Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: Addictively Sweet Bites

Warm, freshly baked peanut butter cookies with classic American butter have a way of melting hearts faster than they melt in your mouth.

These delectable treats blend sweet and nutty flavors into an irresistible comfort food that draws everyone to the kitchen.

Soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter goodness, each cookie promises a delightful experience.

The simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, creating a timeless dessert that never disappoints.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies a perfect companion to a cold glass of milk.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe guarantees a batch of crowd-pleasing cookies that will vanish within moments of cooling.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of these homemade peanut butter classics.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 163 kcal

Servings: 24

Key Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Flour: Fine, soft powder that gives structure and helps bind the cookie together; choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help cookies rise and create soft, tender crumb; ensure they are fresh and not expired.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness; use fine table salt for even distribution.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy taste and helps create tender cookies; use unsalted butter at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers signature nutty flavor and creates dense, chewy texture; select creamy variety for consistent results.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps cookies brown; brown sugar adds moisture and deeper caramel notes.
• Egg: Binds ingredients, adds structure, and provides richness; use large, room temperature egg for best integration.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds depth; choose pure vanilla extract for authentic taste.

Tools to Get Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Just Right

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and mixing dough ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheets: Essential for baking cookies evenly and creating a golden surface.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Fork: Helps create the classic crisscross pattern on cookie tops.
• Whisk: Ideal for combining dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Soft

• Warm Up the Oven

Get your kitchen ready by heating the oven to 350F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Mix the

Blend butter, sugars, and peanut butter until super creamy. Toss in an egg and vanilla, stirring until silky smooth. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, powder, and salt. Slowly combine wet and dry mixtures until just blended.

• Shape the Treats

Grab chunks of dough and roll into cute little balls. Place them on baking sheets with some breathing room. Grab a fork and gently press down on each ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges and a light, tempting color. Don’t let them get too dark!

• Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once they’ve chilled out, grab a glass of milk and indulge in your homemade peanut butter goodness.

Tips for the Best Texture in Peanut Butter Cookies

• Let butter soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy cookie dough that blends perfectly.
• For extra crispy cookies, flatten dough balls more; for softer cookies, reduce flattening and bake for slightly less time.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter for unique flavor profiles while maintaining the classic cookie texture.
• Replace half the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version that still tastes delicious.

Creative Ways to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Milk Dunking Delight: Pair these classic peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat that brings out the rich, nutty flavor.
• Dessert Combo: Crumble these cookies over vanilla ice cream or use them as a base for an indulgent ice cream sandwich that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Lunchbox Love: Pack these cookies in kids' lunch boxes or wrap individually for a perfect after-school snack that brings comfort and joy with every bite.
• Gift-Worthy Charm: Stack cookies in a cute mason jar or decorative tin, tie with a ribbon, and create a homemade gift that shows how much you care about someone special.

Storing Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Without Drying Out

• Store cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, freeze up to 3 months, and bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Keep cookies at room temperature in sealed container for 5-7 days, ensuring maximum flavor and softness by adding small piece of bread to container which helps maintain moisture.
• Prepare dough up to 3 days before baking, refrigerate in sealed container, allowing flavors to develop and providing convenient preparation option for spontaneous cookie cravings.

FAQs

• Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it might slightly change the texture. Stir the peanut butter well before measuring to ensure even consistency.

• Why do I need to use a fork to press the cookies?

The classic crisscross fork pattern helps flatten the cookies and creates the traditional peanut butter cookie texture. It also allows the cookies to bake more evenly.

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

Look for lightly golden edges and a set appearance. The centers might seem slightly soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

For best results, stick to the original recipe. However, you can swap white sugar with coconut sugar, and use gluten-free flour if needed for dietary restrictions.

Scrumptious Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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

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Description

Classic Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies blend nostalgic childhood flavors with rich, creamy comfort. Simple ingredients and traditional techniques create a timeless treat that connects generations of bakers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Creaming: Vigorously mix softened butter with white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth foundation for the cookies.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend in creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture achieves a consistent, silky texture that promises rich flavor.
4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and preventing potential clumping.
5. Dough Formation: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, minimizing stirring to preserve the cookies’ tender crumb and maintaining a light, delectable consistency.
6. Shaping and Decorating: Scoop uniform portions of dough, rolling into perfect spheres and positioning on prepared trays with strategic spacing; create classic crisscross patterns using fork tines to enhance visual appeal and traditional texture.
7. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a golden-brown, then allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to wire racks for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better cookie texture, ensuring even incorporation with sugars.
• Minimal Mixing Technique: Gently fold dry ingredients to prevent overworking the dough, which can lead to tough, dense cookies.
• Fork Pattern Precision: Apply consistent pressure when creating crisscross marks to ensure uniform thickness and even baking across all cookies.
• Storage Secret: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 80 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