Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate comfort cookie. Soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and absolutely packed with peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re baking for your kids, a cookie swap, or just to sneak a warm treat with your afternoon coffee (no judgment here!), this recipe hits the sweet spot—fast, fuss-free, and full of flavor.
Table of Contents
What Are Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies?
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are the classic American cookie with a rich, nutty flavor and that signature crisscross pattern we all know and love. Soft and chewy on the inside with a golden edge, they bring back memories of grandma’s kitchen—or those after-school treats that disappeared way too fast. This version keeps things simple and comforting: creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and just the right touch of vanilla. No frills, no fancy ingredients—just straight-up cookie bliss.
Reasons to Try Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
Besides the fact that they’re wildly delicious, these Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a total win for busy bakers. You only need one bowl, a few pantry staples, and about 25 minutes. No chilling, no complicated steps. They’re great for make-ahead dessert trays, holiday gifting, or even midweek pick-me-ups. Plus, if you’ve got picky eaters or peanut butter fans at home, these cookies will disappear before they cool. Just sayin’.
Ingredients Needed to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
When it comes to baking Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, the magic lies in the basics. No fancy flour blends, no hard-to-find ingredients—just the timeless combo of creamy peanut butter, butter, sugar, and a few pantry staples. Each ingredient has a job to do, and together they create that soft, chewy bite we all crave.
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these nostalgic, peanut-butter-packed cookies:
| Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Butter – 1 cup | The star of the show. Stick with regular, shelf-stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for best texture. Natural varieties (the kind that separates) can be too oily and may make the dough crumbly. |
| Unsalted Butter – ½ cup, softened | Adds richness and helps give these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth softness. Make sure it’s room temp so it creams properly with the sugars. |
| Packed Brown Sugar – 1 cup | This is where the chewy magic happens. Brown sugar holds moisture and gives the cookies a warm, caramel-like depth. |
| Granulated Sugar – ½ cup | Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies spread just enough. Too much and they’ll flatten out. |
| Large Eggs – 2 | These are the glue. Eggs bind everything together and help the cookies rise and hold their shape. Room temperature eggs work best for a smooth dough. |
| All-Purpose Flour – 1½ cups | The structure builder. All-purpose is classic here—don’t sub with bread or cake flour. Want a twist? Try swapping a few tablespoons for oats. |
| Baking Soda – 1 tsp | The leavening hero. It lifts the dough ever so slightly so your cookies stay soft and pillowy rather than dense. |
| Salt – ¼ tsp | Just a pinch goes a long way in bringing out that rich peanut butter flavor. If your peanut butter is salted, you can scale this back a bit. |
| Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp | Adds warmth and roundness to the flavor. Real vanilla makes a noticeable difference if you’ve got it on hand. |
If you’re curious how vanilla can transform even the simplest of baked goods, check out our Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread—another cozy, flavor-packed treat made better by this one ingredient.
A Quick Tip:
Want to level up your Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies without straying from the classic? Fold in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts for crunch, or even mini chocolate chips for that sweet-savory combo. Just don’t go overboard—too many mix-ins can throw off the dough.
And remember: good ingredients = great cookies. Use real butter, fresh eggs, and your favorite peanut butter brand. It makes all the difference when you’re baking a recipe as simple and soul-satisfying as this one.
Instructions to Make Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
Making Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies from scratch is way easier than most folks think—and honestly, it’s a bit therapeutic. The rhythm of scooping, crisscrossing with a fork, and that cozy peanut butter aroma filling your kitchen? It’s the kind of baking that feels like a warm hug. Below is the complete step-by-step breakdown so you can nail that perfect soft, chewy texture every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat—don’t rush it! A hot oven ensures your cookies set properly without spreading too much.
Line two standard baking sheets with parchment paper (or silicone baking mats if you’ve got them). This helps prevent sticking and keeps cleanup super simple—because no one wants to scrub cookie trays.
Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl (stand mixer or handheld works just fine), add:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the dough, making your Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies tender and soft instead of dense.
💡 Pro Tip: Creaming properly is one of the most important steps in any cookie recipe. If you’re curious about more baked goods where this step matters, try our super popular Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze for another soft, moist winner.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
This adds both structure and flavor to your dough. The vanilla brings out the warm nutty notes of the peanut butter, making the cookies smell as good as they taste.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately
In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
This dry mix is your structure. Stirring it separately first helps distribute the baking soda evenly—so every cookie rises just right.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture, a little at a time. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Overworked dough leads to tougher cookies, and we’re going for that soft, chewy texture that makes Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies so iconic.
The dough should be thick, but not dry or crumbly.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls between your hands. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each.
Now here’s the fun part: grab a fork and gently press each cookie ball down in a crisscross pattern. It’s not just for tradition—the fork marks help flatten the cookie and create those signature golden ridges that get just a little crisp in the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Soft Perfection
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes. Watch closely after the 9-minute mark—the edges should look set, but the centers may still appear soft. That’s perfect. They’ll finish setting as they cool on the baking sheet.
Leave the cookies on the tray for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
⚠️ Avoid overbaking. It’s the #1 reason soft cookies turn crunchy overnight. Trust the process—even if they seem slightly underdone when you take them out.
Optional: Make a Double Batch (Because You’ll Regret It If You Don’t)
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, but honestly? They disappear fast. Especially if your house includes peanut butter fans, sweet tooth snackers, or toddlers who can smell cookies cooling from a mile away. If you’ve got the ingredients, double it!
If you’re into easy, make-ahead desserts, you might also love our cozy Gordon Ramsay Banana Bread—another crowd favorite that freezes beautifully and makes your house smell amazing.
What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of milk, obviously—but don’t stop there. Stack them next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cookie sandwich or crumble them over banana pancakes for an easy brunch upgrade. If you’re hosting, set them out next to chocolate chip cookies and white chocolate brownies for a “cookie bar” that’ll impress without stress.
Key Tips for Making Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use room temp butter. Cold butter won’t cream properly and can mess with texture.
- Don’t overbake. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Want crunch? Toss in chopped peanuts or even a few peanut butter chips.
- Crisscross matters. It’s traditional, yes—but it also keeps your cookies from puffing too high.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Want to freeze? You bet. Stack them between parchment in a freezer bag—they’ll keep for 2–3 months. To reheat, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’ll taste like it just came out of the oven—soft, warm, and totally irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! It’ll add some texture. Just expect a slightly different dough consistency.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yep! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I chill the dough?
You can, but it’s not necessary. If you do, let it soften a bit before scooping.
How do I keep them soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container—it works wonders to lock in moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies. Maybe it’s the cozy texture, the childhood nostalgia, or the fact that they come together in minutes with pantry staples. No matter the reason, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and probably the reason your cookie jar will never stay full for long.
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PrintOld-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies (Soft & Chewy)
These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of nostalgic peanut butter flavor. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a treat to share, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to please any crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared sheets. Press each ball gently with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
6. Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
You can use chunky peanut butter for added texture if desired.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
