There is something truly heartwarming about making a classic recipe that has been cherished through generations, and Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly that kind of treasure. These cookies capture the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter richness, the cozy sweetness of brown sugar, and a tender texture that keeps you reaching for just one more. Every bite feels like a warm hug from the past, inviting you to savor a slice of Americana with a homemade touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this beloved recipe is wonderfully simple, with ingredients that are easy to find but essential for creating that nostalgic peanut butter cookie magic. Each component has a special role, whether it’s the smooth butter for richness, the combination of sugars for depth and chewiness, or the leavening agents for the perfect rise and softness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides creamy richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds a classic sweetness and helps give the cookie a crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a touch of molasses flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, offering that unmistakable nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds a subtle richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds the cookies together and gives structure.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and maintain a tender texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Assists in lightening the dough, contributing to a soft bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375˚F, which is just the right temperature to get the cookies crispy on the edges while keeping them soft and chewy inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air, which ensures your cookies have a lovely texture. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is silky and blended perfectly.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This keeps the leavening ingredients evenly distributed so your cookies rise uniformly.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could turn out tough instead of delightfully tender.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten
Roll the dough into one-inch balls and space them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Using a fork, gently flatten each ball, making a crisscross pattern—this not only gives the cookies their classic look but helps them bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Resist the urge to overbake because these cookies continue to firm up as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack where they will cool completely.
How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top before baking to add a sophisticated contrast that brings out the peanut butter’s richness. For a festive touch, press a small chocolate chip or half a peanut into the center of each cookie after flattening.
Side Dishes
A glass of cold milk or a mug of cozy hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these peanut butter cookies, making snack time feel special. For an adult twist, try serving them alongside a creamy coffee or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift or party platter, stack the cookies with parchment paper between layers inside a decorative tin. You could also sandwich two cookies with a smear of chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting for an indulgent treat that doubles the fun of the original.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peanut butter cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they will stay soft and tasty for about one week, ready to satisfy any sweet cravings.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead, no problem! They freeze beautifully. Arrange your baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can keep well for up to two months without losing that homemade goodness.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, simply pop them in a 300˚F oven for 5 minutes, or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This little reheating trick revives that fresh-baked softness and aroma, making them feel just out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely textured bite to the cookies, giving you an extra nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie.
What if I don’t have baking powder? Can I skip it?
While baking powder helps with lightness, if you’re out, you can omit it and rely on the baking soda alone. Just expect a slightly denser cookie; they’ll still be delicious!
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much in the oven?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted before mixing, and chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help keep the cookies from spreading too thin as they bake.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts is a traditional suggestion, but chocolate chips or even raisins can make a tasty variation without compromising the classic flavor in Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat, poultry, or fish products. Just be sure to use ingredients that meet your specific dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
Sharing Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe feels like passing along a piece of warm, comforting history. This recipe’s simple, heartfelt ingredients come together to create cookies that are truly special—perfect for family gatherings, gifting, or just a sweet midday pick-me-up. I encourage you to give this charming recipe a try, and delight in the genuine taste of tradition with every bite.
Print
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic peanut butter cookies, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s grandmother, offer a perfect blend of buttery richness and peanut buttery goodness. Soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for every occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step ensures the cookies will have a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla Extract: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the rising agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Gently flatten each dough ball with a fork, pressing down to make the classic crisscross pattern characteristic of peanut butter cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well—store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
