If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that combines simplicity, nostalgia, and pure peanut buttery goodness, then you’re about to fall in love with Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. This charming and humble treat calls for just a handful of ingredients but delivers a rich, chewy texture and a sweetly nutty flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug from the past. Perfectly golden edges and the classic crisscross fork marks make these cookies not only delicious but also irresistibly inviting. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe brings family tradition right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the greatest joys of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in giving these cookies their beloved taste and texture, whether it’s the creamy peanut butter that provides richness or the vanilla extract that adds a subtle depth.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Choose a smooth, creamy peanut butter for the best texture and flavor balance.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds the perfect level of sweetness and helps create that slightly crisp exterior.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together and keeps your cookies chewy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with fragrant warmth and a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This initial step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which helps keep the bottom perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, uniform dough. This step is quick and satisfying — you’ll see the ingredients come together to form the base of these classic cookies.
Step 3: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Take a fork and gently press down on each ball, creating that signature crisscross pattern that not only looks beautiful but also creates more textured edges.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and show a lovely hint of golden brown. It’s tempting to take them out early, but the subtle crispness develops as they sit, giving you that classic bite that keeps people coming back for more.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
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 if you can wait that long. These cookies are wonderful freshly baked with a glass of cold milk or as an anytime snack that evokes cozy memories.
How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking can balance their sweetness beautifully. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for an elegant twist that adds richness and sparkle.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The classic peanut butter flavor pairs wonderfully with cold or hot drinks, making snack time extra comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gift-giving, stack the cookies in a pretty box lined with parchment paper, tied with a rustic ribbon. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of homemade or store-bought jelly for an elevated peanut-butter-and-jelly experience that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies maintain a great chewy texture and the peanut butter flavor stays fresh, perfect for quick bites throughout your day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored properly, they can last up to three months without losing their charm.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven. The heat brings out that fresh-from-the-oven softness and enhances the peanut buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture contrast, making the cookies slightly more rustic and textural, but smooth peanut butter will give you the classic soft-chewy bite favored in this recipe.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is needed for this recipe, which makes it wonderfully quick and easy. The dough’s consistency allows you to scoop and bake immediately without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Can I substitute the sugar with a healthier alternative?
You can experiment with substitutes like coconut sugar or erythritol, but keep in mind that these may alter the cookie’s texture and sweetness. It’s best to start with small batches if you want to adjust for taste and baking time.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. They’re so tasty, though, they rarely stick around that long!
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales very well. Just be sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets and bake in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and the perfect cookie texture.
Final Thoughts
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a treasure trove of simple ingredients transformed into a comforting, timeless treat. The joy of making and sharing these cookies is something truly special, whether you’re baking for your family or introducing friends to a beloved family classic. I can’t wait for you to taste the warmth and love baked into every bite of this delightful recipe — happy baking!
Print
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple, classic treat made with just four ingredients. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, perfect for an easy homemade 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 for easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the cookie dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Press each ball down gently with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern on top of the cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and start to turn a light golden brown color. This ensures the cookies are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- For crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- You can substitute smooth or crunchy peanut butter based on preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter to balance the sweetness.
