30-Minute Classic Jif Peanut Butter Cookies
Classic soft and chewy peanut butter cookies featuring the signature crisscross fork pattern on top. Made with creamy Jif peanut butter and packed brown sugar for rich, nutty flavor with a tender texture. These nostalgic cookies are perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or afternoon snacks. The combination of vegetable shortening and peanut butter creates an exceptionally soft cookie that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F
- 2
Combine peanut butter, shortening, brown sugar, milk and vanilla in large bowl and beat at medium speed until well blended
- 3
Add egg and beat just until blended
- 4
Add salt and baking soda and stir until mixed
- 5
Pour in flour and mix on low until fully blended
- 6
Drop rounded measuring tablespoonfuls of dough 2-inches apart onto greased baking sheet
- 7
Flatten slightly in crisscross pattern with fork tines
- 8
Bake one sheet at a time for 7 to 8 minutes until set and just beginning to brown
- 9
Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet then remove to cooling rack
Tips
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking
Don't overbake - cookies should be set but still soft when removed
Press fork pattern gently to avoid flattening cookies too much
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated
Serve at room temperature with milk or coffee
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake to avoid dry cookies
Grease baking sheet to prevent sticking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months in airtight container. Cookie dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
What if I don't have vegetable shortening?
You can substitute with butter but cookies will be slightly less tender and may spread more during baking.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.