If you’ve ever dreamed of a peanut butter cookie that’s at once nostalgic, incredibly simple, and packed with rich, nutty flavor, then you’re going to love Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. This timeless classic captures the essence of Southern baking traditions with just a handful of pantry staples, creating crisp edges and chewy centers that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug from the past, perfect for sharing with family and friends or sneaking an extra one when no one’s looking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending creamy richness, a perfect crunch, or that golden color that beckons from the oven.
- 1 cup peanut butter: This is the star of the show, providing the cookies with their iconic nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the peanut butter’s richness with sweetness and gives a lovely crisp edge.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds tenderness to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth that elevates the overall flavor.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze and preserving those perfect cookie shapes you’re about to create.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, granulated sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This step is so satisfying because as the ingredients come together, you’re one step closer to that irresistible treat.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop out balls of dough, placing them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Then press each one gently with a fork, creating the classic crisscross pattern that’s a hallmark of peanut butter cookies and adds a little homemade charm.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and golden. The aroma at this point is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack, so they finish setting without breaking apart.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
You’ve just made a batch of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe! Time to indulge in their nostalgic goodness, perfect as a snack, dessert, or anytime treat.
How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious all on their own, you can add a little extra flair by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweet and salty interplay, or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate for an indulgent twist that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy cup of hot cocoa to complement their rich texture. They’re also wonderful served alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of chocolate or peanut butter frosting, or serve them in a pretty tin as a heartfelt gift. Their timeless look and taste make them perfect for sharing at gatherings or celebrating special moments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making it easy to satisfy peanut butter cravings anytime.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag or container. When you want a tasty treat, just thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Reheating
If you love warm cookies, pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave in short bursts. Reheating brings back that freshly-baked softness and invites all those wonderful peanut butter aromas to fill the room again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth in Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra nutty texture inside the cookies, giving every bite a nice surprise. Just be aware this might slightly change the cookie’s consistency, but it’s delicious nonetheless.
Do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?
This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, so chilling isn’t necessary. Baking the dough right after mixing helps you enjoy these memorable cookies without any delay.
How can I make these cookies more moist?
If you prefer chewier cookies, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or reducing the sugar slightly. Another trick is to avoid overbaking—the cookies should still be soft in the middle when you take them out of the oven.
Can I substitute the sugar for a healthier alternative?
You can try using coconut sugar or maple syrup, but keep in mind this might alter the taste and texture a bit. Granulated sugar gives the perfect crisp finish, so any swap may result in softer cookies.
Is Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe suitable for people with peanut allergies?
Since peanut butter is the main ingredient, this recipe is not safe for those with peanut allergies. If you want a similar treat, experimenting with sunflower seed butter or almond butter could be a good starting point, but always check for allergies first.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe — it’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, cherish simple ingredients, and enjoy a bite of history wrapped in sweet, peanut buttery goodness. I hope you’ll give these cookies a try and create some wonderful memories around your kitchen table, just like generations have before you.
Print
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic peanut butter cookie recipe from Jimmy Carter’s grandmother is delightfully simple, featuring just four ingredients. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, making them an irresistible snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough balls and place them spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Press each ball gently with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern typical of peanut butter cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and begin to turn a light golden brown. This ensures the cookies are cooked through but remain soft inside.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- If you have nut allergies, this recipe is not suitable.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Pressing the cookies with a fork prevents cracking and creates the classic peanut butter cookie signature look.
