There is something truly heartwarming and nostalgic about Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. This classic Southern treat delivers the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter flavor, a touch of sweetness, and that irresistible soft-yet-chewy texture that makes every bite feel like a hug from the past. If you want to experience a cookie recipe passed down through generations with a story and soul, these are the cookies you’ll want to make and share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together effortlessly to create the magic behind Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Each one plays a pivotal role in building flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color.
- Peanut butter: The star ingredient, providing creamy richness and that unmistakable nutty flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds sweetness and tenderness for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the peanut butter’s savoriness and helps with structure.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and moisture to the cookies.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a light, chewy texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, giving these cookies substance without heaviness.
- Baking soda: Provides just enough lift for a soft, slightly puffy cookie.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and contrasts the sweetness deliciously.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth that rounds out every bite.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. This step is key for creating that tender texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. These ingredients add moisture and a lovely aromatic quality that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. By mixing these dry ingredients separately first, you’ll ensure even distribution within the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle and simple.
Step 6: Form Dough Balls
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies enough room to spread a bit as they bake.
Step 7: Create Classic Crisscross Pattern
Flatten each dough ball gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern. This traditional step not only shapes the cookie but also gives it that iconic look everyone associates with peanut butter cookies.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. This will give you the perfect chewy center and slightly crispy edges every time.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest time lets them firm up to just the right consistency.
How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you’re looking to dress these cookies up a bit, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the peanut butter’s natural flavor perfectly. For a sweeter touch, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine when paired with a cold glass of milk, whether regular, almond, or oat milk. For adults or occasions, serving them alongside coffee or a creamy hot chocolate is a lovely way to elevate the cookie experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or creamy Nutella for an indulgent treat. You can also crumble a few over a bowl of vanilla pudding or mix them into a parfait for a fun texture surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Layering parchment paper between cookies can help prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
To keep the magic alive longer, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. Alternatively, the dough balls can be frozen and baked fresh when you’re ready for a warm treat.
Reheating
Warm frozen or stored cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes for a just-baked feel, or heat them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will bring back that soft, gooey texture everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful bits of texture to the cookies, giving an extra nutty crunch in each bite—just as tasty and just a bit more fun.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
For this recipe, refrigeration of the dough isn’t necessary. The cookies bake perfectly without chilling, making it a quick and easy recipe when you’re short on time.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend one-for-one. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and watch the cookies closely as baking times might slightly vary.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and set bottoms while the centers may still look a little soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can try replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative and the egg with a flax or chia egg, although the texture might differ slightly from the original recipe. It’s worth experimenting if you want a vegan version!
Final Thoughts
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a timeless gem that invites you to bake with love and savor the simple joys of a truly classic treat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, these cookies promise to bring smiles and a warm sense of tradition. Give them a try, and prepare to make this recipe one of your all-time favorites, just like it has been for generations.
Print
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic peanut butter cookies, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s grandmother, are rich, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a crisscross fork-topped design, they are quick to prepare and bake, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten Dough: Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball, pressing them in a crisscross pattern to give the cookies their classic look and even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but centers still appear soft, which ensures a chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For batch consistency, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming.
- Do not overbake cookies to retain that chewy center characteristic.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nuttier texture, add chopped peanuts into the dough.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but watch closely.
