Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood. With their crispy, golden-brown edges and soft centers, they are perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering or a cozy night in. This recipe captures the classic flavor and texture that everyone loves, making them a go-to choice for cookie lovers of all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: These cookies boast a rich peanut butter flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip up these delightful treats without fuss.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or dessert at any family dinner.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the contrast of crispy edges with a chewy center—just like grandma used to make!
- Batch-Friendly: Easily double the recipe for parties or bake sales to share with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes baking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone liners
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make it easy to blend the peanut butter and butter until smooth, saving you time and effort.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps prevent cross-contamination of wet and dry ingredients, ensuring better results.
- Baking sheets: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
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 Cookies
- 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. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone liners. Set them aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter
In a large bowl, use your stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together the creamy peanut butter and salted butter. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Sugars
Add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Follow this by adding in the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about three inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball to create a cross-hatch pattern on top.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-13 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and lose their glossy appearance on top. After baking, allow them to cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are perfect for sharing and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them alone, these cookies can be complemented by different accompaniments.
With Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the creamy texture of the cookies. The coolness of milk balances the rich peanut butter flavor.
For Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies or chocolate chip cookies for a sweet variety.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm and cold is simply irresistible.
As Party Favors
- Package them in cute bags tied with ribbon for a delightful party favor. It’s a sweet way to thank your guests.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with both beverages, making it a cozy snack time option.
How to Perfect Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
To ensure your old-fashioned peanut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the butter and sugars blend well, creating a fluffy batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance flavors and help maintain shape while baking.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Golden Brown is Key: Bake until they are golden brown, which indicates they’re cooked through without becoming too hard.
- Store Properly: Keep uneaten cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for longer.
Best Side Dishes for Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies can be complemented by several delicious side dishes that enhance their enjoyment. Here are some great suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to your dessert spread.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melt some chocolate for dipping—this adds an indulgent twist to your cookie experience.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with sweet cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese; the creaminess pairs well with the crunchy texture of the cookies.
- Nut Mix: A small serving of mixed nuts provides a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the peanut butter cookies.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookie for added sweetness and richness; serve it warm for extra delight.
- Pudding Cups: Individual cups of chocolate or vanilla pudding make for a creamy side that complements cookie crunchiness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream atop each cookie adds lightness and makes it feel like an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking old-fashioned peanut butter cookies can be a joy, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can result in a dense cookie rather than a soft and chewy one.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding the dry ingredients can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you find your dough too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes helps it hold its shape when baked.
- Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Oven temperatures vary, so check for doneness a minute or two earlier than suggested.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store old-fashioned peanut butter cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to three months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds but watch closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making old-fashioned peanut butter cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
How do I make my Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding an extra egg yolk. This will enhance moisture.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Substituting crunchy peanut butter will give your old-fashioned peanut butter cookies added texture and flavor.
What is the best way to store Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
Final Thoughts
These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are not just delicious; they evoke nostalgia and comfort with each bite. Their crispy edges and soft centers make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with chocolate chips or nuts if desired. Try this timeless recipe today!
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgia of Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, a delightful treat that captures the essence of home-baked goodness. With their crispy, golden-brown edges and soft, chewy centers, these cookies are sure to evoke cherished memories of childhood. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or lunchbox surprises, this classic recipe is easy to make and loved by cookie enthusiasts of all ages. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or served warm with ice cream, these peanut butter delights are a timeless favorite that brings comfort with every bite.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and salted butter until smooth.
- Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar; mix until fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking soda; gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them three inches apart. Press gently with a fork to create a cross-hatch design.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes until golden brown; allow to cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
