Grandma-Approved Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: Sweet Nostalgia

Crisp edges give way to a soft center in these classic peanut butter cookies that blend nostalgia with pure comfort.

Every baker craves a reliable recipe that brings smiles to the table.

The right balance of sweet and nutty flavors makes these cookies irresistible.

Generations have cherished this simple yet delightful treat that comes together with just a few pantry staples.

Butter, sugar, and creamy peanut butter create a magical combination that melts in your mouth.

Each bite transports you to childhood memories of after-school snacks and weekend baking adventures.

These cookies promise to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients For Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth texture and depth of flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp cookie edges.
• Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and deep caramel-like undertones to the cookies.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers classic nutty flavor and signature cookie character.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie's fundamental structure and helps ingredients hold together.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread with soft, tender texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides additional lift and ensures even cookie consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.

• Egg: Binds ingredients, adds moisture, and contributes to soft cookie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile with warm, aromatic undertones.

Baking Tools For Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Baking sheets: Must-have for baking cookies with even heat distribution.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for getting ingredient proportions just right.
• Fork: Used to create classic crisscross pattern on cookie tops.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and crisp up nicely.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Ensures uniform cookie sizes.

Steps To Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Mix Magic

In a big bowl, whip butter and sugars until they’re cloud-like and dreamy. Swirl in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla until silky smooth. Separately, blend flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

• Shape Cookie Gems

Scoop dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet with some breathing room. Gently press a fork into each ball, creating a classic criss-cross pattern.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges and a soft center – don’t let them get too crispy!

• Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies hang out on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Grab a glass of milk and savor your homemade treats.

Tips To Perfect Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Peanut Butter Perfection Techniques: Swap out traditional peanut butter for natural or crunchy varieties to enhance texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Cookie Hack: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly treats that maintain classic cookie consistency.
• Healthy Modification: Reduce sugar by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting total sugar quantity by one-third without compromising delicious taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, allowing spontaneous fresh-baked cookie enjoyment anytime.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to increase nutritional value and create exciting flavor combinations that elevate classic recipe.

Serving Up Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Classic Milk Pairing: Serve these warm, soft peanut butter cookies alongside a cold glass of whole milk for a nostalgic, comforting dessert experience that brings back childhood memories.
• Sweet Dessert Plate: Arrange cookies on a beautiful platter with chocolate chunks, fresh strawberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to create an elegant and inviting presentation.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Transform these cookies into delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies, creating a decadent summer treat that's sure to impress both kids and adults.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic twine or ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or family gatherings.

Storage Tips For Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual cookies or entire batches in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen cookies stay delicious for 3 months, perfect for surprise snack moments.
• Room Temperature Comfort: Store cookies in a sealed container at ambient temperature, ensuring they remain soft and crumbly for 3-4 days away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cookie dough balls in advance, refrigerate for 24 hours, or freeze unbaked dough for spontaneous baking adventures within 2 months.

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Classic Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies showcase nostalgic comfort with crisp edges and tender centers. Bakers can savor these simple, delightful treats that connect generations through sweet memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups (155 grams/5.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 grams/3.5 oz) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100 grams/3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113 grams/4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (125 grams/4.4 oz) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, establishing an organized cooking environment.
2. Wet Ingredients Fusion: Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Incorporate peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
3. Dry Ingredients Integration: Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry components.
4. Dough Formation: Delicately merge dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a unified dough without excessive manipulation.
5. Shaping and Decorating: Craft uniform dough balls, positioning them on prepared baking sheets with sufficient spacing. Utilize a fork to imprint classic crisscross patterns, gently flattening each ball.
6. Baking Process: Position sheets in the preheated oven, allowing cookies to bake for 10-12 minutes until edges achieve a golden-brown hue and centers appear set.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process and develop optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use softened butter at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Avoid Overmixing Dough: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cookies with a rubbery consistency.
• Consistent Sizing Ensures Even Baking: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform cookie sizes for consistent cooking and golden-brown results.
• Chill Dough for Deeper Flavor: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor complexity and prevent excessive spreading during baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg