Salted Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

If you’re a fan of peanut butter, then you are in for a real treat! These Salted Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and salty that will have you reaching for just one more cookie. With their chewy texture and rich, nutty flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy treat at home, these cookies are the answer. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making these delectable treats!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are chewy on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges, making each bite delightful.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a dessert, or even as a sweet addition to a picnic.

Your Shopping Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (156g) for structure.
• Fine Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance flavors.
• Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon for leavening.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (113g), melted and slightly cooled for richness.
• Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (160g), packed for moisture and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (50g), plus more for rolling to add sweetness.
• Large Egg: 1, at room temperature for binding.
• Creamy Salted Peanut Butter: 1 cup (200g), ideally unsweetened, at room temperature for a nutty taste.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon (21g) for natural sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to elevate flavor.
• Peanut Butter Chips: 1 cup (175g) to add creamy chunks of peanut butter bliss.

Prep & Cook Tools

• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Whisk: To mix wet ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: For folding in the peanut butter chips.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To portion out the cookie dough uniformly.

Salted Peanut Butter Chip Cookies: How It’s Done

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside as we prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Flavorings

Next, add the large egg, creamy salted peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Beat until well combined and glossy.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips

Gently fold in the peanut butter chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Portion the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look a bit underbaked, which is perfect for achieving that chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them for later!

Spring to Winter: Ideas

• Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Try sandwiching two cookies with chocolate or peanut butter frosting for an over-the-top dessert.
• Crush the cookies and sprinkle them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delightful breakfast twist.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Don’t skip the cooling step for the melted butter; it should be slightly cooled to prevent cooking the egg.
• Ensure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies.
• Be sure to measure your flour correctly; too much can lead to dry cookies.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

These Salted Peanut Butter Chip Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Here are a few tips:

• Prepare the cookie dough and scoop it into balls. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Quick Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookies, making them even more interesting.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to maintain the right balance of flavors.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, while the centers may appear slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the peanut butter chips for an extra chocolatey twist.

Serve with These

• Milk – A classic pairing with cookies.
• Coffee – The perfect warm beverage to complement the richness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – A delightful addition for a dessert sandwich.
• Yogurt – Top your favorite yogurt with crushed cookies for a tasty twist.

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps laid out, it’s time to get in the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delicious Salted Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Happy baking!