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Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Julian
  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 36 cookies 1x

Description

These classic Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are delightfully soft and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor, lightly sweetened and perfectly crisscrossed for that traditional look. Chilling the dough enhances the texture and depth of flavor, making these cookies a timeless treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups brown sugar (packed)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)

Instructions

  1. Chill Preparation: For best results, plan ahead and chill the cookie dough for at least 3 hours to develop flavor and texture.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
  3. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda ensuring they are thoroughly combined.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, mixing gently until the dough is uniform and well blended without overmixing.
  5. Cover and Chill: Transfer the dough into a bowl and cover it securely with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for 3 to 4 hours or preferably overnight to firm up.
  6. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
  7. Shape Cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 36 to 40 equally sized balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat the exterior lightly.
  8. Arrange on Sheets: Place the sugar-coated dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking.
  9. Create Crisscross Pattern: Dip a fork in water and gently press it onto each cookie ball to make a traditional crisscross pattern, which also helps flatten the cookies slightly.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
  11. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is key to preventing excessive spreading and achieving the perfect texture.
  • Using room temperature egg helps the dough mix evenly.
  • Rolling cookies in granulated sugar adds a subtle crunch and a pretty finish.
  • Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be soft when removed as they harden upon cooling.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter cookies, old fashioned cookies, classic cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe

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Find it online: https://juliandempsey.com/old-fashioned-peanut-butter-cookies-recipe/