Grandma’s old fashioned peanut butter cookie recipe

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Imagine a cool glass of milk, rich and creamy, companions to grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies. Or perhaps a warm cup of coffee, with the heat of the mug seeping into your palms. These cookies are also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh strawberries. Pairing options abound, and each one highlights a different aspect of the cookies’ delightful texture and complex flavor.

Now, let’s dive into the magic behind these cookies – a cherished recipe straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Nothing beats the nostalgia from savoring your grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies. I remember walking into her home and being greeted by the sweet, savory aroma wafting through the air.

Her cookies were always a crowd-pleaser, not just because of their irresistible taste, but due to the love and tradition baked into every batch. Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting a party, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Table of Contents

What is Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookie?

Grandma’s recipe is a simple yet classic approach to peanut butter cookies. It’s about using wholesome ingredients without fuss. Each cookie is a perfect balance of crisp edge and chewy center, filled with the rich taste of peanut butter and a hint of vanilla.

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up any time you crave them.

Balanced Texture: The recipe strikes a perfect balance between crispy and chewy. Biting into one of these cookies provides a satisfying crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract results in a cookie flavor that’s both rich and deep.

Nostalgia Factor: There’s something inherently comforting about baking and eating a recipe passed down through generations. It’s a taste of childhood and heritage in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup finely chopped roasted peanuts
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How To Make These?

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. As it heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures the cookies will rise properly and have a uniform taste.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process is crucial for the texture of the cookie, ensuring they are both soft and structurally sound.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. This forms the wet base of your batter where all other ingredients will fold in seamlessly.

Step 5: Incorporate Peanut Butter

Add the smooth peanut butter and mix until well combined. This gives the dough its peanuty flavor and creamy texture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Beat on low speed just long enough until the dough comes together. Overmixing can result in a tough cookie.

Step 7: Fold in the Peanuts

Lastly, fold in the chopped roasted peanuts using a spatula. These add a delightful crunch to the cookies.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto each ball, flattening them slightly.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center may appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as the cookies cool.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Ensuring that the butter and eggs are at room temperature helps in blending better, resulting in a smoother dough.
Don’t Skip the Salt: Even though it’s a small amount, the salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Use Quality Peanut Butter: Avoid using peanut butter with too much oil separation or those labeled as ‘no-stir’ as they may affect the texture.
Monitor Baking Time Closely: Overbaking can result in dry cookies. Remove them when the edges are slightly golden and the center is still soft.

Nutrition Information

How to Store The Leftovers?

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag with layers separated by parchment paper. They’ll last in the freezer for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Recommended Side Dishes for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy smoothness of vanilla ice cream complements the rich, nutty flavor of the cookies perfectly.

2. Fresh Strawberries: The tartness of strawberries provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet, buttery cookies.

3. Coffee: A cup of coffee, whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, or plain black, is an excellent companion. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Milk: A classic choice – a glass of cold milk provides a refreshing balance to the rich and dense cookies.

Substitute Options for the Ingredients

1. Almond Butter: If you’re out of peanut butter, almond butter is a great alternative. It has a similar texture and a slightly sweeter flavor.

2. Coconut Sugar: For a healthier twist, replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar. It has a lower glycemic index.

3. Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

4. Vegetable Oil: If you’re out of butter, you can use an equal amount of vegetable oil. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste delicious.

grandma’s old fashioned peanut butter cookie recipe

Nothing beats the nostalgia from savoring your grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies. I remember walking into her home and being greeted by the sweet, savory aroma wafting through the air.

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Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 9

Total Time: 29

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: grandma’s old fashioned peanut butter cookie recipe

Servings: dozen

Calories: 212kcal

Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

Oven

Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Medium bowl

Whisk

Ingredients

1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder

1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1 cup smooth peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup finely chopped roasted peanuts
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract