Amish Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Published: Apr 8, 2023 · Modified: Sep 9, 2024 by Anna 35 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Old-fashioned Amish peanut butter cookies are a classic American treat that people have enjoyed for generations. They are made from a simple recipe that features basic ingredients such as peanut butter, sugar, flour, and eggs.

These vintage peanut butter cookies have a rich, buttery flavor that is balanced by the sweet, nutty taste of peanut butter. They have a beautiful texture, being crisp on the outside and slightly soft and chewy on the inside.

stack of Amish peanut butter cookies on a board.

They also have a distinctive crisscross pattern on top, which you make by pressing the tines of a fork into the dough before baking.

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Grandma's Old-Fashioned Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cookies with a Crisscross Pattern
Basic Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut Butter
More Amish Recipes Using Peanut Butter
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Grandma's Old-Fashioned Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

This is truly an old-fashioned recipe that takes me back to my grandma's kitchen. It's a classic cookie recipe that has stood the test of time.

Therefore, I am guessing that some of you also found old-fashioned peanut butter cookies (similar to these) in your grandma's cookie jar.

And one of the most appealing things about these timeless peanut butter cookies is their simplicity. They are made with just a few ingredients. And they require minimal preparation, making them a quick and easy dessert to whip up on a whim.

ingredients - flour, baking soda, baking powder, brown sugar, peanut butter, sugar, butter, and egg

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the cookie dough.
Cream the Butters and Sugars:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add the Egg:
- Crack in the egg and continue mixing until it's fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is combined and the dough comes together.
Shape the Cookies:
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets. Space them evenly.
- Flatten each ball of dough with a fork, making a crisscross pattern. You can dip the fork in flour or sugar to prevent sticking.
Bake the Cookies:
- Place the cookies in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, just until they are set but still soft. They should not look hard in the oven as they will firm up while cooling.
Cool the Cookies:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the tray for about a minute to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the Cookies:
- Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container. If they won't be eaten within three days, freeze the extras to keep them fresh.

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Cookies with a Crisscross Pattern

An identifying mark of old-fashioned peanut butter cookies is the crisscross pattern on the top. And it's very easy to make this simple pattern.

Scoop the cookies onto greased baking sheets. Then simply dip a fork into flour or sugar (this keeps it from sticking) and press the top of the cookie. Now press the cookie again in the opposite direction.

You don't want a bunch of flour sticking to the fork and going onto the cookie. (After each press, I dip my fork into flour and then give it a tap against the side of my flour tub.)

This pattern not only adds a decorative touch but also helps to flatten the cookies and ensures that they bake evenly.

peanut butter cookies dough on a tray with crisscross patterns

Basic Peanut Butter Cookies

Amish peanut butter cookies are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. And here are a few ideas:

As a snack: Peanut butter cookies make a great snack on their own. Grab a cookie and enjoy it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
With ice cream: Warm up a peanut butter cookie and place a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top for a decadent dessert. Or crumble a cookie over top of a bowl of ice cream.
With chocolate: Dip the peanut butter cookies in melted chocolate for an extra sweet treat.
With a fruit spread: Spread some fruit jam or preserves on top of a peanut butter cookie for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
As a sandwich: Transform your ordinary cookies into a sumptuous delight by slathering your favorite creamy frosting on one and sandwiching it with another.
With a glass of cold milk: Dip your peanut butter cookie in a glass of cold milk for a classic and comforting snack.
Crumbled on top of yogurt: Crumble a peanut butter cookie on top of vanilla yogurt for added crunch and flavor.
As a gift: Peanut butter cookies make a great gift for friends and family. Pack them in a decorative tin or box and give them as a thoughtful and delicious present.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a lovely spread made from ground-roasted peanuts. It's a popular food item that is commonly consumed as a snack or used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. (I recommend using a good-quality creamy peanut butter to make these cookies.)

It is high in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to many diets.

The Amish serve Homemade Peanut Butter Spread on homemade bread and buns for their church dinner.

And lastly, there are also plenty of options available in terms of incorporating it into baking recipes. Peanut butter and chocolate are an excellent combination, as in chocolate peanut butter chip cookies, Reese's peanut butter bars, or chocolate peanut butter fudge!

Amish pb cookies on a board and scattered around with peanuts

More Amish Recipes Using Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (Homemade candy)
Homemade Protein Balls
Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Old-fashioned Amish peanut butter cookies are a beloved treat and are often enjoyed as nostalgic comfort food or a classic snack. If you enjoy this recipe, I would love it if you left a comment and star rating below. Thank you!

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Old-Fashioned Amish Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Old-fashioned Amish peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that people have enjoyed for generations. They have a rich, buttery, and nutty flavor with a beautiful crisp texture on the outside while being soft on the inside.

5 from 16 votes

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

baking in batches 10

Total Time 40

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American, Amish

Servings cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

½ c. butter, softened (1 stick)
½ c. creamy peanut butter
½ c. sugar
½ c. brown sugar
1 large egg
1 ¼ c. all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°.
In a mixing bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, and sugars until well creamed.
½ c. butter, softened (1 stick), ½ c. creamy peanut butter, ½ c. sugar, ½ c. brown sugar
Add egg and mix.
1 large egg
In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Then add them to the creamed mixture and mix to combine.
1 ¼ c. all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp. baking soda, ½ tsp. baking powder, ¼ tsp. salt
Scoop the cookie dough onto greased cookie sheets and flatten them in a crisscross pattern with a fork dipped in flour or sugar. Bake for approx. 10 minutes (just until set, but not hard).
Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the tray for a minute before removing them to a wire rack to cool.
Store in an airtight container. And freeze whatever won't get eaten within three days, to keep them fresh.

Notes

Yields 30 small cookies

*Nutrition is approximate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1small cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 41mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 106IUCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Amish Peanut Butter Cookies, Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

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