Peanut butter cookies are a classic, but when you add a touch of flaky sea salt, they become truly next-level delicious! These Salted Peanut Butter Cookies are inspired by the famous recipe from Smitten Kitchen, known for their chewy centers, crisp edges, and rich peanut butter flavor.
Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for an easy, gluten-free, and utterly irresistible cookie recipe, this is the ultimate treat to try. Best of all, these cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients and require no flour!
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Why these peanut butter cookies are so special
✔ Step-by-step instructions for perfect results
✔ Expert baking tips for chewy, bakery-style cookies
✔ Storage and freezing tips
✔ Fun variations to customize your cookies
Let’s bake the best Salted Peanut Butter Cookies ever! 🍪🥜✨
🌟 Why You’ll Love These Cookies
✔ Only 5 Main Ingredients! – Simple pantry staples, no fancy ingredients.
✔ No Flour Needed – Perfect for gluten-free baking!
✔ Soft & Chewy – The ideal balance of texture with crisp edges.
✔ Sweet & Salty Perfection – A pinch of flaky sea salt takes them to the next level.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
🥜 Ingredients for Salted Peanut Butter Cookies
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make these cookies:
- 1 cup (250g) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar (for extra chewiness)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
🌟 Pro Tip: Use natural peanut butter for an intense peanut flavor, but stir well before using!
🍪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until everything is well combined and forms a smooth, thick dough.
Step 3: Scoop & Shape the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.
- Roll into balls and place on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern.
Step 4: Add the Salt
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm but the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🌟 Pro Tip: The cookies will look slightly underbaked when you take them out—this is normal! They will firm up as they cool.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the dough mix evenly.
✔ Do Not Overbake – The cookies will continue cooking as they cool.
✔ Let the Dough Rest – If using natural peanut butter, refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
✔ Choose the Right Peanut Butter – Regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best for structure, but natural peanut butter adds extra flavor.
✔ Sprinkle Salt Before Baking – This allows the salt to stick and enhances the flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cookies
These Salted Peanut Butter Cookies pair perfectly with:
🥛 A Glass of Cold Milk – The classic combo!
☕ Coffee or Tea – Balances the sweetness with a rich, warm drink.
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream – Turn them into an ice cream sandwich!
🍫 Drizzle with Melted Chocolate – For an extra indulgent twist.
🥶 How to Store & Freeze Peanut Butter Cookies
Storing Fresh Cookies
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra freshness, add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb its moisture!
Freezing Cookie Dough
- Scoop the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months.
- To bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 1-2 extra minutes.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Let cookies cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
🌟 Fun Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
✔ Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies – Add ½ cup chocolate chips for an extra treat!
✔ Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies – Use crunchy peanut butter for more texture.
✔ Cinnamon-Spiced Cookies – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.
✔ Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprints – Press a small dent in each cookie and fill with raspberry or strawberry jam after baking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond butter works well, but the cookies may be a bit softer.
2. Do I have to use baking soda?
Yes, baking soda helps with texture and structure, especially since this is a flourless cookie recipe.
3. Why are my cookies crumbly?
This can happen if the dough is too dry. Try adding a teaspoon of milk or an extra egg yolk to help bind the dough.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily, and the cookies freeze well for later.
5. How do I get cookies to stay soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread—it keeps them soft for longer!
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Salted Peanut Butter Cookies are easy, flourless, and packed with peanut butter flavor. The combination of sweet and salty, plus the chewy yet crispy texture, makes them absolutely irresistible.
🌟 Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because—you’ll love these cookies!
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Happy baking! 🍪🥜✨
