SALT MAPLE ULTRA SOFT PEANUT BUTTER DROPS 🥜🍁
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural varieties give a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (avoid imitation maple syrup for best taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt (plus a little extra for topping)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
- To start, gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This makes it easier and more fun to cook. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter and the maple syrup until well combined. The mixture should have a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Next, add in the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix these in until you see no more sugar granules. This step is crucial for ensuring an even sweetness throughout the cookies.
- Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is combined smoothly. You’ll have a rich, golden mixture that smells absolutely divine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and coarse sea salt. This helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix, or the cookies may become tough.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread a little as they bake.
- Before placing them in the oven, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. This will enhance the flavor beautifully.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time is essential to prevent them from falling apart.
Additional Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
- Number of servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Notes:
These cookies are soft and chewy with a delightful balance of sweetness and salty flavors. Storing them in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to a week. If you prefer a more intense peanut butter flavor, feel free to add an additional tablespoon of peanut butter in the mixture!