Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies studded with rich chocolate chunks and roasted peanuts, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These cookies deliver the perfect sweet-salty bite that will please any cookie enthusiast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies offer a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, dark chocolate, and roasted peanuts with a finishing touch of flaky sea salt. The contrast of textures and flavors makes these cookies irresistible. They’re easy to prepare, require simple pantry ingredients, and strike a satisfying balance between sweet and salty.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter, softened
creamy peanut butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
large egg
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
dark chocolate chunks
roasted peanuts, chopped
flaky sea salt, for topping

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chunks and chopped roasted peanuts.
Scoop dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Lightly press each ball down and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 18 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 10–12 minutes. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet.

Variations

Use milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chunks for a sweeter bite.
Substitute crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

What kind of peanut butter works best for this recipe?

Creamy commercial peanut butter provides the best texture and consistency. Natural peanut butter may cause spreading or oil separation.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is not necessary, but if the dough feels too soft, chilling for 15–30 minutes can help maintain shape during baking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients to balance the flavors.

How do I make the cookies chewier?

Avoid overbaking and consider slightly underbaking them so they finish setting as they cool.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles well—just ensure even mixing and use multiple baking sheets.

What’s the purpose of flaky sea salt on top?

It enhances the flavor by contrasting with the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate and peanut butter notes.

Are there nut-free alternatives?

You can substitute sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts for a nut-free version, though flavor will differ.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Yes, though chocolate chunks offer larger pockets of melted chocolate which some find more indulgent.

How should I freeze the dough?

Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Conclusion

Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies bring together the richness of peanut butter, the depth of dark chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts, all heightened by a hint of sea salt. Easy to make and deeply flavorful, they’re a must-try for anyone who enjoys cookies with a gourmet twist. Whether served fresh or stored for later enjoyment, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.