Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

This old fashioned peanut butter cookies recipe is everything you’re craving when you search for a soft, chewy, perfectly classic peanut butter cookie. It’s made with pantry staples, bakes up with that signature fork press, and brings the cozy, nostalgic flavor you expect from a true old-school peanut butter cookie.

This old fashioned peanut butter cookies recipe uses pantry staples like creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. It’s simple, cozy, and endlessly reliable. For fun twists, try my chickpea peanut butter cookies or these super easy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

• Soft, chewy, buttery texture with rich peanut flavor
• Made with simple, classic pantry ingredients
• No chill time needed just mix, press, and bake
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for gifting
• Makes a big batch for sharing or storing

Ingredients Needed For Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Creamy Peanut Butter. Go for regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural for the best texture and stability.
• Salted Butter. Adds richness and enhances flavor. Room temperature butter creams perfectly with the peanut butter.
• Light Brown Sugar. Gives the cookies moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar. Helps the cookies spread just right and adds sweetness.
• Eggs. Use large eggs at room temperature so they incorporate smoothly into the batter.
• Vanilla Extract. Rounds out all the warm, sweet flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour. The sturdy base that gives the cookies shape and chew.
• Baking Soda. Just a bit lifts the dough and adds slight puffiness.

How I Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

(This is a quick overview of how I make old fashioned peanut butter cookies, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

1. Preheat your oven. Set to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the peanut butter and butter. Beat them together in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Add the sugars. Mix in brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
6. Combine wet and dry. Stir the dry mix into the wet until fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
7. Shape the cookies. Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place 3 inches apart on the sheets. Use a fork to gently press and create that crisscross pattern.
8. Bake. Bake for 12–13 minutes or until golden on the edges and no longer glossy on top. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• A tall glass of cold milk (of course!)
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic dessert
• Crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal as a breakfast treat

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Variations and Substitutions

• Add Chocolate Chips. Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a classic peanut butter chocolate combo.
• Use Crunchy Peanut Butter. Swap creamy for crunchy if you want more texture in each bite.
• Roll in Sugar. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before pressing with a fork for that vintage sparkle.
• Add Chopped Nuts. Mix in ½ cup chopped peanuts or pecans for nutty crunch.
• Use a Peanut Butter Blend. Try peanut butter blended with honey or maple for a different flavor twist.
• Make Them Gluten-Free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Add Cinnamon. A pinch of cinnamon warms up the flavor and makes them extra cozy.
• Drizzle with Chocolate. Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate or dip half the cookie in chocolate.
• Turn Them Into Sandwich Cookies. Fill with peanut butter, jam, or chocolate ganache for a next-level treat.
• Go Bigger. Make large bakery-style cookies with a 3-tablespoon scoop and bake for 14–15 minutes.

How to Pack Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies for Work or School

These cookies travel beautifully. Let them cool fully, then stack 2 or 3 in a reusable container or snack bag. They won’t crumble much and keep their shape. I like to toss one in my lunchbox or pair them with a piece of fruit or yogurt for my kiddo’s lunch. Great for desk snacks, road trips, or after-school cravings.

Storing / Freezing Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

• Room Temperature: Let cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers if stacking.
• Freezer (Baked Cookies): Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Freezer (Cookie Dough): Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a lined tray. Once solid, store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.

How to Reheat Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Microwave a cookie for 10-12 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness. For a crisper finish, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Can I Make These with Almond Butter Instead?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter for peanut butter in this recipe. Just make sure to use a smooth, no-stir almond butter to maintain the right texture. The flavor will be more subtle and slightly nuttier, but still delicious.

What’s the Best Peanut Butter for Baking Cookies?

Classic creamy peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, works best for this recipe. They’re consistent, stable, and don’t separate. Avoid natural or organic peanut butters that separate or have too much oil—they’ll make the cookies greasy or crumbly.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Cookies Soft for Days?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and add a slice of bread or apple to the container. The cookies will absorb the moisture and stay soft for several days without becoming soggy.

Can I Turn This into a Cookie Bar Recipe?

Yes! Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

FAQs About Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

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