Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe: 7 Cozy Bakes That Feel Like Home

A Cookie That Feels Like a Hug

There’s something about an old fashioned peanut butter cookie recipe that just… wraps you up in comfort, you know? Maybe it’s that toasty peanut scent curling through the house or those classic crisscross fork marks on top—like a little stamp of love on every single one.

Fall always gets me into a baking mood. I don’t even fight it anymore. The moment the mornings start to feel crisp and the leaves start rustling just right, my brain goes straight to cookies. And let me tell you, these? These are it. They’re simple, soft, golden-edged, and every bite tastes like a warm memory.

Let’s not overthink it. Let’s bake.

Ingredients for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Okay, you really don’t need much for these. I swear, they’re so low-maintenance but turn out so good. These are pantry classic vibes—nothing wild, just the good stuff.

🥄 Ingredient List (Makes 30 Cookies)

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

💡 Baking Tips for the Perfect Cookie

A few things I’ve learned after many batches (and, let’s be real, some flops):

• Use creamy peanut butter, not natural — I know natural sounds healthier, but it makes these spread weirdly.
• The sugar combo matters — Brown sugar gives that slight chew. Trust me on this one.
• Room temp butter is your best friend — No shortcuts, no microwaving. Just let it sit.
• Stop mixing once the flour disappears — Overmixing = dry cookies = sad times.
• Test bake just one cookie — Especially if your PB is a little runny or your flour’s been sitting around. Adjust from there.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These cookies come together fast. Like, dangerously fast. No chilling, no complicated steps—just mix, scoop, and bake. Perfect for when you need that cookie fix ASAP.

🍪 How to Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment (always parchment!).
2. In a big bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until fluffy. I usually give it a good 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer.
3. Add in your egg and vanilla, and mix until it all looks smooth and shiny.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Classic dry ingredients crew.
5. Slowly add the dry to the wet. Don’t rush—just let it come together.
6. Roll the dough into little 1-inch balls. You’ll know the size when you see it—it should sit nicely between your thumb and first two fingers.
7. Now for the fun part: fork crisscross time. Two presses, one way and then the other. It’s tradition.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should look golden, but the middle should still be soft. They finish setting outside the oven.
9. Let them sit for like 5 minutes on the tray, then move them to a wire rack. Don’t skip the wait—it helps them firm up without drying out.

Optional Variations to Try

These cookies are perfect as-is, but hey, why not play around if you’ve got the time?

• 🍯 Honey Roasted: Use honey roasted PB and finish with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Sweet + salty = magic.
• 🍫 Chocolate-Dipped: Once they’ve cooled, dip half in melted dark chocolate. Let them set on parchment like fancy little treats.
• 🌰 Extra Nutty: Add 1/2 cup chopped peanuts if you want that crunch. I do this when I’m feeling bold.
• 🌿 All-Natural Version: If you must use natural PB (I get it), just add a little extra flour—about 1 tbsp—to keep the dough manageable.

A Personal Peanut Butter Cookie Memor

Okay, so I have to share this—because every time I make these, I think of it.

When I was a kid, my mom would bake these cookies right around the time the air turned cool. She wasn’t a recipe person—more of a pinch-of-this, eyeball-that kind of baker. But peanut butter cookies? She had those down. We’d scoop the dough together, and she always handed me the fork to do the crisscross thing. I took that job very seriously. Like, full concentration, tongue-out, don’t-mess-it-up serious.

We’d sit on the kitchen floor while they baked, noses practically pressed to the oven door. And when they came out? I’d try to sneak one immediately, even if it was too hot and halfway falling apart. Every single time, I burned my mouth a little—and every single time, it was worth it.

Two More Recipes You’ll Adore

If this one speaks to your cookie-loving heart, you need to check out:

• Crispy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
• Almond Joy Cookies Recipe

(Trust me, they’re both worth bookmarking.)

The Beauty of Simple Baking

Look, baking doesn’t have to be complicated. These days, with all the cookie trends and viral videos, it’s easy to forget that the best bakes are often the simplest.

This old fashioned peanut butter cookie recipe is proof. It’s not flashy. There’s no sea salt caramel swirl or browned butter infusion. Just soft, golden, peanut-buttery joy. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a quiet afternoon into something a little more special.

Want to get nerdy with your peanut butter baking? This Peanut Butter Baking Guide from King Arthur Baking explains all the “why” behind the magic.

So yeah. Go bake a batch. And when you take that first warm bite? Close your eyes. You’ll see what I mean.

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