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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Stir in Peanut Butter

    Fold in one cup of smooth peanut butter, mixing until the dough is uniform and sticky.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Sift Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, sift together 1½ cups all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.

    Time: PT2M

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

Last updated: March 17, 2026

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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies - Martha Stewart

Recipe by Martha Stewart

A nostalgic, buttery peanut butter cookie that requires only a bowl and a fork for the classic criss‑cross pattern. No mixer needed—just cream, stir, shape, and bake for a tender, golden‑brown treat that tastes like childhood.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.86
Total cost
$0.47
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream Butter and Sugar
  • Combine Wet and Dry
  • Bake

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking sheet with oven mitts.
  • Make sure raw egg is fully incorporated to avoid salmonella risk.
  • Do not over‑heat the butter; it should stay soft, not melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of peanut butter cookies in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How are old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies traditionally served in American households?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies special or unique in American cookie tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making old‑fashioned peanut butter cookies?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a fork to create a pattern instead of a cookie cutter?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Martha Stewart specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Martha Stewart focuses on classic American home cooking, seasonal entertaining, and elegant yet approachable recipes that blend tradition with modern techniques.

channel

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