Grandma Jane’s Irresistible Soft & Chewy Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies: A Classic Recipe
Prepare yourself for a truly delightful experience with Grandma Jane’s Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are not just incredibly indulgent and delicious; they are a timeless classic, reminiscent of the best homemade treats from childhood. This beloved recipe, passed down through generations, yields cookies that are perfectly soft and chewy on the inside, with a wonderfully crisp edge on the outside – a true masterpiece of peanut butter cookie perfection.
Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients, these scratch-made cookies capture the comforting essence of home baking. Every bite brings a wave of nostalgia and pure satisfaction, making them an instant favorite for anyone who tastes them. Get ready to bake a batch of these unforgettable treats that are truly the best you’ll ever make.
Ah, the classic Grandma’s peanut butter cookie recipe. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a comforting, satisfying, and utterly perfect culinary embrace. For me, this specific peanut butter recipe holds a special place in my heart, primarily because it’s my Mom’s – known affectionately as Grandma Jane to my children. Beyond their exquisite taste, these cookies are interwoven with countless cherished memories, making them profoundly meaningful.
There’s an undeniable magic in a recipe that not only delights the palate but also transports you back to simpler times. This recipe does exactly that. It’s the kind of cookie that makes you feel loved, nurtured, and incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful legacy of home baking. Every time I prepare these cookies, I’m not just following steps; I’m reliving moments, savoring the past, and creating new memories for the future.
Meet My Mom: The Heart Behind “Grandma Jane”
I often reflect on how incredibly fortunate I’ve been in life, and a significant part of that stems from having my Mom always present. Like her, I was privileged to be a stay-at-home mom, a role I deeply cherished. Growing up, Mom was consistently there for us, a comforting and unwavering presence, and that stability profoundly shaped my childhood. If you’ve been a longtime reader of my blog, you’ll undoubtedly have noticed how frequently I speak of her, and for good reason.
My Mom, “Grandma Jane,” is truly one of the most special and inspirational figures in my life. She isn’t just my mother; she’s my very best friend, my confidante, and my guiding light. I know I can approach her about absolutely anything, big or small. She’s always ready to share a laugh, offer a shoulder to cry on, or provide clear direction when I feel lost or uncertain. And yes, sometimes that direction comes with a healthy dose of tough love, a “good swift kick in the fanny” as I affectionately call it, delivered with the wisest and kindest intentions.
My Childhood Dream: Following in Her Footsteps
Perhaps this profound admiration for my mother explains why, when I was a child in school and teachers would pose the classic question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, my answer was always singular and unwavering. While other children eagerly declared aspirations of becoming doctors, teachers, or firemen, I always proclaimed with certainty, “I want to be a Mom.” It was, and still is, a testament to the incredible example she set.
Her dedication, love, and constant presence created an environment that I hoped to replicate for my own children. She left me with enormous shoes to fill, a legacy of unconditional love and tireless effort. Someday, I truly hope that my children will look back on their own childhoods and understand that my “job” as their Mom was not just important, but everything. It was the greatest aspiration, inspired by the greatest woman I know. Her cookies, like her parenting, were simply the best.
Grandma Jane’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies: A Taste of Home
There was always a unique sense of anticipation and joy when my brother and I would walk home from school, wondering what delicious surprise awaited us. We knew the moment we stepped through the front door. That unmistakable, comforting scent of something sweet baking in the oven would greet us, signaling that Mom had lovingly prepared an after-school snack. Those were truly special days, etched forever in my memory.
Among the many wonderful dishes my Mom makes, her creations are undeniably my ultimate “comfort foods.” We all have those special recipes that evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, and for me, her peanut butter cookies are at the very top of that list. I don’t know precisely what it is about them – maybe the perfect balance of flavors, the incredible texture, or simply the love baked into every batch – but these are, without a shadow of a doubt, the BEST peanut butter cookies I have ever had. Each bite is a little piece of home, a culinary hug that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget complicated recipes and endless kitchen time! Grandma Jane’s peanut butter cookie recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring less than ten common ingredients. You’ll have a batch of these perfectly chewy, soft cookies ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s the ideal recipe for those moments when a sudden sweet craving hits, but you want minimal fuss.
- A Nostalgic and Fun Baking Experience: Baking should be enjoyable, and these peanut butter cookies certainly deliver on the fun factor! This recipe instantly transports me back to my mom’s kitchen, where we would spend joyful afternoons baking together. It’s a wonderfully nostalgic experience, perfect for creating new cherished memories with your own loved ones, especially kids who will adore making the iconic fork marks.
- Irresistibly Yummy and Comforting: The secret to their incredible deliciousness lies in their perfect texture: wonderfully soft and satisfyingly chewy. Unlike some dry or crumbly cookies, these are a joy to bite into, melting in your mouth with rich peanut butter flavor. There’s nothing quite like a classic peanut butter cookie recipe that’s this easy to eat and deeply comforting.
Why Do Peanut Butter Cookies Have Fork Marks? The Iconic Criss-Cross Pattern Explained
The distinctive criss-cross pattern on peanut butter cookies isn’t just for decoration; it serves a crucial purpose in achieving the perfect bake! Peanut butter cookie dough is typically quite dense and rich due to the high fat content from the peanut butter. If you were to bake these cookies as simple rounded balls, they wouldn’t spread evenly and might remain raw in the center while the edges burn.
Pressing the dough balls with a fork flattens them, allowing for more uniform heat distribution during baking. This ensures the cookies bake through evenly, resulting in that delightful soft and chewy interior and perfectly crisp exterior. The sugar-dipped fork tines also add a lovely visual appeal and a slight textural crunch to the surface. It’s a signature touch that has become synonymous with homemade peanut butter cookies!
What Ingredient Makes Cookies Incredibly Moist and Tender?
For these irresistibly chewy and soft peanut butter cookies, the combination of **eggs** and **sugars** (both white granulated and brown sugar) are key to achieving their moist and tender texture. Eggs act as a binding agent, but they also contribute moisture and richness, creating a wonderfully tender crumb. Brown sugar, in particular, is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and holds onto moisture, which significantly enhances the chewiness and moistness of the cookies. The molasses content in brown sugar also adds a deeper, more complex flavor. You will be absolutely delighted by how moist and tender these cookies turn out, practically melting in your mouth!
Essential Ingredients for Grandma Jane’s Peanut Butter Cookies
For the precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.
- Shortening: This old-fashioned ingredient is a secret weapon in many classic cookie recipes. Used instead of butter, shortening creates an incredibly soft, tender texture and helps the cookies maintain their shape beautifully during baking, preventing excessive spreading.
- Peanut Butter: The undeniable star of this recipe! You can opt for creamy peanut butter for a smooth, consistent texture, or chunky peanut butter if you prefer little bits of peanut throughout your cookies. While other nut butters can be experimented with, I highly recommend sticking to the classic peanut butter for that authentic Grandma Jane flavor.
- Sugar: This recipe calls for a delightful duo of sweeteners. You’ll need both **white granulated sugar** for crispness and structure, and **brown sugar** for moisture, chewiness, and a deeper, molasses-rich flavor that perfectly complements the peanut butter.
- Eggs: Two large eggs are essential for binding all the ingredients together, providing structure, and adding richness. They are crucial for creating those coveted chewy textures that make these cookies so enjoyable.
- Flour: Simple all-purpose flour is all you need for this recipe. It’s a pantry staple and forms the structural base of our delicious cookies.
- Leavening Agents: To achieve the perfect rise and texture, this recipe cleverly uses both **baking soda** and **baking powder**. Baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar to create lift and tenderness, while baking powder provides additional aeration, resulting in a light yet chewy cookie.
- Salt: A small but mighty ingredient! A touch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the rich peanut butter flavor, making every bite more complex and satisfying.
How to Bake My Mother’s Beloved Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies from Scratch
The harmonious blend of rich peanut butter and sweet brown sugar, perfectly balanced with a hint of salt, comes together in an irresistible batter. This dough transforms into the most perfect, comforting cookies you’ll ever have the pleasure of eating. While these classic peanut butter cookies are delightful at any temperature, I highly recommend trying them warm, straight from the oven. That’s when they are most gooey, exquisitely soft, and truly melt-in-your-mouth tender. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, each bite promises pure bliss and homemade goodness!
Step 1: Prepare and Mix
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the shortening, creamy or chunky peanut butter, both white granulated sugar and brown sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive dough. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Transfer Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into rounded balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place these dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for spreading.
Step 3: Create the Signature Fork Marks
Press Cookies: Dip the tines of a fork into a small bowl of granulated sugar. This prevents sticking and adds a lovely sugary crunch to the surface. Gently press the sugared fork onto each cookie dough ball, creating a criss-cross pattern. Press just enough to flatten the dough slightly, but don’t over-flatten. Alternatively, you can use a decorative cookie stamp for a unique pattern.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake: Carefully transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for approximately eight to ten minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as over-baking can lead to dry cookies. You’re looking for edges that are lightly golden brown, while the centers still appear soft and slightly underdone. This is the secret to their irresistible chewiness!
Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two; this allows them to set without becoming too firm. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful homemade treats!
What Makes Cookies Chewy Versus Crunchy? Understanding the Science of Texture
The secret to achieving a perfect chewy cookie, with a delightful soft middle and light, crisp edges, lies in a few key factors. For this particular recipe, the combination of **shortening** and **brown sugar** is paramount. Shortening, with its higher melting point and lack of water compared to butter, helps create a tender crumb and prevents the cookies from spreading too thinly, contributing to a thicker, chewier center. Brown sugar, as mentioned, is hygroscopic, holding moisture and ensuring that gooey, soft texture. Additionally, a **shorter baking time** is critical. Pulling the cookies from the oven when the edges are just set and golden, but the centers still look slightly underdone, allows them to finish baking gently on the hot sheet pan, resulting in that ideal chewy consistency without becoming hard or brittle. It’s a careful balance that Grandma Jane perfected!
Why Are My Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies So Crumbly? Troubleshooting Tips
If your peanut butter cookies are turning out too crumbly, there’s a good chance you’ve added too much flour. Flour is the primary dry ingredient that provides structure, but an excess of it can make your dough stiff and your baked cookies dry and prone to crumbling. It’s crucial to measure your flour accurately, ideally by weighing it with a kitchen scale for the most precise results. If you’re using measuring cups, make sure to “fluff” the flour in its container, then spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than packing it down or scooping directly from the bag. Overmixing the dough can also develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher, more crumbly cookie. Always mix until just combined. By paying close attention to these details, you can ensure your Grandma Jane’s peanut butter cookies are perfectly soft and hold their shape beautifully.
LOVE IT? PIN IT! Save This Classic Recipe for Later
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Make sure to save Grandma Jane’s classic peanut butter cookies to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. By pinning this beloved peanut butter cookie recipe, you’ll always have it handy when that homemade cookie craving strikes. It’s an easy way to ensure you can find this tried-and-true family favorite whenever you’re ready to bake!
Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Choice: Feel free to experiment with crunchy peanut butter if you prefer an added nutty texture in your cookies. Natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) tends to make a drier cookie, so for best results and consistent texture, stick with conventional creamy or chunky peanut butter.
- Freezing for Later: These cookies freeze exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, perfect for enjoying a homemade treat at a later date or for last-minute guests!
- Storage for Freshness: To maintain their optimal softness and chewiness, store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you find them getting a little firm, warming them briefly in the microwave can restore some of their soft texture.
- The Golden Rule of Baking: Always pull your cookies from the oven when they look like they are *not quite done* in the center. The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the middle may still appear slightly soft. Leave them on the hot cookie sheet for an additional one to two minutes after removing from the oven. This residual heat will continue to cook them gently, resulting in that perfect balance of soft, chewy inside and light, crisp outside.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix the dough only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher, less tender cookies.
More Irresistible Cookie Recipes You Will Love!
- Butter Brickle Cookies (pictured above)
- Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
I’m thrilled to share a complete assortment of my most cherished family recipes, all gathered in one convenient spot for you to explore and enjoy! Naturally, there’s an entire section lovingly dedicated to my amazing Mom, Grandma Jane. Some of my absolute favorite recipes of hers, besides these phenomenal peanut butter cookies, include her comforting Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, her soulful Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, the hearty Beef & Noodles, her flavorful Taco Casserole, the classic Tuna Tetrazzini, and even a guide on how to prepare her complete Thanksgiving dinner! Discover all of her timeless recipes, along with many more from my Grandmas, aunts, and extended family, in my comprehensive Collection of Family Recipes post. These are truly tried and true dishes that bring joy and comfort to every table.
So, are you ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies and create some wonderful memories of your own? What do you say? Let’s get to baking! Here is the treasured recipe for my Mom’s very best homemade Peanut Butter Cookies!
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Print Recipe
Grandma Jane’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Equipment
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Rubber Spatulas
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the shortening, peanut butter, both granulated and brown sugars, eggs, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly with an electric mixer or stand mixer until all ingredients are well combined and a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
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Scoop rounded balls of dough, about 1-inch in size, onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each cookie. Dip the tines of a fork into granulated sugar, then gently press the fork onto each cookie dough ball to create the classic criss-cross pattern. You could also use a cookie stamp for a different design.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes. It’s crucial not to overbake these cookies if you want them to remain soft and chewy. Watch them closely; they are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers still look slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for a minute or two to set before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
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Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to 4 days.