Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that takes you back to simpler times. With their crispy, golden brown exterior and soft center, they evoke memories of warm kitchens and family gatherings. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be enjoyed as an after-school snack, a dessert at parties, or just a sweet indulgence with your afternoon coffee. Their nostalgic flavor and easy preparation make them a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavor: Experience the classic taste reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, these cookies come together in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion, from casual snacks to holiday gatherings.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a delightful contrast between crispy edges and a chewy center.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project that kids will love to help with.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, gather the essential tools you’ll need for an easy baking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone liners
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easier to cream the peanut butter and butter together for a smooth dough.
- Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy base for baking cookies evenly without burning.
- Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool down properly, preventing sogginess.
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 and set them aside to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butters
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 in the light brown sugar (packed) and granulated sugar. Beat this mixture until it becomes fluffy. This step is crucial for creating light-textured cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add in the vanilla extract, mixing 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 into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 6: Shape The Cookies
Scoop dough into balls about 2 tablespoons in size. Place them approximately 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a cross-hatch pattern on top of each cookie.
Step 7: Bake & Cool
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-13 minutes or until they are golden brown and no longer glossy on top. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying in various ways. With their crispy edges and soft centers, they can be paired with different treats and drinks for a delightful experience.
With Milk
- A classic pairing, the creamy texture of milk beautifully complements the rich peanut butter flavor in these cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor in between. This adds a cool twist to your dessert.
Alongside Fresh Fruit
- Serve these cookies with slices of apples or bananas. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the richness of the cookies.
As a Dessert Platter
- Include old-fashioned peanut butter cookies on a dessert platter with brownies and chocolate chip cookies for a variety of flavors.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages enhance the nostalgic flavors of the cookies.
How to Perfect Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
To make sure your old-fashioned peanut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in achieving a smooth batter, ensuring even mixing and better texture.
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Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If time permits, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading while baking.
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Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. They should be golden brown but not overdone.
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Let Them Cool: Allowing the cookies to cool on the sheet before transferring them helps maintain their shape and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your old-fashioned peanut butter cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
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Chocolate Milkshake: A thick, creamy shake that complements the nutty flavor of peanut butter perfectly.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts with the cookie’s sweetness.
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Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: Blend bananas with milk and peanut butter for a deliciously creamy drink that matches well.
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Ice Cream Sundae: Top vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and nuts for a decadent treat alongside your cookies.
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Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows makes for a cozy pairing during colder months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients – Always use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure proper mixing and texture.
- Overmixing the dough – Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Not measuring accurately – Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect texture.
- Skipping the chilling time – Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain shape while baking. Don’t skip this step!
- Baking at the wrong temperature – Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate oven temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep them at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Freezing Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.
Reheating Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 300°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies.
What makes Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies different?
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies have a unique balance of crispy edges and soft centers, reminiscent of classic recipes passed down through generations.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a delightful texture with added nutty bits!
How do I make my Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking and consider slightly underbaking them. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other types of flour or sweeteners, but keep in mind that this may alter the final taste and texture of your cookies.
How should I store leftover Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are not only nostalgic but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even drizzling with melted chocolate. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to bring warmth and joy into your kitchen!
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless treat that brings back warm memories of home and family gatherings. With their delightful combination of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as an after-school snack, served at parties, or paired with your afternoon coffee, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Experience the nostalgic flavor of classic peanut butter cookies and indulge in the comforting goodness they offer.
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 teaspoons 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 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 another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda, then gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared sheets, spacing them about three inches apart. Press down with a fork to create a cross-hatch pattern.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on the sheet for five minutes 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 (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
