These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a nostalgic treat that delivers the perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center. Made with creamy peanut butter, a blend of white and brown sugars, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are packed with rich, nutty flavor. They’re ideal for a simple dessert, a quick snack, or sharing with friends and family. With a traditional crosshatch pattern on top, these cookies have a beautiful, classic look that’s as inviting as their taste.

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Classic Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies Food History

Peanut butter cookies have been a beloved treat in the United States since the early 20th century. In the 1920s, peanut butter was introduced as a staple ingredient in American pantries, thanks in part to George Washington Carver, who promoted the use of peanuts and peanut butter in cooking. By the 1930s, peanut butter cookies became popular, often featuring a crosshatch pattern made with a fork, which helped them bake evenly.

During the Great Depression, peanut butter was an affordable source of protein and flavor, making it a popular addition to baked goods. Today, old-fashioned peanut butter cookies remain a favorite for their simplicity, rich flavor, and satisfying texture.

Timeline of Peanut Butter Cookies

1900s – Peanut butter is introduced in American kitchens.
1920s – George Washington Carver promotes peanut-based recipes, including peanut butter cookies.
1930s – Peanut butter cookies with the classic fork crosshatch pattern become popular.
Present Day – Old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are a timeless favorite for all ages.

Recipe Discussion

This recipe uses a mix of white sugar and brown sugar, which gives these cookies a sweet, caramel-like flavor with a soft, chewy center. The shortening (or butter) is creamed together with peanut butter for a smooth, rich base. Baking powder and baking soda help the cookies rise slightly while keeping them chewy, and a pinch of salt enhances the peanut butter’s natural flavor.

The dough can be chilled if it becomes too soft, making it easier to shape. Each ball of dough is pressed down with a fork in a crisscross pattern, creating the classic peanut butter cookie look and helping the cookies bake evenly. These cookies are simple to make, yet the result is a deliciously rich, satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Preparation Tips

Make the perfect old-fashioned peanut butter cookies with these tips:

Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Chunky peanut butter can be used for added crunch, but the cookies will be less smooth.
Cream shortening or butter and peanut butter well to create a smooth, even mixture.
Mix sugars thoroughly to achieve a balanced sweetness and chewy texture.
Chill the dough if it becomes too soft, as this will make it easier to handle and shape.
Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie, which gives them their classic look and helps them bake evenly.
Space cookies 2 inches apart to allow them to spread without sticking together.
Bake until lightly golden for a soft, chewy cookie, or a bit longer for a crispier texture.

Recommended Kitchen Products

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Cookie Sheet – A high-quality cookie sheet ensures even baking and helps prevent cookies from burning.
Electric Mixer – Useful for creaming peanut butter, shortening, and sugar together quickly and evenly.
Cookie Scoop – A small cookie scoop helps shape uniform dough balls for consistent baking.
Cooling Rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Fork – Use a fork to make the traditional crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter cookies are perfect on their own but can be paired with a few extras for a special treat:

Glass of Cold Milk – A classic pairing that enhances the rich, nutty flavor of the cookies.
Drizzle of Melted Chocolate – Add a drizzle of chocolate on top for an extra layer of sweetness.
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches – Make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
Sprinkling of Sea Salt – For a sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking.
Cup of Coffee – These cookies pair well with coffee, making them a great afternoon treat.

A Nostalgic Bite with Every Cookie

These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless recipe that’s easy to make and loved by all. Their rich, nutty flavor, crispy edges, and soft centers make them the perfect cookie for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or a simple snack, these cookies bring comfort and joy with each bite. Try this recipe to enjoy a classic cookie that’s been a favorite for generations.

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Vintage Goodies

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

6 dozen

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour, unsifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup oleo
1 cup Skippy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together
Set the flour mixture aside
In a large bowl with mixer at medium speed, beat the oleo and peanut butter until smooth
Beat in the brown sugar until blended then add the eggs and vanilla
Add the flour mixture and beat until well blended
If necessary chill dough
Shape into 1" balls and place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet
Flatten each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes or until cookies begin to brown.

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Carol

Wednesday 26th of October 2022

In the written recipe, it states to blend in sugars in the typed recipe. It states blend in brown sugar and neglects to mention what to do with the white sugar. You need to update your recipe to state as in handwritten recipe blend in sugars

Sue

Tuesday 23rd of November 2021

What's oleo?

Billie at Vintage Recipe Project

It's a "fat" used to cook and bake with. It was a trend like margarine, etc.

Sidona

Wednesday 3rd of March 2021

I am waxing nostalgic. I found a recipe hand written by both my grandmother and her daughter (my mother) for Mayonnaise Chocolate Cake. Had to make one, looking forward to taking a bite of a cake my Mom made when I was a kid. Found this PB cookie recipe and think it is most like my grandmother's. She mad them when we came to visit.