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Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and there’s no better candidate to fill your kitchen with comfort and delight than a batch of peanut butter cookies. Rich, nutty, and slightly salty, these cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Read on to learn how to make these sweet and salty treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer (or a sturdy wooden spoon) to blend the peanut butter and softened butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Gradually add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing well after each addition.
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix these dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, blending just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each cookie. Press each ball gently with a fork twice in a crisscross pattern, creating those classic peanut butter cookie ridges. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Sweet & Salty Whirlwind Peanut Butter Cookies are a treat for peanut butter enthusiasts everywhere. They offer a nostalgic nod to classic cookies while still tasting fresh and modern. Perfect for bake sales, weekend indulgences, or coffee-break cravings, these cookies can be easily adjusted for a healthier twist by swapping in whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar. You can also add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top for extra richness. Enjoy these cookies warm, share them with friends, or store them in an airtight container to enjoy throughout the week—one batch is never quite enough!
