This classic peanut butter cookie recipe, penned in 1938, embodies early 20th-century home baking, simple, comforting, and delicious. At a time when ingredients were measured with experience rather than precision, recipes like this became family staples. These cookies blend creamy peanut butter with sugar and a touch of shortening for a tender crumb and rich flavor. The result is a nostalgic bite that captures the warmth of home kitchens from nearly a century ago, with a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty richness that still delights today.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup shortening (or ½ cup shortening + ½ cup butter)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Ingredients
- In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar, brown sugar, shortening (and/or butter), and peanut butter until smooth.
Step 2: Add Eggs
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
Step 4: Mix Dough
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
Step 6: Flatten and Mark
- Press each cookie with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and press crisscross with a fork, as noted (“press with fork”).
- Chill dough 20 to 30 minutes for thicker cookies that spread less.
- Use all butter for richer flavor or all shortening for extra tenderness, if preferred.
- Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a subtle flavor boost.
- Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top before baking for sparkle and light crunch.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow to finish on the pan.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for texture.
- If dough seems dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons milk to bring it together.
- Make sandwich cookies by filling with peanut butter or chocolate frosting.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.8mg
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