Ruth Hayes’s Peanut Butter Cookies

/ Safety Harbor History Project

Contributed by Jacqueline L. Hayes

My mother, Ruth Hayes was an awesome cook. She studied home economics and business at Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. She was equally mastering the art of preparing delicious main courses as she was with scrumptious desserts.
One of her special treats was her peanut butter cookies. They never failed to bring a smile to the face of the person she was presenting them to. Usually someone who had partaken in this delight before. It was a sure thing that once you finished eating them, you would always request more. This made her quite happy.

-Jacqueline L. Hayes

Peanut Butter Cookies

  • 2 cups sifted flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of shortening
  • 1/2 cup of peanut butter
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • 3 Tablespoons of milk
  • 1 cup of peanuts, chopped

Stir flour, baking powder, and salt together. Cream shortening and peanut butter together. Beat in other ingredients one at a time. Stir in flour mixture, blending well. Chill, roll out to 1/4 inch thickness on slightly floured board. Cut with cookie cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with peanuts. Bake in moderate oven, 350◦ for 12 to 15 minutes. Yield 50 cookies.

Ruth Hayes, courtesy of Jacqueline L. Hayes

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