I made these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies with creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and just a pinch of sea salt. The egg and baking soda yield soft, chewy cookies that capture a unique blend of sweetness and savory notes from vanilla extract. Every bite invites you to enjoy a familiar favorite reinvented.

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I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately, and I stumbled across this recipe for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies that totally blew my mind. I used 1 cup of creamy peanut butter (unsalted works best) along with 1 cup of granulated sugar, a large egg at room temperature for extra lift, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Once they were shaped and popped into the oven, I sprinkled a touch of sea salt on top — and bam! These cookies turned out soft and chewy with that perfect hint of saltiness that cuts through the rich peanut butter.

It’s like a modern twist on classic peanut butter goodies that feel indulgent yet simple enough to whip up in around 30 minutes. Honestly, if you love the vibe of a good peanut butter cookie that reminds you of Reese’s treats or even those basic three ingredient ones, you’re going to be hooked.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First of all, i like how simple it is; it only uses a few ingredients and the process isnt complicated at all which makes it easy for me to whip it up even on days when i dont feel like spending too much time in the kitchen.

Another thing that gets me excited about these cookies is the flavor combo. The creamy peanut butter mixed with the granulated sugar and then topped off with just a pinch of sea salt makes every bite a little explosion of both sweet and salty, and i just cant get enough of that balance.

I also appreciate that the cookies turn out soft and chewy with a slight crispiness on the edges. Those textures together remind me of homemade treats from my childhood which always puts me in a good mood when i eat them.

Finally, i really like that this recipe feels both nostalgic and refreshing at the same time. It’s like a classic treat with a twist, making me feel comfortable and adventurous all at once.

Ingredients

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Peanut butter gives cookies a creamy texture and adds fulfilling healthy fats and proteins.
Sugar sweetens the cookies while creating a crisp outside and soft, chewy center.
Egg binds ingredients and gives the cookies extra moisture plus a bit of protein.
Baking soda makes cookies rise softly and ensures an even texture through baking.
Vanilla extract enhances overall flavor giving cookies a warm, inviting aroma.
Sea salt sprinkled on top increases flavor contrast while complementing the cookie sweetness.
Using fresh, high quality ingredients makes every bite much more delicious and satisfying.
Every ingredient works together for a memorable cookie treat.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup creamy peanut butter (unsalted if possible)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg (room temperature works best)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sea salt for sprinklin on top

How to Make this

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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, baking soda and vanilla extract until its all combined.

3. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, then place it on the prepared baking sheet.

4. With a fork, press down on each dough ball to flatten it gently and create a crisscross pattern on top.

5. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each cookie for that extra flavor kick.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.

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

8. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before diggin in.

9. Enjoy these soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk if you like!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – you’ll need one that can be set to 350°F
2. Baking sheet – for placing the cookies in the oven
3. Parchment paper – to line the baking sheet
4. Large mixing bowl – for combining all the cookie ingredients
5. Spoon or spatula – to mix well
6. Tablespoon or cookie scoop – to measure and form the dough balls
7. Fork – to flatten the dough and create the crisscross pattern
8. Wire cooling rack – to let the cookies cool completely after baking

FAQ

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

A: Sure, you can try crunchy but the texture of the cookie will change a bit. Some people like the crunch while others prefer a smooth cookie.

Q: Why does the recipe call for a room temperature egg?

A: Using a room temperature egg helps the ingredients mix together better and leads to more even rising during baking.

Q: How long should I bake these cookies?

A: Generally, you'll want to bake them for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them though since every oven is a bit different.

Q: What's the deal with sprinklin sea salt on top?

A: The sea salt adds a nice contrast to the sweet and nutty flavor of the cookies, but if you dont like salt, you can skip it.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten free?

A: Absolutely! Since the recipe doesn't call for any flour, it's already gluten free.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Peanut butter: If you are out, try using almond butter or cashew butter instead. They give a different twist on the flavor.
Sugar: You can swap granulated sugar with light brown sugar if you want a slightly richer taste and a chewier cookie.
Egg: In a pinch you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
Baking soda: If you dont have any, use 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder instead. It might change the texture a bit but works fine.

Pro Tips

1. Try chillin the dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes before you bake it. This can help the cookies hold their shape better and make them even chewier when they come out of the oven.
2. Don’t overmix your batter. Once all the ingredients are combined, stop stirrin so you don’t end up with tough cookies.
3. Experiment a little with add-ins like a few chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the dough for an extra twist.
4. Keep an eye on the baking time – bake them for just the right amount so they stay soft and chewy; remember that the cookies will keep cookin a bit on the sheet once they’re out of the oven.