Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies
There’s something truly magical about baking cookies, especially when the recipe comes from a cherished family member. These Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies are not only easy to make, but they also carry the warmth and love that only a great grandma can impart. Soft, chewy, and bursting with that classic peanut butter flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion or just because you need a little comfort in your life. Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Top Reasons to Make Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies
- Timeless Recipe: Passed down through generations, this recipe holds a special place in many hearts.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have cookies ready in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for school lunches, family gatherings, or a cozy evening at home.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is fun for kids to help with, making it a great activity for family bonding.
- Deliciously Nutty: The rich flavor of peanut butter shines through, making every bite irresistible.
What Goes Into Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies
You’ll need the following ingredients to create these delightful cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature – This will give your cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
- 2 large eggs, beaten – Eggs add moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon milk – A splash of milk helps achieve the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that lovely hint of vanilla flavor.
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky) – Choose your favorite style for a deliciously nutty taste.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deeper sweetness.
- 1 cup granulated white sugar – For that perfect sweet balance.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Tools & Equipment Needed
To whip up these Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies, gather the following:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking!
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: For a smooth, well-mixed dough.
- Baking Sheet: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning out the dough.
- Cooling Rack: To let your cookies cool perfectly.
Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, add the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Peanut Butter
Beat in the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until well combined. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help distribute the baking soda and salt evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a few inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Flatten the Cookies
For that classic peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they look a little soft; they will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows them to set perfectly!
Better Choices & Swaps
If you want to make some adjustments to the recipe, consider the following options:
- Butter Alternatives: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Peanut Butter Variants: Swap out peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Less Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar to 3/4 cup for a less sweet cookie.
Author’s Commentary
Baking Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the entire experience. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is pure nostalgia, reminding you of cozy family gatherings and the love that’s been passed down through the years. Each bite takes you back to those special moments, making them more than just cookies—they’re a delightful piece of your family history.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These cookies can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment. Here are some tips:
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing Dough: You can freeze the unbaked dough in portions. Just scoop out the dough and freeze it in individual balls. When ready to bake, just add a minute or two to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
Reader Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes! Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may create a slightly different texture due to its oil separation. Make sure to stir it well before measuring.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges will be lightly golden, and the centers might look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with peanut butter, so feel free to fold in a cup of your favorite chocolate chips before baking.
What should I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough feels too dry, you can add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Quick Weeknight Wins
- Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Chocolate Chip Cookies – Another classic cookie that never disappoints!
- Pinch of Yum’s Easy Banana Bread – Perfect for using up ripe bananas and equally comforting.
- Minimalist Baker’s Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies – A delightful and simple vegan alternative.
Next Steps
Now that you have the recipe for Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Gather your ingredients, invite a family member or friend to join you in the kitchen, and enjoy the process of creating something special. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your day. Happy baking!
Great Grandmas Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until well combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto a prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7: Flatten each cookie with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze unbaked dough in portions for future baking.
- Chocolate chips can be added for a delicious twist!
