Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. With their rich nutty flavor, golden edges, and soft, chewy centers, these cookies bring together everything people love about homemade baking. They are made with simple pantry ingredients like peanut butter, butter, sugar, and flour, making them one of the easiest cookies you can prepare at home.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a reliable and flavorful cookie that works for family gatherings, lunchbox treats, or quick desserts. The balance of sweet and salty flavors combined with the traditional criss-cross fork pattern makes them instantly recognizable and always satisfying. Whether you are baking for the first time or have years of experience, these cookies are a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Easy to prepare: The recipe uses common ingredients and straightforward steps, so you don’t need advanced baking skills to get excellent results.
• Classic flavor: Each bite is filled with the perfect blend of sweet sugar and rich peanut butter taste that cookie lovers look for.
• Great texture: Slightly crisp edges with soft, chewy centers make them enjoyable for every cookie preference.
• Perfect for any occasion: These cookies are versatile enough for everyday snacks, holiday trays, or special gatherings.
• Make-ahead friendly: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed, making them convenient for busy days.

Ingredients Needed

To make these old-fashioned peanut butter cookies, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays an important role in the taste and texture of the cookies:

• Peanut butter (1 cup): Creamy peanut butter works best for smooth texture, but chunky peanut butter can be used if you prefer extra crunch.
• Butter, softened (1/2 cup): Softened butter blends easily with the peanut butter and sugar, giving the cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create lightly crisp edges.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): Provides moisture and a soft, chewy texture while adding a deeper flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together and help give structure to the cookies.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base of the dough, providing the right balance for a soft but stable cookie.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread evenly in the oven.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise slightly and stay light instead of dense.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds depth of flavor and rounds out the overall taste.

Tip: Use room temperature ingredients for best results, as they blend more smoothly and create a consistent dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear and easy steps to bake your peanut butter cookies to perfection:

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

• In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
• Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated.
• If using, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Shape the cookies

• Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls with your hands.
• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie.
• Flatten each ball slightly by pressing a fork into the dough in one direction, then again in the opposite direction to create the signature criss-cross pattern.

Step 5: Bake

• Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
• Avoid overbaking; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and enjoy

• Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve warm or store once fully cooled.

Baking Tips

• If dough feels sticky, chill for 20 minutes before baking.
• Don’t overbake – cookies will continue to set as they cool.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For extra crunch, use chunky peanut butter or stir in 1/2 cup chopped peanuts.