These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that will transport you back to your childhood. With their crispy, golden brown exterior and soft center, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings, enjoying with a glass of milk, or simply indulging in on a cozy afternoon. The rich peanut butter flavor makes them irresistible, while the classic recipe ensures that each bite is full of nostalgia.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Family Favorite: The nostalgic taste of these cookies is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Treat: Whether for parties, school lunches, or cozy evenings at home, these cookies fit any occasion.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have all the ingredients on hand, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever cravings strike.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and sugars creates a deliciously satisfying treat without being overly sweet.

Tools and Preparation

To make these old-fashioned peanut butter cookies successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Large mixing bowl
Medium-sized bowl
Measuring cups
Parchment paper or silicone baking liners
Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and provide an even mix for a smooth cookie dough.
Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing without making a mess.
Parchment paper or silicone baking liners: These help prevent sticking and ensure even baking for your cookies.

Ingredients

These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies have a crispy, golden brown outside and a soft center, just like the ones that grandma used to make.

For the Cookie Dough

1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
1 ¼ cups light brown sugar (packed)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

How to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Peanut Butter and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use either a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together the creamy peanut butter and salted butter. Beat until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add Sugars

Add in the light brown sugar (packed) and granulated sugar. Continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, mix in the large eggs, followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure everything is blended thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop dough into balls about 2 tablespoons in size. Place them about 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Using a fork, gently press down each ball to create a cross-hatch pattern on top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your cookies for 12-13 minutes or until they are golden brown and no longer glossy on top. Allow cooling on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

Milk complements the rich flavor of peanut butter, making it the perfect pairing for these cookies.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a deliciously sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

Crumble these cookies over plain or flavored yogurt for added texture and flavor. It’s a quick and easy way to elevate your snack.

With Fresh Fruit

Pairing cookies with fresh fruit, like apple slices or banana halves, adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

Serve these cookies alongside brownies, bars, or other baked goods on a dessert platter for an indulgent treat at parties.

How to Perfect Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Perfecting old-fashioned peanut butter cookies is all about getting the texture and flavor just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing, leading to a smoother dough.
Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be golden brown but still soft in the center when removed from the oven.
Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and freshness longer.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your old-fashioned peanut butter cookies to your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

These delicious cookies can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when serving old-fashioned peanut butter cookies.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits can balance the richness of the cookies.
Chocolate Milkshake: The creamy sweetness of a chocolate milkshake pairs wonderfully with peanut butter flavors.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the cookie experience, making it cozy and satisfying.
Ice Cream Sundae: Top vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and crushed peanuts for a decadent dessert option.
Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola alongside yogurt as a wholesome side that complements cookie flavors well.
Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix can add variety and texture to your dessert table while echoing nutty notes from the cookies.
Cheese Plate: Include mild cheeses like cream cheese or brie that provide a creamy contrast against sweet cookies.
Fruit Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie can cleanse the palate between bites of sweet peanut butter goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Wrong Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cookie. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
Overmixing Dough: Mixing the dough too much can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a softer bite.
Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Ignoring Baking Time: Baking cookies for too long results in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are golden brown but still soft in the center.
Skipping Parchment Paper: Not using parchment paper can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets for easy removal and clean-up.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies that might help you in your baking adventure.

How do I make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies chewy?

To achieve chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when they are golden but still soft in the center.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter has less sugar and stabilizers.

What is the best way to store Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.

Can I add chocolate chips to my peanut butter cookies?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips creates a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Just fold them into the dough before baking.

How long do Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies will last up to 1 week at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are not only nostalgic but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as is or customize with add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Try this recipe today and bring back that delightful taste of childhood!

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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, evoking warm memories of childhood with every bite. These delightful cookies feature a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
1 ¼ cups light brown sugar (packed)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together creamy peanut butter and salted butter until smooth.
Add light brown sugar and granulated sugar; mix until fluffy.
Incorporate eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; gradually add to wet mixture until just combined.
Scoop dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each and place them on prepared sheets, spacing them apart.
Use a fork to create a cross-hatch pattern on top of each ball.
Bake for 12-13 minutes until golden brown but still soft in the center; cool on wire racks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American