Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I recently uncovered a simple way to create Classic Peanut Butter Cookies that blend a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and rich peanut butter flavors. I love how these treats invite curiosity with every bite. The delightful crunch of sea salt and the soft, chewy texture guarantee a memorable experience without overcomplicating the process.

I’ve always been a huge fan of reinventing classic recipes and these Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies are no exception. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with delicious peanut butter flavor that reminds me of all the buttery, Reese’s style treats I grew up loving.

I mixed together 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1 cup granulated sugar, adding a large egg at room temp and stirring in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract just for that extra hint of sweetness. Once the dough was ready, I carefully formed balls and sprinkled a touch of coarse sea salt on top for that perfect finishing touch.

These cookies come together quickly, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Every bite strikes a balance between a basic yet rich peanut butter cookie and the moist, chewy texture you crave in your favorite treats.

I guarantee you’ll be coming back for more.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First off, it’s super easy to whip up and takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish. I don’t need to hunt for crazy ingredients or equipment, which makes it perfect when I’m short on time.

Secondly, I love how the cookies come out soft and chewy on the inside with a bit of a crisp edge when you bake them just right. That texture always reminds me of a warm, homemade treat.

Also, the pinch of coarse sea salt on top is just genius. It kinda balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the peanut butter, giving me a burst of flavor that I really enjoy.

And finally, the whole process of pressing the dough with a fork to create that neat crisscross pattern makes me feel like im making something special even though it’s super simple.

Ingredients

These cookies come together with a few quality ingredients that each bring something unique to the table.

The peanut butter provides creamy richness along with protein and fiber to help keep us full and happy.

Sugar supplies quick energy and sweetness.

Check out how each star shines below:

• Peanut butter: rich in protein, healthy fats, and mild fiber helping satisfy nut lovers.
• Sugar: provides quick carbohydrates that add sweetness; not much nutritional value though.
• Egg: adds protein, moisture, and binds ingredients together for a tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: boosts overall flavor and aroma while amplifying the cookies sweetness.
• Coarse sea salt: intensifies flavors, accentuates sweetness, and adds a subtle crunch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until it’s well combined.

3. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls using a spoon or cookie scoop and place them on the baking sheet, leaving enough space between each.

4. Press each dough ball gently with a fork to flatten it slightly and make the crisscross pattern on top.

5. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt evenly over each cookie for that extra flavor boost.

6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to set.

7. Be careful not to overbake as they should stay soft and chewy inside.

8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the tray.

9. After a few minutes, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

10. Dig in and enjoy your homemade peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk if you like!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Spoon or cookie scoop
6. Fork
7. Cooling rack

FAQ

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Creamy peanut butter: You can use chunky peanut butter or even try almond butter if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Granulated sugar: Brown sugar works fine and gives a deeper flavor to the cookies.
• Egg: Substitute 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for one egg if you need an egg-free option.
• Vanilla extract: If you dont have vanilla you can use almond extract, but use a little less since it’s stronger.
• Coarse sea salt: Kosher salt is a good alternative if you cant find sea salt.

Pro Tips

1. Try to let all your ingredients get to room temperature before mixing them together so everything blends better and ye dont end up with lumpy cookies.

2. Use a cookie scoop if you can, it helps making sure every cookie is the same size which means they bake evenly. Also if you dont have one, a tablespoon works just fine.

3. Keep an eye on your cookies once they go in the oven cuz every oven is a little different. Sometimes they might be done sooner than 10 minutes so check on them to be sure the edges are just set and not overbaked.

4. After taking them out of the oven, let the cookies sit on the tray a few minutes. That extra time helps them firm up a bit before you move them over to the cooling rack. Enjoy experimenting!