Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are the epitome of comfort food—soft, chewy, and packed with that rich, nutty flavor you can’t resist. These cookies are a classic for a reason! With just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness, they have a nostalgic flavor that takes you back to simpler times. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday, or simply to enjoy with a glass of milk, these peanut butter cookies will never disappoint. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and always turn out perfectly delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the butter and peanut butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the sugars and eggs: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter-peanut butter mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. To give them the classic peanut butter cookie look, gently flatten each ball with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern on top.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake them for the best chewy texture.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size you make them.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
• Peanut Butter and Oatmeal: Add 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier, chewier texture.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for an added crunch.
• Peanut Butter Blossoms: After baking, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C).

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without butter?

You can substitute the butter with margarine, though the texture might be slightly different. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter.

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it can make the dough a bit more oily. If it seems too runny, you can add a little more flour to help balance the texture.

Why are my peanut butter cookies too soft?

If the cookies turn out too soft, they might need a little more baking time, or your dough could be too soft. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them firm up.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container and bake as needed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I make the cookies without a mixer?

Yes, you can mix the dough by hand. Just make sure to use a strong spoon to cream the butter and peanut butter together, and mix in the other ingredients until well-combined.

Can I add other mix-ins to these cookies?

Absolutely! You can mix in chopped nuts (like peanuts or almonds), dried fruit, or even crushed pretzels for some extra flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

To keep them soft and chewy, store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread in it. The bread helps maintain moisture and prevents the cookies from drying out.

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While self-rising flour can work, it contains added baking powder and salt. If you use self-rising flour, skip the baking soda and salt in the recipe.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Peanut butter cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. If they’re too firm, they might be overbaked. A soft, slightly undercooked center will yield a chewy texture once they cool.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check that the peanut butter you use is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless treat that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. With their soft, chewy texture and the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or packing them in a lunchbox, they’ll always bring a smile to your face. Try these cookies today and taste the classic, comforting flavors that never go out of style!

Print