Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their crispy, golden-brown exterior and soft, chewy center, they evoke memories of baking with grandma. Ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or cozy evenings at home, these cookies combine simplicity with delightful flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.
• Classic Flavor: The rich taste of peanut butter paired with a hint of vanilla makes them irresistible.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the satisfying contrast between the crispy edges and soft center in every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a snack throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with children and adults alike, making them a family favorite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delightful cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium-sized bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone liners
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These help achieve a smooth and fluffy cookie batter without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls keeps your ingredients organized and allows for better mixing.
• Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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 prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Peanut Butter and Butter

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

Step 3: Add Sugars

Add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs, one at a time. After that, add in the vanilla extract, blending until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop out dough using about 2 tablespoons per cookie. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about three inches apart. Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball to create a cross-hatch pattern on top.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-13 minutes or until they are golden brown. The tops should no longer look glossy. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy making these delightful Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with some creative serving suggestions. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

With Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combination that makes every bite more enjoyable.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious treat.

Topped with Chocolate

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra sweet touch that complements the peanut butter flavor.

On a Dessert Platter

• Serve these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats for a perfect addition to any gathering or party.

With Fresh Fruit

• Combine your cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookie.

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How to Perfect Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your old-fashioned peanut butter cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them once they are golden brown to avoid overbaking.
• Store Properly: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies can be wonderfully complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy option that pairs well with dessert.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, can enhance the flavor experience.
4. Coffee or Tea – A warm cup of coffee or fragrant tea serves as a perfect beverage pairing with your cookies.
5. Chocolate Milkshake – Thick chocolate milkshakes offer a delightful indulgence alongside your peanut butter treats.
6. Ice Cream Sundae – Top off vanilla ice cream with nuts, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream for an exciting dessert combo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking old-fashioned peanut butter cookies can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Using cold ingredients – It’s essential to have room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a light and tender cookie.
• Not measuring accurately – Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ingredients are precise. This affects the dough consistency and baking time.
• Skipping chilling the dough – Allowing the dough to chill for about 30 minutes helps prevent spreading. It will keep your cookies thick and chewy.
• Ignoring baking times – Each oven is different. Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container.

Reheating Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for a couple of minutes, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about old-fashioned peanut butter cookies that might help you further.

How do I know when my old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and the tops should no longer look glossy.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies added texture, making them even more delightful.

What is the best way to customize old-fashioned peanut butter cookies?

You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for added flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover old-fashioned peanut butter cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer as detailed above for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies bring back memories of cozy kitchens and comforting treats. Their perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make them uniquely yours!