Irresistible Salted Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies: Flourless & Low-Carb Friendly!
Imagine a cookie that’s chewy and soft on the inside, with a delightful hint of crispiness on the outside. Now, picture that perfect cookie generously dipped in rich chocolate and sprinkled with delicate salt flakes. These aren’t just any cookies; these are Salted Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies, and they are utterly mouth-watering! The best part? They’re flourless, incredibly easy to make with just 4 main ingredients, and can be adapted to be low-carb friendly!
Forget complicated baking. This recipe is your new go-to for instant gratification. We’re talking about a dough that takes approximately 50 seconds to mix, 10 minutes to bake, and perhaps just a couple of minutes to devour an entire tray (don’t worry, we’ve all been there!). These simple peanut butter cookies are then elevated to dessert perfection, transforming into a sweet and salty masterpiece that will curb any craving with speed and style.
Why These Cookies Are Your New Obsession
We all appreciate recipes that call for minimal ingredients, especially when those intense cravings strike. There’s nothing worse than wanting a delicious treat right now, only to find yourself waiting for dough to chill or searching for obscure ingredients. These salted chocolate dipped peanut butter cookies are designed for those moments of delightful desperation. They embody simplicity without sacrificing flavor, making them a true hero in your baking arsenal.
The Magic of Minimal Ingredients and Flourless Baking
The beauty of these cookies lies in their straightforward ingredient list. With just peanut butter, sweetener, an egg, and vanilla, you have the base for an incredibly satisfying cookie. The flourless nature not only makes them naturally gluten-free but also contributes to their wonderfully dense and chewy texture. This simplicity means less time shopping, less time prepping, and more time enjoying.
Satisfy Your Sweet & Salty Cravings
The combination of sweet and salty is a culinary revelation, and these cookies perfectly encapsulate that balance. My husband, years ago, introduced me to this concept, albeit in a rather unconventional way – by dipping French fries into chocolate sundaes! While that particular method didn’t quite win me over (though it inexplicably works for him and now my kids, thanks Paul!), the lingering salty taste in my chocolate sundae was enough to spark an idea. That moment solidified the idea that sweet and salty truly belong together. It planted a seed in my mind, leading directly to the creation of these exquisite cookies.
Crafting Perfection: A Step-by-Step Overview
These cookies are so straightforward to make, it’s almost unbelievable. You’ll move from mixing to baking to enjoying in record time. Let’s walk through the simple process that transforms a few pantry staples into a gourmet-level treat.
The Simple Dough Assembly
First, preheat your oven and line your baking sheets. Then, in a medium bowl, combine your smooth peanut butter, granulated sweetener (remembering you have options here, including sugar-free alternatives for a lower-carb version), a large egg, and a touch of pure vanilla extract. Mix everything together until a cohesive dough forms. This should take less than a minute. Once mixed, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into neat balls, and gently flatten each one with the palm of your hand, or for that classic look, press down with a fork.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake these beauties for 10-15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The edges should be set, but the center will still be delightfully soft. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial for them to firm up without breaking.
The Decadent Chocolate Dip
This is arguably the most exciting part! While your cookies are cooling, melt your chocolate chips (sugar-free, semi-sweet, or dark, depending on your preference) with a teaspoon of butter or shortening until smooth and glossy. Carefully dip each cooled peanut butter cookie halfway into the melted chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl before placing them onto waxed paper. This step transforms a simple cookie into a gourmet dessert.
The Finishing Touch: Salt Flakes
Immediately after dipping, sprinkle generously with salt flakes. The flakes add not only a crucial textural contrast but also intensify that irresistible sweet and salty profile. Let the chocolate set completely – you can speed this up by placing them in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. And while you’re waiting, don’t forget to lick any excess chocolate off your fingers (we won’t tell!). For optimal enjoyment and to prevent yourself from eating the entire batch at once, place the rest of the tray in the freezer, saving just two for immediate indulgence. Because trust me, you’ll want them.
Tips for the Best Salted Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Choice: For the best texture and flavor, use a smooth, creamy peanut butter. If you’re aiming for a truly low-carb cookie, opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt. Ensure it’s well-stirred if it separates.
- Sweetener Options: The recipe calls for natural granulated sweetener. For a genuinely low-carb version, use erythritol, stevia blend, or monk fruit sweetener. For a conventional cookie, white, raw, or coconut sugar works perfectly. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Achieving the Perfect Crisp: For a slightly crispier edge with a soft center, don’t over-flatten the cookie dough balls. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll be.
- Melting Chocolate: Melt your chocolate chips and butter/shortening slowly and gently, either in a microwave in 30-second intervals (stirring well between each) or over a double boiler. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Salt Flakes are Key: Don’t skip the salt flakes! They are essential for the “salted” part of the flavor profile. Sea salt flakes or Maldon salt work beautifully, offering a delicate crunch and burst of saltiness.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them!
- Freezing for Freshness: These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy them frozen!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of peanut butter?
Yes, you can! While smooth peanut butter is recommended for consistency, crunchy peanut butter can add an extra layer of texture. If using natural peanut butter, ensure it’s well-stirred to prevent the oils from separating, which can affect the dough’s texture. Avoid extremely oily or very dry brands.
What if I don’t have a specific sweetener? Are these cookies really low-carb?
The recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use granulated white sugar, raw sugar, coconut sugar, or for a low-carb version, a granulated sugar substitute like erythritol or a monk fruit blend. If you choose a traditional sugar, the cookies will not be low-carb (as indicated by the provided nutrition information showing 12g carbs per serving). To make them truly low-carb, ensure you use a sugar-free granulated sweetener and sugar-free chocolate chips.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you prefer them chilled or want to extend their life, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The texture might become a little firmer when cold.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for freezing. Once the chocolate has set, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months. You can enjoy them straight from the freezer for a firm, fudgy treat, or let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
More Irresistible Chocolate Treats to Explore
If you loved these salted chocolate dipped peanut butter cookies, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful chocolate-infused recipes. Perfect for any occasion or just because!
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- Chocolate Covered Bananas
- No Bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Dough Cups (low carb)
Pin
Salted Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter – I use No Sugar, No Salt
- 3/4 cup natural granulated sweetener option to use white sugar, raw sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sugar free , semi sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon butter or shortening
- salt flakes
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 190°C | 375°F. Prepare two baking trays with parchment/baking paper and set aside.
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Combine together peanut butter, sweetener (or sugar), egg and vanilla in a medium-sized bowl and mix well. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of cookie dough per cookie; roll into a ball and flatten with the palm of your hand (or use the end of a fork).
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Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Remove and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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While cookies are cooling, melt chocolate and butter (or shortening) together, mixing until smooth. Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place onto waxed paper; sprinkle with salt flakes and allow to set.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
