Peanut Butter Cookies

 Mama's Peanut Butter Cookies

Here is another recipe from my mother's recipe card collection. We make these cookies often because we love the taste of peanut butter and we have extra.  

This recipe does call for shortening, but you can use butter or butter flavored shortening.  There is a difference between using shortening or butter in your cookies. Cookies made with butter will spread more. They will be flatter and crispier. Cookies made with shortening will bake up taller and be softer. You can use butter flavored shortening as well for more flavor then using plain shortening.

Ingredients

1 c. shortening or butter
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. peanut butter
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 c. flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°

In a large bowl, cream shortening, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in peanut butter and vanilla.

Turn the mixer to low and add the baking soda, salt and flour. Mix until well blended.

Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls between the palms of your hands and place on a cookie sheet. Flatten the cookies with the tines of a fork dipped in sugar. Make another fork print across the cookie so you will have the traditional "+" pattern across the top.  

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until brown. Remove from the pan and cool on wire wracks.