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
Scale
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.
