Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

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Few things bring back childhood memories like the rich aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting from the kitchen. These Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are the epitome of homemade comfort—crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with nostalgic flavor that only peanut butter can deliver. Their signature crisscross pattern not only gives them that classic look but also adds just the right amount of rustic charm to any cookie platter.

Perfect with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee, these cookies are a breeze to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday tray, school lunchbox, or an afternoon snack, they’ll bring joy with every bite. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a little bit of love.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• Classic taste that never goes out of style
• Made with just a few simple ingredients
• Crisp edges with soft, chewy centers
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• Easy to bake and even easier to eat

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make perfect Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Mixing Bowls: Use one large bowl for mixing wet and dry ingredients together. A sturdy bowl is key for creaming the peanut butter and sugar.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This helps to get the creamed mixture light and fluffy, which is crucial for the right texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when baking. Accurate measurements make all the difference.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps form evenly sized dough balls, ensuring uniform baking.
• Fork: Essential for pressing the classic crisscross pattern into the cookies.
• Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cooling Rack: Lets cookies cool evenly after baking without getting soggy bottoms.

Preparation Tips

Make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature so it mixes more easily into the dough. If it’s too stiff, it could make your cookies dense. For the best flavor and texture, use creamy peanut butter rather than natural ones, which can separate and be oily. Also, don’t skip chilling the dough if it feels too soft—it helps prevent spreading. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. The cookies may look underdone when you take them out, but they firm up as they cool, resulting in that perfect chewy middle and crisp edge.

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Ingredients for this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step 1: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, cream everything together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps create a smooth dough and gives the cookies their soft texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until well incorporated. The egg adds structure and moisture, while vanilla deepens the overall flavor of the cookies.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these separately ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed and prevents clumping.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and not tough.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 6: Create the Crisscross Pattern

With the back of a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball to flatten it slightly and form a crisscross pattern. This not only gives the cookies their classic look but also helps them bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but soft. Do not overbake, as they continue to firm up after being removed from the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, serve or store them in an airtight container.

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Notes

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are all about simplicity and flavor. To bring out the best in them, use good quality peanut butter and real vanilla extract. If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them. For a crunchier texture, leave them in for an extra minute or two. You can also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist. These cookies freeze beautifully, so consider doubling the batch and saving some for later.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using natural peanut butter: These often have oil separation and can ruin the dough’s consistency.
• Skipping the creaming step: Properly creaming the butter and sugars is essential for texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Leads to tough cookies instead of soft, tender ones.
• Pressing too hard with the fork: You want to create the pattern, not flatten the cookie entirely.
• Overbaking: They should still look slightly soft in the center when pulled from the oven.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them extra fresh, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb any excess moisture. If freezing, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie – Based on 24 cookies)

• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

Use creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Avoid natural peanut butter as it can make the dough oily and crumbly.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, if you like bits of peanut texture in your cookies, crunchy peanut butter works well.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional. If your dough is very soft, a quick 15–30 minute chill can help prevent spreading.

Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?

The dough is dense and needs to be flattened to bake evenly. The fork also gives them a traditional, recognizable pattern.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

They’re ready when the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Don’t wait for them to brown deeply.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, press with a fork, and bake.

What can I add to this recipe for a twist?

Try adding chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

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Conclusion

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and offer rich, nutty goodness that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, this recipe delivers warm, homemade satisfaction every time. Keep this classic in your rotation—it’s a go-to you’ll come back to again and again.

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