If you have a soft spot for classics that bring back the warmth of family kitchens, then Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies are the perfect blend of rich peanut butter flavor, a tender yet slightly chewy texture, and a nostalgic taste that feels like a hug from the past. Each bite is a delightful reminder of the simple joys of homemade treats, made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering, this recipe never fails to impress with its ease and timeless appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe so special is how straightforward but thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role in crafting that classic taste and perfect texture, making baking both fun and rewarding.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky): The heart of the cookie, giving it rich, nutty flavor and moistness.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Delivers depth with its molasses notes and keeps the cookies chewy.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your cookies hold together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides lift for a light, slightly airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor, adding a subtle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base that shapes the cookie’s structure.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it is at the perfect temperature to bake your cookies evenly. While waiting, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Wet and Sweet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything well until the mixture becomes smooth and consistent. This creates the base of your dough, blending all those flavors together into a silky batter.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Add the flour gradually, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. This slow incorporation helps to prevent over-mixing, which could make your cookies tough instead of tender. Continue until your dough comes together into a smooth, cohesive ball.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Take portions of dough and roll them into small, roughly 1-inch diameter balls. Place these on your prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading. This step sets you up for perfectly sized cookies.
Step 5: Create the Signature Crisscross
Press down gently on each ball with the tines of a fork, first in one direction and then the other, to create the classic crisscross pattern. This isn’t just for looks; it also helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that unmistakable peanut butter cookie character.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want the edges to turn a light golden color, signaling that they are perfectly baked but still deliciously soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up slightly, making it easier to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely without breaking.
How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Although these cookies are delightful on their own, a sprinkle of coarse sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can elevate their look and taste for special occasions. If you love nuts, crushed peanuts add a pleasant crunch that complements the cookie’s texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic and satisfying snack or dessert combination. Their rich flavor contrasts wonderfully with creamy or refreshing beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking them with layers of marshmallow fluff for a fun cookie sandwich or crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for an unexpected peanut butter treat. These cookies are versatile and open doors for creative twists, perfect for impressing friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay delicious for up to a week, which means you can bake ahead and enjoy the comforting taste of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe anytime you crave a sweet bite.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to three months frozen without losing their delightful flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat your cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This little trick revives their softness and makes each bite taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe works beautifully with either creamy or chunky peanut butter. Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and nutty bits, making your cookies even more enjoyable.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
No need to refrigerate the dough for this recipe. The cookie dough is ready to bake as soon as it’s combined, making it a quick and convenient treat to whip up whenever a peanut butter craving hits.
Can I substitute brown sugar with more white sugar?
While you can, it’s best to keep the brown sugar in the recipe. It adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that’s key to the unique taste and chewy texture of these cookies.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your baking soda is fresh and the dough isn’t too warm when you roll it. Chilling the dough briefly for 15-20 minutes can also help reduce excessive spreading.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s a simple, timeless treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your heart with joy. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why it has remained a treasured favorite through generations.
Print
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic peanut butter cookies from Jimmy Carter’s grandmother are a nostalgic, sweet treat with a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich brown sugar. Soft and chewy with a crisscross fork pattern, they’re an easy-to-make favorite that requires simple pantry ingredients and only 20 minutes to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the peanut butter mixture, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until the dough is cohesive and smooth without any dry flour remaining.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading during baking.
- Create the Crisscross Pattern: Using a fork, press down gently on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a crisscross pattern on top, a classic peanut butter cookie signature.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges become lightly golden, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the cookies once cooled, perfect with a glass of milk or as a sweet snack any time of day.
Notes
- Use either creamy or chunky peanut butter based on your texture preference.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and allow to cool on the cookie sheet.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
