
These classic peanut butter cookies are a nostalgic treat that combines a creamy, nutty richness with a soft, chewy texture. The recipe is straightforward and yields cookies with that signature crisscross fork pattern and golden edges. A staple of American baking, peanut butter cookies became especially popular during the 1930s when peanut butter was promoted as a protein-rich ingredient. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or stored in a cookie tin, these cookies offer a comforting bite of old-fashioned sweetness.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp baking soda
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Wet Ingredients
- Cream together butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.
Step 2: Add Egg
- Mix in well-beaten egg.
Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Sift 3 times total.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually add sifted dry ingredients into creamed mixture.
Step 5: Chill Dough
- Place dough in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Form Cookies
- Form dough into small balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet and press flat with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Tips
- Chill dough longer for thicker, puffier cookies.
- Roll dough in granulated sugar before baking for sparkle and crunch.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra texture.
- Substitute crunchy peanut butter for a rustic, nutty bite.
- For a stronger peanut flavor, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more peanut butter.
- Press tops with a fork in crisscross pattern for the traditional look.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm vintage twist.
- Drizzle finished cookies with melted chocolate.
- Make miniature cookies for parties or cookie platters.
Nutrition
Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 301mgPotassium: 44mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
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