’s texture.
Final Thoughts
Baking the Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe is like sharing a slice of happy nostalgia mixed with fresh joy. They bring warmth, playfulness, and an unbeatable combination of peanut butter and chocolate to your kitchen. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, whether for a casual snack or a sweet gift. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to fall in love with these irresistibly charming cookies!
Print
Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these adorable Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, combining creamy peanut butter dough with a sweet touch of chocolate disks and chips that create a playful paw print on each cookie. Perfectly soft and chewy with a hint of vanilla, these cookies make a fun treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Decoration
- 48 chocolate melting disks
- 144 chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then mix in the eggs and vanilla extract 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 to the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing the dough.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. If desired, roll each dough ball in additional granulated sugar before baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes until the cookies are puffy and soft.
- Add Chocolate Decorations: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one chocolate melting disk into the center of each cookie. Then, add three chocolate chips around the disk to create a bear paw print pattern. Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks for best texture and appearance.
Notes
- For a crunchier cookie, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for different flavors or to accommodate allergies.
- Rolling dough balls in sugar before baking enhances the cookie’s texture and gives a slight sparkle.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
