The BEST Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re craving a classic cookie that’s rich, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor, look no further than these Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies. This timeless recipe blends creamy peanut butter with brown and granulated sugars for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver a nostalgic taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups peanut butter
• 1 cup butter
• 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these peanut butter cookies fresh for the best flavor and texture. They are delicious warm from the oven or cooled to room temperature. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or tea for a satisfying treat.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their softness and freshness. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for that freshly baked taste. Avoid storing cookies in the refrigerator as it can dry them out.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
   Add ½ to 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the dough before baking. This adds a rich, melty chocolate element that complements the peanut butter perfectly, making the cookies even more indulgent.
2. Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies
   Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for added texture. The small peanut pieces create a delightful crunch throughout the cookie, enhancing the classic flavor with extra nutty bites.
3. Peanut Butter and Oat Cookies
   Mix in ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats into the dough. This variation adds a chewy texture and heartier bite, plus a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
4. Chocolate Drizzle Peanut Butter Cookies
   Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the top. This adds a decorative touch and an extra layer of flavor without altering the soft texture of the cookies.
5. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies
   Bake the cookies as usual, then sandwich two cookies together with your favorite jelly or jam. This nostalgic twist recreates the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich in cookie form.
6. Salted Peanut Butter Cookies
   Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball before baking. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor, giving the cookies a gourmet touch.
7. Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Cookies
   Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier variation. The white chocolate adds a smooth contrast to the rich peanut butter taste.

These variations are easy to incorporate and allow you to customize the classic recipe to suit your taste or occasion.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
   Yes, but natural peanut butter may change the texture slightly, making cookies a bit denser or crumblier.
2. How do I prevent my peanut butter cookies from spreading too much?
   Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
3. Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version, but texture may vary slightly.
4. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough in balls and bake directly from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
6. Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
   They have a soft and chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
7. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
   Absolutely, chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even raisins make great additions.
8. How long do I bake the cookies?
   Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, doubling is easy; just use larger baking sheets or bake in batches.
10. Do these cookies contain allergens?
    Yes, they contain peanuts, eggs, and wheat flour, so not suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies offer a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors with a soft and chewy texture that’s sure to please everyone. They’re easy to make, delicious, and a timeless treat worth keeping in your recipe collection.

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