Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif, Skippy or similar, not natural peanut butter)
Optional
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
- Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
- Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Cream these ingredients together on medium speed for 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides at least once to ensure a smooth, combined mixture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until the batter becomes light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain the chewy texture.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top if desired for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. For a chewier cookie, bake for 10 minutes; for a slightly crispier edge, bake 11-12 minutes.
- Flatten and Finish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently tap it on the countertop to flatten the cookies slightly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if using. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a smooth creamed mixture and better texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain the chewy consistency desired.
- Flaky sea salt on top adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- For sturdier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if time allows.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a crunchier texture in the cookie.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American