Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies - Martha Stewart
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies - Martha Stewart is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Martha Stewart on YouTube.
Prep: 24 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $1.86 total, $0.47 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (firmly packed)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 0.5 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (optional but adds depth)
- 1 cup Smooth Peanut Butter (no‑stir or natural, no added sugar preferred)
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda (ensure it is fresh)
- 0.25 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
Instructions
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together one stick of softened unsalted butter and one cup firmly packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Time: PT5M
Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and ½ tsp pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Stir in Peanut Butter
Fold in one cup of smooth peanut butter, mixing until the dough is uniform and sticky.
Time: PT2M
Sift Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 1½ cups all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.
Time: PT2M
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the peanut‑butter mixture, stirring just until the flour disappears. Do not over‑mix.
Time: PT3M
Shape Cookies
Roll the dough into 1‑inch balls (about 15 total) on a silicone baking mat. Space them roughly 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet.
Time: PT10M
Create Fork Pattern
Press each ball lightly with your palm, then dip a fork in flour and press the tines into the top of each cookie in a criss‑cross pattern.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Bake in a pre‑heated 350°F oven for 10‑12 minutes, until the edges are just golden and the tops are set but not brown.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven, let them sit on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Peanuts, Dairy, Egg, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Salted butter (reduce added salt), Margarine
- Instead of Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar, Granulated sugar + 1 tsp molasses
- Instead of Large Egg: Egg replacer, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- Instead of Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean (1/4 bean), Almond extract (use 1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Smooth Peanut Butter: Almond butter, Cashew butter
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour (denser), Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Baking Soda: Baking powder (1¼ tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (use slightly more)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Baking Sheet
- Silicone Baking Mat
- Fork
- Cooling Rack
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cream Butter and Sugar
- Combine Wet and Dry
- Bake
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature butter for a smoother cream.
- A fresh batch of baking soda gives the cookies a better rise.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup.
Troubleshooting
Cookies spread too much and become thin.
Chill the dough for 15‑20 minutes before shaping and use a silicone mat instead of parchment.
Cookies are hard and dry.
Do not over‑mix the dough and bake only until golden edges; remove from oven while still slightly soft.
Fork pattern sticks to the cookie.
Lightly dust the fork with flour before pressing and press gently.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Keep in a sealed cookie tin at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours before shaping.
- Shape the balls, place on the sheet, and freeze; bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies in American cuisine?
Old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies date back to the early 20th century when peanut butter became a household staple in the United States. They were popularized during the Great Depression as an inexpensive, protein‑rich treat that families could make with pantry staples.
What are the traditional regional variations of peanut butter cookies in the United States?
In the Midwest, bakers often add a touch of honey for extra sweetness, while in the South, a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of chocolate is common. Some New England versions use rolled oats for added texture.
How are old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served at tea time, after school snacks, or as part of holiday cookie platters. Families often pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
What occasions or celebrations are old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies associated with in American culture?
These cookies are a staple at school bake sales, family reunions, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, where their simple flavor complements richer desserts.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies versus acceptable substitutes?
The classic recipe calls for unsalted butter, light brown sugar, smooth peanut butter, all‑purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Substitutes like almond butter or whole‑wheat flour can be used, but they change the texture and flavor profile.
What other American dishes pair well with old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies?
They pair nicely with vanilla ice cream, banana pudding, or a simple fruit salad. A glass of cold milk or a cup of black coffee also complements their rich, nutty flavor.
What makes old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies special or unique in American cookie tradition?
The signature fork‑pressed criss‑cross pattern, the use of peanut butter as a primary flavor, and the no‑mixer, one‑bowl method set them apart as a nostalgic, hands‑on treat that evokes childhood memories.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which creates tough cookies, using melted butter instead of softened butter, and baking too long, which turns the edges brown rather than golden.
Why does this recipe use a fork to create a pattern instead of a cookie cutter?
The fork creates the classic criss‑cross design that signals an old‑fashioned peanut butter cookie, adds a slight surface texture, and requires no special tools—making the recipe accessible for home cooks.
What does the YouTube channel Martha Stewart specialize in?
The YouTube channel Martha Stewart focuses on classic American home cooking, seasonal entertaining, and elegant yet approachable recipes that blend tradition with modern techniques.
Last updated: August 14, 2026
