John'S Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies
John's Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy treats bursting with rich peanut flavor and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, these cookies are quick to make and ideal for sharing with friends and family. Their classic crisscross pattern gives a nostalgic touch to every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Crisco, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl.
- Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended.
- Add egg and beat until just blended.
- Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix at low speed until just blended.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the Crisco with unsalted butter. If you're out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar taste. Ensure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or crushed Honey Roasted Pretzels for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter cookies are perfect as an afternoon snack or dessert. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or serve alongside a warm bowl of Gold Corn Chowder for a comforting meal. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter, especially when served with other treats like Chocolate Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John'S Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies contains roughly 780 calories, with 12g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1642mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be less sweet and may make the cookies a bit more crumbly. If you prefer a softer cookie, you may want to adjust the amount of flour accordingly.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free peanut butter cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with the dough's structure. This will ensure your cookies maintain the right texture while being suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky to work with, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help it firm up and make it easier to scoop and shape. Additionally, you can lightly flour your hands or the surface to prevent sticking while shaping the cookies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).