The Perfect Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

These Perfect Classic Peanut Butter Cookies – Soft & Chewy Vintage Recipe are the kind of cookies that never go out of style. With their signature crisscross tops, rich peanut butter flavor, and perfectly tender centers, they bring all the nostalgic comfort of an old-fashioned bake with simple, pantry‑friendly ingredients.

Classic Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Yields: 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shortening

• 3/4 cup peanut butter

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons sugar (for rolling)

  
  

Tip: You can substitute shortening for unsalted butter if needed or desired

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix shortening, peanut butter, sugars, and egg thoroughly in a large bowl

3. In a separate bowl, blend all the dry ingredients

4. Gradually stir dry mixture into the peanut butter mixture until well combined

5. Scoop dough into a ball and drop into small bowl of sugar until coated

6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

7. Flatten each cookie with a fork dipped in flour, using a crisscross pattern

8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.

9. Let cool on the tray for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack

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Simple, timeless, and always a hit, these Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are the kind you’ll come back to again and again. Soft, sweet, and packed with peanut butter flavor, they’re perfect for after‑school treats, holiday trays, or a cozy weekend bake.

From baking sheets to cookie tools, shop my must-have supplies here! I feel like you'd especially love my ice cream scoops for scooping up dough! Looking for more recipes? Check out Cookie Curator's original sugar cookie recipe here! Find more deliciously perfect roll-out sugar cookie recipes on the Cookie Curator blog. For all Cookie Curator tips and tricks on royal icing, check out the highly-rated How to Make Sugar Cookies Course & Course Workbook!