Name: Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-486338H26M44S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (for paw print)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies because they’re a fun and creative twist on the classic peanut butter blossom cookie. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich butter, and a touch of sweetness makes for the perfect chewy texture, while the chocolate paw print adds a whimsical and irresistible touch. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for fun, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (for the paw print)

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Beat until smooth and combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Shape the Cookies:

Roll the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten the Cookies: Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball, creating a criss-cross pattern on top, like the traditional peanut butter blossom cookie.

Bake:

Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. They should still be slightly soft in the center.
Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Create the Paw Print Topping:

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
Decorate the Cookies: Using a small spoon or piping bag, drop a small amount of melted chocolate in the center of each cookie. Use a toothpick or small spoon to create a paw print shape by making 3 small dots on the chocolate (representing the toes) and one larger dot beneath them (representing the paw).

Serve:

Once the cookies are decorated and the chocolate has set, serve them as a fun and delicious treat!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 8-10 minutes. Adding the paw print decoration may take an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on how detailed you want the design to be.

Variations

These Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are already super fun, but here are some variations to try:

Use different chocolate: Instead of regular chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even milk chocolate for the paw print.
Add nuts: For an extra crunch, fold in some chopped peanuts into the cookie dough.
Peanut Butter Kiss: Skip the paw print and top each cookie with a Hershey’s Kiss or another chocolate candy for a more classic peanut butter blossom.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze them, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter for these cookies?

Yes! While creamy peanut butter gives the cookies a smoother texture, you can definitely use chunky peanut butter for added texture and crunch. Just keep in mind that it may affect the smoothness of the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls and baking.

How do I make the paw print with the chocolate?

To make the paw print, simply use a small spoon or piping bag to place a small dot of melted chocolate in the center of each cookie. Then, use a toothpick to add 3 smaller dots on top of the large dot to create the paw shape.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).

Can I use another shape instead of the paw print?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative and use any shape you like. You could use a simple chocolate kiss, a heart, or any fun candy to create a unique look for your cookies.

Conclusion

These Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a fun, delicious treat that’s sure to bring smiles to anyone who sees them. With their soft, chewy peanut butter flavor, rich chocolate paw print, and sweet cinnamon sugar coating, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, these cookies will be a hit with everyone!

Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies