The Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

Process the peanuts in a food processor until very finely ground; it should be the consistency of almond flour. Whisk together the ground peanuts, flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3

Beat the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, eggs, melted butter, honey and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Working with 2 tablespoons of dough at a time (or using a 1-ounce ice cream scoop), roll the dough into balls. Evenly space them on the prepared baking sheets (12 balls per sheet). Sprinkle with the raw sugar.

Step 5

Bake the cookies, 1 baking sheet at a time, until the edges are just set and just beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.