Easy Peanut Butter Cookies (2 Recipes)
This page includes two easy vintage peanut butter cookie recipes: a classic fork-pressed cookie with the traditional crisscross top, plus a “double peanut” version with oats and chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Both bake at 350°F and use simple pantry ingredients—use the jump links below to go straight to the one you want.
Recipes on this page
Peanut Butter Cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 cups flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment (or lightly grease it).
- In a small cup, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water. Set aside.
- Cream shortening with white sugar and brown sugar. Beat in eggs.
- Mix in peanut butter, vanilla, and the baking soda-water mixture.
- Stir in flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork (crisscross pattern).
- Bake 10–15 minutes, until edges are set and lightly golden. Cool 2 minutes, then move to a rack.
Total bake time: 10–15 minutes
Equipment: cookie sheet
Servings: about 3 dozen cookies
Double Peanut Cookie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened margarine
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup pancake mix
- 1 cup salted peanuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Set oven rack slightly above center.
- Cream margarine. Add brown sugar, vanilla, and egg; beat until light.
- Beat in peanut butter. Stir in oats and pancake mix.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll balls in chopped peanuts, pressing nuts in lightly. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until set and lightly browned. Cool briefly before removing.
Total bake time: 10–12 minutes
Equipment: cookie sheet
Servings: about 4 dozen cookies
Peanut Butter Cookie FAQ
Do I need to chill peanut butter cookie dough?
Usually no. If dough is very soft or the kitchen is warm, chilling 30 minutes can reduce spreading.
Why do peanut butter cookies get fork marks?
Fork marks flatten the dough so it bakes evenly and create the classic crisscross pattern.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but cookies may spread more. If using natural peanut butter, chill the dough and avoid overmixing.
How should I store peanut butter cookies?
Store airtight at room temperature for several days, or freeze baked cookies for longer storage.