Name: Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1.25 cups All-Purpose Flour; 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.125 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (Softened to room temperature); 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar; 0.25 cups Light Brown Sugar (Firmly packed); 0.75 cups Creamy Peanut Butter; 1 large Egg (Room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 0.5 cups Honey Roasted Peanuts (Coarsely chopped); 0.75 cups Creamy Peanut Butter; 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Softened to room temperature); 1.5 cups Powdered Sugar; 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2-4 tablespoons Milk, Cream, or Water (Adjust for consistency)

Jump to Recipe

Imagine the scent of warm, freshly baked cookies swirling through your kitchen, with hints of roasted peanuts and sweet, creamy frosting—pure comfort in every bite. If you’re searching for a cookie that’s simultaneously nostalgic and a bit decadent, Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies are just what you need. These cookies marry classic peanut butter cookie crunch with a cloud of luscious peanut butter frosting on top, creating a treat that’s both familiar and irresistibly fun. They also have a unique backstory—I once baked a double batch for a neighborhood block party, and they disappeared faster than any of my famous chocolate chip cookies! Unlike simple drop cookies, frosted peanut butter cookies elevate your favorite childhood snack into something even more special (move over, Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake). Simple, quick, and universally adored, these cookies promise a bite of happiness with every mouthful. Give them a try—they may just become your new go-to dessert!

What is Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies ?

Let’s break it down—why “Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies”? Isn’t the idea of slathering rich, creamy peanut butter frosting atop an already perfect peanut butter cookie just a little delightfully over-the-top? I think so, and that’s exactly why we adore them! Legend has it these cookies were dreamt up by someone who needed a little extra sweetness in life (or maybe just wanted to use up the last bit of peanut butter in the jar—haven’t we all been there?). As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookies will definitely lead the way! Give this whimsical treat a try—you’ll see for yourself why they’ve earned their scrumptious name.

Why You’ll Love This

The star of these cookies is their two-in-one texture—the soft, chewy base contrasts perfectly with the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter frosting. If you love peanut butter cups, imagine them transformed into cookie form! Making these cookies at home is not only kind to your wallet, but lets you control the quality of ingredients (and load up on extra peanuts if you wish). The honey-roasted peanuts offer a salty-sweet crunch, while the cinnamon adds a cozy complexity. Another bonus? You can customize the frosting’s thickness to your heart’s content. If you’ve enjoyed my Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies, you’ll find these Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies are both a delicious and economical addition to your baking lineup. Once you try them, don’t forget to share your results—tag me to spread the cookie joy!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies are wonderfully easy to pull together, perfect for a quick baking session or spontaneous sweet craving. These cookies take about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus a little cooling and frosting. You’ll love the simplicity of the ingredients: pantry staples whisked together, scooped into rounds, baked, and then generously topped with a creamy, silky peanut butter frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises comforting, classic flavors with minimal effort and maximum reward.

Ingredients

1 and 1⁄4 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1⁄2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1⁄4 cup (50g) firmly packed light brown sugar
3⁄4 cup (180g) creamy peanut butter
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 cup (72g) honey roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

For the Frosting:
3⁄4 cup (188g) creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 and 1⁄2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 4 tablespoons (40-60mL) milk, cream, or water (adjust for consistency)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add in the creamy peanut butter, then the egg and vanilla extract. Beat well until everything is fully combined and creamy.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, blending just until no pockets of flour remain.
Fold in the chopped honey roasted peanuts. The dough will be soft but thick.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten the tops with the back of a fork or your fingers.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look a little soft. Do not overbake—the cookies will continue firming up as they cool.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While cookies cool, make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk, cream, or water to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each one using a butter knife or offset spatula. Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies With

Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies are a treat on their own, but pairing them with the right sides makes any occasion extra special. Serve alongside a tall, cold glass of milk or a creamy latte for a classic combo. For a fun dessert platter, add fresh-cut strawberries or sliced bananas to balance the richness. Hosting a party? Pair these cookies with chocolate-dipped pretzels or salty nuts for a sweet-and-salty spread. For a grown-up twist, enjoy with a dessert wine or spiked hot chocolate. They even shine crumbled over vanilla ice cream!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Want flawless cookies every time?

Use room temperature butter and eggs—this creates a smooth, even-textured dough.
If you’re out of honey roasted peanuts, swap in regular salted peanuts or even chopped pecans for a different flavor.
Make sure to not overbake; cookies should be just set around the edges and still a bit soft in the middle.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch more cinnamon, or swirl a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread into the frosting for a chocolatey twist.
When frosting, let the cookies cool completely so the frosting doesn’t melt off. If you’re short on time, pop the cookies in the fridge before spreading.
Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients; too much mixing can make cookies tough.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your frosted peanut butter cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week—just bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (frosted or unfrosted) in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Cookies will freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently microwave a single cookie for 10–12 seconds for that just-baked warmth. If freezing unfrosted, add the frosting after thawing for a freshly finished touch.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but the texture may be a bit more crumbly since it’s usually runnier and less stabilized. Stir well before measuring and keep an eye on the dough.

What if I don’t have honey roasted peanuts?
No worries! You can substitute with regular salted peanuts, unsalted roasted peanuts, or skip them entirely. Chopped pecans or walnuts also add a nice crunch.

How do I make the frosting extra fluffy?
For a fluffier frosting, use an electric mixer and beat the peanut butter and butter together until light and airy before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just check the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Bake the cookies up to two days in advance and store, unfrosted, in an airtight container. Make the frosting the day you plan to serve, and frost before enjoying.

Conclusion

Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter cookie—soft, chewy centers topped with a creamy swirl of luscious peanut butter frosting. Quick, easy, and budget-friendly, they’re perfect for family gatherings, lunchboxes, or simply treating yourself after a long day. With flexible ingredients and plenty of make-ahead options, anyone can master this recipe (even baking beginners!). Don’t forget to share your cookie creations on social media or in the comments below—I love seeing your kitchen successes. Bake a batch today and watch smiles appear around every table!