Description
These Best Peanut Butter Cookies are classic, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, these cookies are perfectly sweetened and optionally topped with flaky sea salt for a delightful balance. Easy to make and bake, they are a timeless treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to flatten each ball, pressing down in a crisscross pattern to create the classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while the cookies are still warm for an added flavor contrast.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender and prevent toughness.
- Flattening cookies with a fork not only shapes them but helps them bake evenly.
- Using both granulated and brown sugar keeps the cookies nicely balanced with sweetness and moisture.
- For a saltier-sweet flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt on warm cookies before they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
