This is a special recipe from one of the most famous cookbooks ever published: The Joy of Cooking, by Irma S. Rombauer. Rombauer’s compilation of recipes was first published in the midst of the Great Depression and has since sold over 20 million copies, so it’s safe to say the recipes are pretty reliable. Over 90 years of history shine on the reliability of the recipes found within its pages; the cookbook is revised every 10 years to reflect contemporary home cooking, and it has inspired many kitchen celebrities, most notably Julia Child. All that to say, if you’re interested in delving deeper into the realm of cooking and baking but don’t know where to start, The Joy of Cooking is a safe bet. I’ve chosen a recipe for peanut butter cookies, a personal favorite.
INGREDIENTS (one batch):
1⁄2 cup butter
1⁄2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 cup peanut butter
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 1⁄2 cups all purpose flour
DIRECTIONS (one batch):
1. Preheat oven to 375 °F
2. Gradually add brown & granulated sugar to butter, mixing until creamy
3. Beat in egg, peanut butter, salt, baking soda, and vanilla
4. Add flour and mix until thoroughly combined
5. Roll the dough into small balls on the cookie sheet and press flat with a fork (it should leave a checkered pattern)
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes and ENJOY!
This recipe also appears in our February 2025 print edition.
