I whipped up these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies using creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and a single large egg. The hint of sea salt beautifully contrasts the sweet, chewy flavor. In just 30 minutes, my kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma that made me eager for each delectable bite.

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I love messing around in the kitchen and today I’m excited to share my recipe for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies. They turn out soft and chewy every time and are ready in just 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for when youre short on time.

I start with 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 large egg (at room temp) which creates a simple, delicious dough that really brings out that classic peanut butter flavor. I then shape the cookies and finish them with a quick sprinkle of sea salt for that extra kick.

These cookies remind me a bit of those beloved Reese’s treats and basic peanut butter cookies from back in the day, but what i really love is how they strike the perfect balance between moist and chewy. Give them a try and find out for yourself why these peanut butter cookies are a total game changer.

Enjoy every bite!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super easy to make, even when im in a rush. I mean, it only takes about 30 minutes and the ingredients are stuff i probably already got in my pantry. The mix of creamy peanut butter with a little pinch of sea salt totally gives me the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Finally, i appreciate how simple the whole recipe is – i’m not stressed trying to get fancy ingredients, so it feels just right for a quick treat any day.

Ingredients

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Creamy Peanut Butter has healthy fats and protein that makes cookies rich and flavorful its texture adds a smooth, addictive bite.
Granulated Sugar provides much needed sweetness and carbs to give energy, even though its not super healthy if over used.
Large Egg at room temp binds all the ingredients together and adds a bit of protein, making cookies not too dry.
Sea Salt sprinkle on top offers a nice savory edge that balances the sweet flavors in every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg (at room temp)

Sea salt for sprinkling (to taste)

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 medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 large room-temp egg until smooth.

3. Stir the mixture just until all the ingredients are well combined.

4. Scoop out small spoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet; they should be about 1 tablespoon each.

5. Roll each scoop gently into a ball, making sure not to overwork the dough.

6. Press down lightly on each ball to create a cookie shape.

7. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie for that extra flavor kick.

8. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set.

9. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

1. An oven with a reliable thermostat (set it to 350°F)
2. A baking sheet with parchment paper to line it
3. A medium-sized mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons for the peanut butter and sugar
5. A spatula or mixing spoon
6. A tablespoon scoop (or a regular spoon) for portioning the dough
7. A cooling rack to let the cookies finish cooling off

FAQ

Q: Why do I only use one cup of peanut butter?

Using 1 cup of peanut butter ensures the cookies get that rich, authentic flavor without being overwhelming. If you add too much, the balance can be off.

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

Sure you can but the cookies might have a more varied texture. Crunchy can add a bit of extra crunch which some people really like.

Q: What happens if my egg isn’t at room temperature?

If your egg is cold, it wouldn’t blend as smoothly and it might affect the cookie texture slightly. So, best to let it sit out for a bit before mixing.

Q: Why do the cookies need to be sprinkled with sea salt?

Sea salt really brings out the peanut butter flavor and balances out the sweetness of the sugar. It adds that finishing touch to each cookie.

Q: How long should I bake these cookies?

Usually about 10-12 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on them though; if they start to turn too brown, take them out sooner.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have creamy peanut butter, you can use chunky peanut butter or even almond butter for a slightly different texture and taste.
Instead of granulated sugar, you might try brown sugar or coconut sugar which can add a bit more moisture and a richer flavor.
If you’re out of eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it soak for a few minutes or use 1/4 cup applesauce as an alternative.
Sea salt can be substituted with kosher salt; just be careful and maybe use a bit less since it could be saltier.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your egg is really at room temp before you start mixin the dough cuz a cold egg can mess up how smooth everything gets.
2. Dont overwork the mixture—just stir it until everything is mixed up, any extra stirring can make your cookies tough and not as soft as they should be.
3. Use a proper scoop or that tablespoon you got so all cookies are the same size, this helps them bake evenly without some gettin burnt and others still doughy.
4. After yanking ’em outta the oven, let the cookies chill on the tray a few minutes rather than moving them straight to a rack, this helps them set up nice and firm without falling apart.