Grandma’s Treasured Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through these old-fashioned peanut butter cookies that promise pure comfort and nostalgia.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a delightful texture you’ll absolutely adore.

Classic recipes carry generations of love within each crumbly bite.

Humble ingredients come together in a magical blend of simplicity and warmth.

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home with delicious memories.

Simple yet irresistible, these treats connect us to cherished moments from childhood.

Get ready to fall in love with a timeless recipe that celebrates pure, uncomplicated joy.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

What To Pair With Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in the classic combination of old-fashioned peanut butter cookies with a cold, refreshing glass of whole milk. The rich, smooth milk perfectly complements the nutty, sweet cookie, creating a nostalgic and comforting taste experience.
• Enjoy with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a steaming cup of dark roast coffee to highlight the deep, nutty flavors of the cookies. The robust coffee cuts through the cookie's sweetness, providing a delightful contrast that awakens your taste buds.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Ice Cream: Create a decadent dessert by serving warm peanut butter cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cool, smooth ice cream melts slightly against the warm cookie, creating an irresistible blend of temperatures and textures.
• Match with Chocolate Stout: For adult palates, pair these cookies with a rich chocolate stout beer. The deep, malty flavors of the stout enhance the peanut butter's nutty notes, delivering a sophisticated and indulgent treat.

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Variations You’ll Love

• Chocolate Chip Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and chopped peanuts into the cookie dough for extra texture and rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Edition: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Bites: Skip the oven and roll the mixture into energy balls, coating them with crushed graham crackers or rolled oats for a quick no-bake treat.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted caramel over cookies and sprinkle sea salt for a gourmet sweet-salty experience.

FAQs On Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Why do I need to use both baking soda and baking powder in this recipe?

Both leavening agents help the cookies rise and create a softer texture. Baking soda helps spread the cookies, while baking powder provides extra lift and ensures a tender crumb.

• Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Creamy peanut butter works best for smooth consistency, but you can use natural peanut butter. Just make sure to stir it well and drain any excess oil. Crunchy peanut butter might affect the cookie’s texture.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies might seem slightly soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.

• What's the purpose of using a fork to create a crisscross pattern on the cookies?

The fork marks are a classic peanut butter cookie tradition. They help flatten the cookies and create a signature look. The pattern also allows for even baking and helps the cookies spread uniformly.

Why Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Are A Classic Treat

• Whip Up Nostalgic Comfort: These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies transport you back to grandma's kitchen, delivering pure, simple joy with every bite. Classic recipes like this capture the essence of homemade goodness that store-bought treats can't match.
• Effortlessly Quick Baking: From start to finish, these cookies take just about 25 minutes, making them perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs. Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean even beginner bakers can create delicious results without stress.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Peanut butter cookies are universally loved by kids and adults alike, offering a reliable dessert that brings smiles around the dinner table. Their familiar flavor and soft texture make them a go-to treat for family gatherings, school parties, or casual weekend baking.
• Customize with Ease: The basic recipe welcomes creative twists like adding chocolate chips, rolling in sugar, or creating sandwich cookies with extra filling. Bakers can personalize these cookies while maintaining the beloved traditional taste that everyone adores.

Everything You’ll Need For Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds flavor and helps create a tender texture. Room temperature ensures smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cookie browning. Brown sugar adds moisture and deeper flavor.
• Peanut Butter: Core flavor ingredient that gives classic nutty taste. Natural or creamy style works best.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to the cookies. Fresh eggs are recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps cookies hold their shape. Measure carefully for best results.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light. Fresh, unexpired ingredients are crucial.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

How To Bake Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

• Creamy peanut butter
• Fresh egg
• Vanilla extract

Mix everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Shape the Delightful Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into cute little balls. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Take a fork and gently press down on each ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Be careful not to let them get too dark!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before diving in and enjoying these classic treats.

Tips For Soft Or Crunchy Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Customize Crunch Control: Adjust cookie texture by choosing smooth or chunky peanut butter, giving you control over the final crunch and mouthfeel.
• Master Softness Secrets: Pull cookies from the oven when edges are just set to ensure a perfectly soft, chewy center without drying out.
• Swap Flour for Dietary Needs: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Boost Protein Power: Incorporate a scoop of protein powder into the dough for an extra nutritional punch without compromising cookie taste.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Portion and freeze raw dough balls, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

How To Keep Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh Longer

• Preserve these delightful peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft, chewy texture.
• Want to extend their shelf life? Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before storing to keep them fresh and prevent freezer burn.
• When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and they'll taste just as delicious as the day you baked them.

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Nostalgic American classic “old-fashioned peanut butter cookies” deliver sweet comfort with crisp edges and tender centers. Crumbly, nutty delights bring warm memories of grandma’s kitchen to your plate, inviting pure cookie bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams/4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (125 grams/4.4 ounces) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (100 grams/3.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams/3.5 ounces) brown sugar, packed
• 1 ¼ cups (155 grams/5.5 ounces) all-purpose flour

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a clean workspace for your cookie adventure.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into a creamy, airy mixture. Introduce peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until silky smooth.
3. Separately, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Scoop out uniform portions of dough and roll into perfect spheres, placing them carefully on prepared baking sheets with ample breathing room between each cookie.
6. Employ a fork to create signature crisscross patterns, gently pressing down on each dough ball to flatten slightly.
7. Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven, allowing cookies to transform for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look set.
8. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up and stabilize.
9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, letting them cool completely to achieve the ideal texture and flavor development.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a thicker, chewier cookie texture.
• Swap traditional peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free alternatives that maintain similar richness.
• Use natural peanut butter sparingly, as its higher oil content can make cookies too soft or greasy; mix with standard peanut butter for best results.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the classic cookie’s tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 143
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg