If you’ve ever wanted a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug from the past, then you absolutely have to try Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. This simple yet irresistibly delicious treat brings together just a handful of everyday ingredients to create peanut butter cookies that are crisp on the edges, tender inside, and bursting with nostalgic sweetness. Each bite offers a perfect balance of peanut butter richness and sugary goodness that will have you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe carries with it a charming story and flavors that truly stand the test of time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe centers around a few simple, classic pantry staples that create all the magic. Every ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s for texture, flavor, or that perfect golden color.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Choose a creamy variety for smooth cookies or crunchy for added texture and nutty bites.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens your cookies and helps develop a slightly crisp exterior.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the glue that binds the dough together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic hint that elevates all the other flavors.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making clean-up much easier. A simple step that sets the stage for cookie perfection.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until you have a smooth, homogenous dough. This simple mixture comes together quickly and forms the base of those tender yet textured cookies that have made Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe so beloved.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop out evenly sized balls of dough and arrange them spaced apart on your baking sheet. Then, gently press the tops of the cookies with a fork, creating that classic crisscross pattern that is as charming as it is functional—it helps the cookies bake evenly and adds a delightful texture.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and have taken on a lovely light golden color. This careful timing ensures your cookies are perfectly cooked through but remain wonderfully tender inside. Letting them cool briefly on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack prevents breakage and allows residual heat to finish the job.
How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect all on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and a touch of extra sweetness. For a modern twist, consider a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to contrast the sweetness and highlight the peanut butter flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic experience. You could also serve them alongside fresh fruit, like sliced apples or ripe bananas, to balance the richness with a little freshness. A cup of hot coffee or tea complements their sweetness and makes for a cozy snack break.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these cookies at a party or gathering, arrange them in a fun stack tied with twine or on a vintage plate to evoke that homemade charm. For kids or the young at heart, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream for an irresistible cookie ice cream sandwich surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to one week, making them perfect for a week of quick snacks or a sweet surprise any time you want to indulge.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They keep wonderfully for up to three months, so you can enjoy Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe any time, no matter the season.
Reheating
To bring out that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This simple step revives the soft, gooey center and makes every bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter will work, though it may result in slightly softer cookies due to its lower sugar content and oil separation. Just be sure to stir the peanut butter well before measuring.
Why do I press the cookies with a fork?
The classic crisscross pattern created by the fork helps flatten the dough evenly, ensuring the cookies bake uniformly while adding a traditional texture that’s both visually appealing and nostalgic.
Can I substitute the sugar with a different sweetener?
While granulated sugar gives the best texture and sweetness balance, you can experiment with alternatives like coconut sugar or a granular sugar substitute. Keep in mind that the texture and browning might vary a bit.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan-friendly, try replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a vegan peanut butter. This tweak keeps the spirit of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe alive while catering to a plant-based diet.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour, making it a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
Trying Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is like stepping into a little piece of history wrapped in a peanut buttery hug. These cookies are delightfully simple yet irresistibly tasty, a perfect treat to share or savor all on your own. So, gather those few ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy the sweet comfort and warmth this recipe has passed down through generations. Trust me, you’ll want to make these cookies again and again.
Print
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are simple, classic, and deliciously nutty treats perfect for any occasion. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, these cookies come together quickly and deliver a soft, chewy texture with a signature crisscross fork pattern that makes them instantly recognizable and irresistibly charming.
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 ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined, creating a consistent dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each cookie down with the back of a fork, creating the classic crisscross pattern which also helps them bake uniformly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and have a slight golden hue. This timing ensures the cookies are soft inside while having a slightly crisp edge.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy these peanut butter cookies as a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.
Notes
- For a crunchier cookie, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for added texture.
- If you prefer sweeter cookies, increase sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- To make smaller cookies, use a teaspoon to scoop dough and adjust baking time accordingly.
