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There’s something truly nostalgic about Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies. With their crisscross tops and slightly crisp edges, these cookies are the kind that remind you of childhood afternoons and homemade kitchen smells. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, and that deeply nutty flavor never goes out of style.

What makes this cookie so timeless is its simplicity. Just a handful of pantry staples come together to form something magical. Whether you serve them with a glass of milk or as an after-dinner sweet, these cookies offer a comforting bite that feels like home.

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

If you love desserts that lean on nostalgic flavor, this recipe is a must-bake. These cookies have a rustic charm that makes them great for everyday snacking or sharing with friends. They’re naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and are easily customizable—add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt to suit your style.

These cookies also store beautifully, making them ideal for gifting or making ahead of time. And because the ingredients are so simple, it’s likely you already have everything on hand.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

For a classic texture and flavor, go with creamy, processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter, which separates and has a runnier consistency, can work but will slightly alter the final texture—making the cookies more crumbly and oily. Avoid peanut butter spreads that contain added oils or sweeteners, as they can throw off the dough balance.

Ingredients for the Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

The ingredients list is short but mighty, each one playing a key role in creating that perfect old-school cookie flavor and texture.

Peanut Butter gives these cookies their signature nutty richness. Opt for creamy for smooth dough and a consistent bake.

Granulated Sugar adds the right amount of sweetness and helps create those crisp edges that make this cookie so craveable.

Egg is the glue that binds everything together, helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Vanilla Extract rounds out the flavor with a subtle warmth that balances the salty peanut butter.

Baking Soda adds just a touch of lift, preventing the cookies from being too dense.

Salt enhances all the other flavors and cuts through the richness.

How To Make the Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Stir until smooth. Add in vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix again until fully incorporated and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto each ball, flattening them slightly.

Step 3: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. Do not overbake. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm, when their edges are crisp and the center still soft. They’re perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. This recipe yields about 18 cookies, making it perfect for small gatherings or keeping a stash ready for the week.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temp before enjoying.

What to Serve With Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies?

A Glass of Cold Milk

You can’t go wrong with the classic combo. Milk and peanut butter cookies were made for each other.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

The fruity contrast complements the nuttiness perfectly and adds a little elegance.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a couple of cookies with a scoop of ice cream for an effortless dessert.

Coffee or Espresso

Their slightly salty flavor pairs beautifully with a bold cup of coffee.

Banana Slices

Top a warm cookie with banana slices for a comforting afternoon snack.

Dark Chocolate Squares

A piece of high-quality dark chocolate makes for a rich pairing with the cookies.

Chai Latte

The warm spices of chai highlight the cookie’s vanilla and peanut flavor.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re on a roll with baking and want to try more creative cookie recipes, here are a few you’ll love:

• Try these Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies if you’re looking for a chewy no-bake option with extra crunch.
• These Brownie Mix Cookies are rich and fudgy, perfect for chocolate lovers.
• If you’re a fan of breakfast flavors in cookie form, check out the Banana Oat Breakfast Bars.
• For a seasonal twist, the Rhubarb Shortbread Bars give you tart-sweet balance in every bite.
• Love peanut butter even more? Don’t miss these Irresistible Peanut Butter Truffles.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chunky peanut butter or smooth? Add a little sea salt on top?

I love seeing how others tweak these classic recipes to make them their own. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are timeless for a reason. They’re simple, satisfying, and full of that unmistakable homemade charm. Whether you’re new to baking or just need a foolproof go-to, this recipe always delivers. Every bite brings back memories and creates new ones, all at once.

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