Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies Made Simple

Growing up, cookies were always a family tradition. My grandma made them often, and I remember dunking them in a glass of milk, enjoying each bite. Fresh from the oven, slightly cooled but crisp, these cookies were pure comfort. Bake up a batch of these old fashioned peanut butter cookies and create your own memories with family. They are perfect for parties, gifts, or baking ahead to enjoy a few at a time. Share them at your next cookie exchange and watch them disappear.

Share them at your next cookie exchange and watch them disappear.

Cookie Ingredients

• shortening
• brown sugar
• sugar
• crunchy or creamy peanut butter
• vanilla
• egg
• baking soda
• salt
• flour

Peanut Butter Cookie Secrets

The secret to a soft, delicious peanut butter cookie is not over baking. Aim for slight crisping on the edges while keeping the inside tender. Set a timer to pull the cookies from the oven at just the right moment. Let them cool on the baking sheet before removing. This method ensures crisp edges with the softest center, making these cookies irresistible.

How to Make Cookies Soft and Chewy

Brown sugar is the key to soft and chewy cookies. Combined with under baking, it creates the perfect texture. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them, which helps lock in that chewy bite.

Do These Cookies Need Butter?

For the best results, use vegetable shortening instead of butter. This gives the cookies their signature crispy edges and chewy interior. Unsalted or salted butter is not needed for this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Creamy or Crunchy Peanut Butter?

Yes, either works well. Creamy peanut butter gives a smoother texture, while crunchy adds extra bite.

How Long Do Peanut Butter Cookies Last?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

Can I Freeze the Dough?

Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Why Did My Cookies Turn Out Dry?

Over baking is the most common reason. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.

These old fashioned peanut butter cookies are more than just a treat. They are a piece of family tradition, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying at home. With their crisp edges and chewy centers, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Best Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Bake up a batch of the best old fashioned peanut butter cookies with crisp edges and chewy centers. This nostalgic family recipe is perfect for parties, gifts, and cookie exchanges. Made with simple pantry staples like peanut butter, brown sugar, and shortening, these cookies deliver classic flavor and soft texture every time.

Course: Baking, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 dozen

Author: Regina Sober

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Spoons
• Measuring Cups
• Spatula
• Kitchen Aid Mixer
• Hand Mixer
• baking sheet
• Silicone mat

Ingredients

• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup crunchy peanut butter or creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven 375℉
• In a large bowl cream together shortening and both sugars.
• Add the peanut butter, vanilla and egg.
• Mix using a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend together well.
• Mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add 1 cup flour mix into batter and mix before adding the rest.
• You may find you need all or a little more flour. The dough should start to pull away from the bowl, and be easy to make into cookies. You want the dough to be firm, so you can roll it into balls, but not overly dry. It should roll into balls that are some what sticky.
• If the dough is too warm, you can put it in the refrigerator covered for 1 hour.
• Scoop out a tablespoon size ball of dough.
• Roll in your clean hand to form a ball.
• Place on the cookie sheet.
• Use a fork and press into the dough to flatten slightly.
• Repeat going the other direction to form the famous peanut butter cookie hash marks on the cookies and press down again.
• Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are slightly brown.
• Remove from the oven and place on the cooling tray.
• Serve and enjoy.  These cookies are a perfect treat year round.
• If you don't want to make all the cookies, roll out, press in hash marks and flash freeze on a baking sheet. Place into freezer bag dating and labeling the cookies to pull out when you want to bake.

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