Creamy, soft, and delicious, this old fashioned peanut butter cookie, from Great Grandma’s recipe box, is one you must try!
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Memorable.
There are some recipes that stick with you throughout your life. You know the ones that your Mom used to make for you? The ones you delighted in as a child. Or the recipes that were passed down from generation to generation?
For example, these peanut butter cookies are one of my family’s timeless recipes that have quickly become a favorite from Grandma all the way to the youngest grandchild. This cookie recipe originally came from my Great Grandmother on my Mom’s side. As it passed from hand to hand, the recipe remained the same — full of creamy peanut butter with a light caramel flavor.
If you’re looking for a down-home simple cookie recipe, you’ve come to the right place! These cookies are can be whipped up in no time and use ingredients you probably already have on hand. They are easy to make during a week night or when your husband announces he invited guests over …
Simple Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Have you ever looked through some vintage recipes? Ones from decades ago or that your Grandmother used to use? They are vastly different from our modern day cookbooks. Only simple ingredients that they had on hand were used. There were no step-by-step photos and the instructions were vague if you compared them to recipe instructions these days. I suppose they assumed a woman already knew how to cook. Extra details were not necessary.
Deciphering terminology on those vintage recipe cards can be quite interesting. For instance, what is oleo? It has appeared on many of my Grandma’s recipes but yet I had never heard of it. Turns out it’s basically margarine. Although times may have changed, thankfully treasured family recipes will always stay the same. Just like this old fashioned peanut butter cookie recipe.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Make this easy, soft peanut butter cookie recipe in less than 15 minutes! You’re going to love a good old fashioned peanut butter cookie!
Makes: 12-14 cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°.
Cream the shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla and an egg together in a large bowl or stand mixer. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add the flour mixture into the creamed peanut butter and sugar. Mix well.
Shape into 1 inch balls by rolling the cookie dough in your hands or using a small cookie scoop. Place onto a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Using a fork, gently press the top of the cookie, creating a crisscross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Remove cookies and finish cooling on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy!
FAQ
Can I Substitute Creamy Peanut Butter for Crunchy?
If you’d like a little crunch and texture to your peanut cookie, substitute the smooth peanut butter for crunchy.
How Do You Shape Cookies With a Scoop?
A cookie scoop can be used to create the 1-inch cookie balls but I find it easier to simply grab a chunk of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands. If you find the cookie dough is sticking to the scoop, give it a spray with a little cooking oil.
Why Do You Put Fork Marks in Peanut Butter Cookies?
Using a fork to press the dough down helps the thick cookie to cook more evenly. Plus, it is the traditional way these vintage cookies were made. If your fork is sticking to the cookie, just dip the fork into some water or flour to prevent it from getting stuck on the cookie.
Can You Use Parchment Paper for Cookies?
Parchment paper or a silicone mat is a great way to extend the life of your cookie sheet. Plus is makes washing the baking sheets so much easier!
What is a Healthier Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
Freshly milled flour is packed full of nutrition! In this soft peanut butter cookie recipe, all-purpose flour can easily be swapped for fresh milled soft wheat flour in equal portions.
More Delicious Dessert Recipe Ideas
Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie
Grandma’s Peanut Butter Cookie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°. Cream the shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla and an egg together in a large bowl or stand mixer.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add the flour mixture into the creamed peanut butter and sugar. Mix well.
Shape into 1 inch balls by rolling the cookie dough in your hands or using a small cookie scoop. Place onto a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Using a fork, gently press the top of the cookie, creating a crisscross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Remove cookies and finish cooling on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 228Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 210mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 4g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate due to the type of ingredients you are using. It is just a general estimate.
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