Honey Peanut Butter Cookies

Let’s talk cookies—specifically, this incredible peanut butter cookie that uses honey for sweetness and complexity. Honey is a fantastic addition to cookie recipes because it creates a softer crumb, deeper flavor and chewier texture. Here it combines with peanut butter to create serious character: a deep nutty flavor from the peanut butter, a mellow sweetness from the honey, and a texture that lands somewhere between tender and toothsome.

As a bonus, the dough mixes up in a single bowl with a wooden spoon (no mixer required!). And the classic fork crosshatch isn’t just decorative—it helps the dense dough bake evenly.

Honey Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients

• Shortening
• Creamy peanut butter
• Honey
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Directions

Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the shortening, peanut butter and honey. Add the lightly beaten eggs to the peanut butter mixture, and mix well.

Editor’s Tip: You’ll know the mixture is well combined when it’s smooth and uniform.

Step 2: Form the dough

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and mix well.

Step 3: Shape and bake the cookies

Roll the dough into 1- to 1-1/2-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each dough ball with a fork dipped in flour to create a crisscross pattern. Bake until set, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to wire cooling racks to cool.

Editor’s Tip: Cookies expand as they bake, so space the dough balls 2 inches apart to give them enough room.

How to Store Honey Peanut Butter Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and chewy thanks to the honey.

Peanut butter and honey cookies also freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Honey Peanut Butter Cookie Tips

Should I make peanut butter cookies with crunchy or creamy peanut butter?

The best peanut butter for cookies depends on your preference, so you can use crunchy or creamy peanut butter for this recipe. We generally prefer creamy peanut butter, which gives the cookies a smoother, more consistent texture. Crunchy versions may make the dough slightly more crumbly and affect the shape.

What kind of honey works best for baking these cookies?

Mild, light-colored honey like clover or wildflower works best for this honey and peanut butter cookie recipe because it won’t overpower the peanut butter flavor. A bolder honey, like buckwheat, may alter the taste of the cookie.

How do I keep peanut butter cookie dough from sticking to the fork?

To keep the fork from sticking to the dough, dip it in flour before pressing it into each dough ball. This helps the fork release smoothly, making it easier to create those classic crisscross marks. For the best results, dip the fork into the flour every few cookies.

Can I make peanut butter cookies with butter instead of shortening?

You can use unsalted butter or shortening in this peanut butter cookie recipe. Butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and softer texture, while shortening helps them stay thick and tender.