Irresistible Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
The Secret to Grandma’s Perfect Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies wafting through the kitchen. These cookies bring back memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons spent with loved ones, indulging in sweet treats straight from the oven. With a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, chewy center, these cookies are everything you remember from your childhood and more. Each bite is filled with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter that melts in your mouth, making them a timeless classic.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
– They have a delightful combination of crispy edges and soft centers that create the perfect texture.
– Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe takes only 22 minutes from start to finish.
– Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
– These cookies are great for sharing; the recipe yields 24 delicious cookies, perfect for gatherings or lunch boxes.
– A nostalgic treat that appeals to all ages, reminding everyone of their favorite school cafeteria desserts.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make these delightful cookies, gather the following tools:
– Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for blending the peanut butter and butter smoothly.
– Large mixing bowl: To combine all wet ingredients effortlessly.
– Medium-sized bowl: For whisking together dry ingredients before adding them to the mix.
– Baking sheets: Used for placing your cookie dough balls before baking.
– Parchment paper or silicone liners: Keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Preparation Tips
For perfectly baked Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients; stir just until combined for a tender texture. Also, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps maintain their shape.
Ingredients for this Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter 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
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking cookies, especially when they remind us of simpler times. These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies boast a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a soft center, reminiscent of the delightful treats our grandmothers used to whip up in their kitchens. Perfect for any occasion or just a sweet snack at home, let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start mixing your ingredients, it’s important to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color. While the oven is warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter
In a large bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups of creamy peanut butter with 1 cup of room-temperature salted butter using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial as it helps create a creamy texture that will be the base for our cookie dough.
Step 3: Add Sugars for Sweetness
Next, gradually add in 1 ¼ cups of packed light brown sugar and ¾ cup of granulated sugar to your peanut butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the dough, contributing to the lightness of each cookie.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Now it’s time to mix in the eggs! Add them one at a time, giving each egg a chance to fully incorporate into the batter before adding the next one. After that, stir in 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile of your cookies.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda until well mixed. This step ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix – we want those cookies to remain soft and chewy!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough balls roughly 2 tablespoons in size. Place them about three inches apart on your prepared baking sheets; they will spread while baking! For that classic peanut butter cookie look, take a fork and gently press down on each ball to create a crisscross pattern on top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-13 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly! Once done, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are wonderfully versatile! If you’re looking for ways to customize them, consider adding chocolate chips or replacing some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. You can also experiment with nut butters like almond or cashew for a different flavor twist! Elevate these cookies by sprinkling sea salt on top right before baking for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients instead of room temperature.
– Overmixing once dry ingredients are added.
– Not spacing cookies far enough apart on the baking sheet.
– Underbaking or overbaking based on visual cues alone.
Storage Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delicious peanut butter cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep some for later enjoyment, you can freeze them! Just place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll last up to three months. To enjoy later, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 260 kcal
– Protein: 5 g
– Fat: 15 g
– Carbs: 28 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies an extra texture that’s delightful. Just keep in mind that it may alter how smooth your cookie dough is.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The best indicator is their appearance—look for a golden-brown edge and soft center that isn’t glossy anymore. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum if it’s not already present.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delightful recipe for old-fashioned peanut butter cookies that’s sure to evoke warm memories and create new ones as well! I encourage you to try this recipe out and share your thoughts on how they turned out! Happy baking!
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and butter using a mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda, then fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Shape dough into balls and place on prepared baking sheets, pressing down with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes until golden brown around the edges but soft in the center, then cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
