The Ultimate Guide to Classic Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies: Double the Peanut Butter, Double the Flavor!
There’s something uniquely comforting and undeniably delicious about a freshly baked peanut butter cookie. And when it comes to the classic Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies, also affectionately known as Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies, they truly represent a quintessential American treat. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a celebration of rich, intense peanut butter flavor, offering that perfect textural balance of crispy golden edges and a delightfully soft, chewy center. What makes this particular recipe stand out? It’s crafted with *double the peanut butter*, ensuring every bite is packed with the nutty goodness you crave.
These beloved cookies evoke a sense of nostalgia, often reminding us of childhood baking sessions or grandma’s kitchen. Their iconic fork-pressed criss-cross pattern is instantly recognizable, signaling the promise of a homemade delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this guide will walk you through creating the most flavorful and perfectly textured Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies, making them an instant favorite in your home.
The Importance of Sweetened Peanut Butter and Precise Measurement
The foundation of these intensely flavored Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies lies in the generous amount and specific type of peanut butter used. This recipe is meticulously designed for sweetened peanut butter brands like Jif or Skippy, which are common in many households. These types of peanut butter contain added sugars and emulsifiers that contribute to the cookies’ texture, moisture, and overall sweetness. Using an unsweetened, natural peanut butter (which often separates oil) can drastically change the outcome, potentially leading to a drier, more crumbly cookie with a less balanced flavor. If unsweetened peanut butter is all you have on hand, you might need to seek a different recipe specifically formulated for it, or consider adjusting the sugar content in this recipe, although it’s not always a straightforward substitution.
Furthermore, when it comes to baking, precision is paramount, and measuring peanut butter is no exception. Due to its dense and viscous nature, volume measurements (like cups) can be inconsistent as air pockets can affect the actual quantity. The most accurate way to measure peanut butter is with a kitchen scale. For instance, half a cup of creamy peanut butter typically weighs around 4.6 ounces (128 grams), rather than the standard 4 ounces often assumed for half a cup of other ingredients. This slight difference can impact the dough’s consistency and the final cookie’s texture. While creamy peanut butter is generally the best choice for its smooth integration into the dough, if you prefer a subtle crunch, you can certainly use crunchy peanut butter. Just be aware that it will introduce small bits of peanuts into the cookie, adding a different textural dimension.
Baking Small Batch Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
While the full recipe below yields a generous batch perfect for sharing or parties, sometimes you just need a few cookies to satisfy a craving, or perhaps you’re testing the recipe for the first time. That’s where the convenience of a small batch comes in handy. I often scale this recipe down to a quarter of its original size to make a very manageable quantity. This is especially useful for preventing over-indulgence, trying out new variations, or simply enjoying fresh-baked goodness without the commitment of a large batch. The small batch measurements are meticulously calculated to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring every mini-batch is just as delicious as the full one.
Here are the precise measures for crafting a delightful Small Batch of Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Softened Unsalted Butter: 30 grams (approximately 2 tablespoons plus 1 ½ teaspoons)
- Dark Brown Sugar: 25 grams (approximately 2 tablespoons), packed
- Granulated Sugar: 25 grams (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 65 grams (approximately ¼ cup), sweetened type
- Beaten Egg: 14 grams (about 1 tablespoon). Use a well-beaten large egg and measure carefully.
- Salt: ⅛ teaspoon
- Baking Soda: ⅛ teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: ⅛ teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour or Bread Flour: ⅓ cup (42 grams). Using bread flour can yield a slightly chewier cookie.
- Peanut Butter Chips: A few tablespoons (optional, but highly recommended for an extra peanut butter boost!)
To prepare your small batch, follow these simple steps: First, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Next, thoroughly mix in the creamy peanut butter and the beaten egg until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. Then, stir in the salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Finally, gently fold in the flour until just blended, being careful not to overmix. If you’re using peanut butter chips, stir them in last. Form into small balls, flatten with a fork, and bake as per the main recipe instructions.
Elevating Peanut Butter Cookies with European Style Butter
The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final taste and texture of your baked goods. This is especially true for butter. I’ve previously experimented with European-style butter in chocolate chip cookies, using brands like Président, with truly remarkable results. My nephew was so enchanted by them that my sister-in-law requested the recipe and has been making them ever since!
What sets European-style butter apart? It typically boasts a higher butterfat content (around 82-86%) and a lower water content compared to standard American butter (which is usually around 80% butterfat). This difference might seem subtle, but it translates into richer flavor and a distinct textural experience in your baking. When incorporated into cookies, the higher fat content contributes to a more tender crumb, a slightly “sandier” and crumblier texture, and a deeper, more luxurious buttery taste. For these Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies, using European-style butter can add an extra layer of sophistication and richness, making an already delicious cookie even more sublime. If you’re looking to elevate your baking, swapping out your regular butter for a high-quality European brand is a simple yet impactful adjustment worth exploring.
Insights and Refinements from 2024: The Double Peanut Butter Difference
Reflecting on this recipe in 2024, it continues to hold its own as a superior Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookie. My initial claim of “a lot of peanut butter” is no exaggeration, and it’s precisely what sets these cookies apart. To truly appreciate the difference, I’ve often compared this recipe against other popular versions, such as the classic peanut butter cookie recipe found on Allrecipes.com. While that particular recipe also yields excellent cookies, it typically features a lower ratio of peanut butter to other ingredients and often includes baking powder alongside baking soda.
The distinction is significant: recipes with less peanut butter and baking powder tend to spread more, resulting in thinner cookies with a lighter peanut butter flavor. While still enjoyable, they lack the intense, robust peanut butter punch that this double peanut butter recipe delivers. Here, the generous amount of peanut butter, combined with baking soda (which provides leavening and helps with browning and spread), ensures a cookie that’s thick, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Both styles of cookies have their merits, of course, but for true peanut butter enthusiasts, this recipe offers an unparalleled depth of flavor and a wonderfully satisfying texture.
One crucial tip to remember for optimal texture, regardless of the specific recipe, is patience. The texture of these cookies, like many baked goods, improves significantly when they are allowed to cool completely. As they cool, the internal structure sets, and the flavors meld and deepen, transforming them from warm, delicate treats into perfectly chewy, robust cookies. Resisting the urge to devour them immediately can be hard, but it’s a small wait for a big reward.
Explore More Cookie Madness Favorites
If you’ve enjoyed this journey into the world of Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies, you might be interested in exploring other delightful recipes from the Cookie Madness archives. Expand your baking repertoire with these related and equally delicious options:
- Shortening Peanut Butter Cookies: A different take on texture and flavor.
- Giant Peanut Butter Brickle Criss-Cross Cookies: For those who love a bigger, bolder cookie.
- Lemon Squares with European Style Butter: A tangy, rich treat showcasing the versatility of European butter.
- Super Nutty Peanut Butter Cookies: If you can’t get enough nuts in your cookies.
- European Style Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: The inspiration behind our discussion on high-quality butter.
Recipe
One Bowl Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies: The Double Peanut Butter Version
Anna
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
12 minutes
22 minutes
Dessert, Snack
American
44
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (115 grams, at room temperature, not melted)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed (100 grams, ensures moisture and chewiness)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams, for crispness and sweetness)
- 1 cup sweetened peanut butter (260 grams, e.g., Jif or Skippy – crucial for flavor and texture)
- 1 large egg (or extra large, helps bind and add moisture)
- ½ teaspoon salt (balances sweetness, reduce to ¼ tsp if using salted butter)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (for rise and golden brown edges)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances overall flavor)
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour (170 grams, spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- 1 cup peanut butter chips (optional, for an extra burst of peanut butter)
Instructions
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Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). Line a couple of large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can leave the sheets ungreased/un-lined for these cookies, as they contain enough fat to prevent sticking.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and both the dark brown and granulated sugars together until the mixture is light and fluffy (this creaming process takes about 2-3 minutes). This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookie’s final texture. Next, beat in the generous amount of peanut butter and the egg until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Then, beat in the salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract until just blended.
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Add Dry Ingredients and Form Cookies: Once your wet mixture is well blended, gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring on low speed until it is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. If you’re using peanut butter chips, gently stir them in now. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch balls (or use a 1-tablespoon size cookie scoop for consistency). Arrange the balls on your prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading. For an extra touch, you can roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or simply sprinkle sugar on top before flattening. Then, dip a fork lightly in water (this prevents sticking better than sugar, in my experience) and press down on each cookie ball to create the classic criss-cross pattern.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers appear set but still slightly soft. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking.
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Ingredient Note: If you only have salted butter on hand, you can certainly use it. However, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to about ¼ teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies.
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Flavor Twist (Optional): For an unexpected depth of flavor and a subtle warmth, try adding about ¼ teaspoon of chipotle powder to the batter. It’s a surprising addition that complements the peanut butter beautifully without making the cookies spicy.
criss-cross peanut butter cookies, peanut butter cookies, old fashioned cookies, homemade cookies
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Tips for Success with Your Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies
To ensure your Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use softened butter and a room-temperature egg. This ensures they emulsify properly with the sugars and peanut butter, creating a smooth, cohesive dough. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter and a denser cookie.
- Don’t Overmix the Flour: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, dry cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While this recipe doesn’t strictly require chilling, if your dough feels too soft or sticky, a 30-minute chill in the refrigerator can make it easier to handle and help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Consistent Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or carefully measure your dough balls to ensure they are uniform in size. This promotes even baking, so all your cookies are perfectly cooked at the same time.
- The Criss-Cross Technique: For a perfect pattern, dip your fork in a small bowl of water between each cookie. This prevents the dough from sticking to the tines and keeps the pattern sharp and clean.
- Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary. Pay attention to the visual cues – golden brown edges and set centers. If your cookies are spreading too much, your oven might be too hot, or your butter might have been too soft. If they are not browning, your oven might be too cool. An oven thermometer can be a great investment.
- Cooling is Key: As mentioned, allowing the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack is essential. This allows them to finish setting, developing their full flavor and signature chewy texture.
Variations and Storage Ideas
While these double peanut butter cookies are phenomenal on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: After mixing the dough, gently swirl in a few tablespoons of melted chocolate for a marbled effect.
- Add-ins: Besides peanut butter chips, consider adding mini chocolate chips, chopped roasted peanuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper (as suggested in the recipe notes) can add an interesting warmth and depth to the peanut butter flavor.
Storage:
- At Room Temperature: Store baked Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, freeze baked and completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the raw cookie dough. Form the balls, make the criss-cross pattern, then flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Peanut Butter Cookie
These Classic Criss-Cross Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. With their unbeatable texture, deep peanut butter flavor, and iconic appearance, they are guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who tries them. By following this detailed guide and incorporating the tips provided, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of truly unforgettable cookies. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate peanut butter indulgence. Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with us!