There’s something magical about biting into a warm, freshly baked peanut butter cookie that instantly transports you back to childhood. My grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies hold a special place in my heart, and I bet they’ll soon become a favorite in your household too. These cookies are the perfect blend of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers, with a rich peanut butter flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
To recreate my grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy—your choice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds that perfect sweetness
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Packed tightly for a rich, molasses flavor
- 1 large egg: Room temperature for better mixing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors
Baking Supplies
Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here is a list of baking supplies you’ll need:
Kitchen Tools
- Mixing Bowls: I recommend having at least two mixing bowls. One large bowl for combining all the ingredients and one medium-sized for the dry ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial. Ensure you have a complete set of both cups and spoons.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: You’ll need this to cream together the peanut butter, butter, and sugars, making the dough smooth and fluffy.
- Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
- Baking Sheets: Have a couple of baking sheets ready. Line them with parchment paper for an effortless cookie release and easy cleanup.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning up a breeze.
- Cookie Scoop: Optional but recommended for evenly portioned cookies.
- Fork: Essential for creating the traditional crisscross pattern on the top of each cookie.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies evenly after baking, ensuring that they do not continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
- Silicone Spatula: Another handy tool for mixing and folding ingredients without scratching your bowls.
- Rolling Pin: If you prefer a smoother dough, gently roll it out before scooping.
- Cookie Cutter: If you’re feeling creative, use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking.
Directions
To make these delicious peanut butter cookies just like Grandma used to make follow these simple steps. Ensure you have all your ingredients and baking tools readily available.
Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Gather Ingredients: Measure 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dough
- Combine Peanut Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer or spatula to blend 1 cup of peanut butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and form a dough.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop, measure out even portions of dough and roll each portion into a ball.
- Form Cookies: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Storage Instructions
Properly storing your grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies ensures they stay fresh and delicious for days to come. Follow these simple steps to keep your cookies perfect:
- Cooling Process: Allow the peanut butter cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make cookies soggy.
- Storage Options:
- Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. Stack them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Ziploc Bags: Alternatively, you can use Ziploc bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Room Temperature:
- Store the cookies at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Freezing for Longevity:
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months.
- Reheating:
- To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For warm, soft cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
These steps will keep your grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies tasting fresh and delightful, just like the day they were baked.
Expert Tips and Tricks
When it comes to making Grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies, a few expert tips can make all the difference. Here are my tried-and-true tricks to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and peanut butter are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps in achieving a smoother, more even dough.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Spend extra time creaming the butter and sugars together. Aim for a light and fluffy texture, which should take about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer. This step incorporates air into the mixture and results in softer cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. Too much flour will make your cookies dense and dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for an accurate measurement.
- Chill the Dough: After combining all ingredients, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Cookie Size Consistency: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform-sized cookies. This not only makes the cookies look more professional but also ensures even baking times.
- Flatten with a Fork: Gently flatten each cookie ball with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern. This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them their signature look.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake the cookies until the edges just start to turn golden brown. The centers might look slightly under-baked, but they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will result in dry cookies.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breakage.
- Store Properly: As previously discussed, ensure the cookies are fully cooled before storing them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and texture.
- Add A Twist: For a little variation, consider adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
By following these expert tips and tricks, you’ll be able to bake the most delightful and nostalgic peanut butter cookies that will rival Grandma’s.
Conclusion
Grandma’s old-fashioned peanut butter cookies hold a special place in our hearts, and with these expert tips, anyone can recreate that nostalgic flavor. By paying attention to details like ingredient temperature, dough consistency, and baking techniques, you can achieve cookies that are just as delightful as those from your childhood.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations or stick to the classic recipe for a timeless treat. Happy baking!
