If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring warmth, nostalgia, and an irresistible peanut butter punch, you are going to adore Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. This simple yet deeply satisfying treat combines creamy peanut butter with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla, creating cookies that are perfectly chewy, delightfully soft, and kissed with a little crunch from the classic fork-pressed pattern. These cookies melt in your mouth and carry the sentimental charm of a treasured family tradition that’s as comforting as a heartfelt hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of humble ingredients can come together to make such a legendary cookie. Every component plays its part, from the rich peanut butter creating that luscious texture to the sugar balancing sweet and salty, making every bite unforgettable.
- 1 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky: This is the star of the show, lending the cookies their signature nutty flavor and moist texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly, helping to develop a tender crumb with just a hint of caramelization.
- 1 egg: Binds all the ingredients together while adding a little richness for that perfect cookie consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth that enhances the peanut butter, bringing a subtle fragrant note.
- Sea salt (optional): Sprinkled on top, it creates a wonderful contrast, sharpening the sweetness and adding crunch.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 350°F to get it ready. Meanwhile, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dream Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, slightly thick dough that’s sticky enough to roll but handles well. This simple mix promises a rich, creamy bite in every cookie.
Step 3: Shape and Pattern
Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place them spaced a couple of inches apart on your prepared baking sheet because these cookies spread a little as they bake. Press each ball down gently with a fork, making the classic crisscross imprint that’s as pretty as it is functional—it helps them cook evenly and gives a satisfyingly nostalgic look.
Step 4: Sprinkle and Bake
If you love the salty-sweet contrast, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt atop each cookie now. Pop the tray into your oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye out because the edges should be set but the centers might look slightly underdone—don’t worry, they’ll firm up beautifully as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up and don’t break apart when you move them. Then, transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, giving you cookies that hold their shape and have that ideal chewy texture.
How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic sprinkle of sea salt is a timeless choice, you can get creative by adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a few chopped roasted peanuts on top before baking. These little touches elevate the flavor and add a fun twist to this heirloom cookie.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, providing the perfect balance to their rich sweetness. Alternatively, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm mug of coffee or tea for a cozy snack that satisfies any sweet craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Trying to impress guests? Stack these cookies with layers of peanut butter and jelly as mini sandwiches or crumble them over a bowl of yogurt or ice cream for added texture and flavor. Presenting them in a charming tin tied with a ribbon also makes for an unforgettable homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them an easy treat to have on hand for lunches or unexpected visitors.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies effortlessly. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When wrapped well, they hold up beautifully in the freezer for up to three months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds. This quick heating gently softens them, delivering that just-baked goodness all over again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe works perfectly with either creamy or chunky peanut butter, so you can customize the texture to your liking.
Do I need to sift the sugar or any other ingredients?
No need to sift for this recipe—the granulated sugar blends right in with the peanut butter and egg, keeping things simple without compromising taste or texture.
Why do the cookies sometimes look underdone in the center?
Because they are soft and chewy, the center may appear slightly underbaked after 8–10 minutes. Don’t fret; they continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in that perfect chewiness.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even white chocolate chunks to add more dimension to this classic recipe.
Is sea salt really necessary?
Sea salt is optional but highly recommended as it really enhances the sweet and savory balance of the cookies. It’s a tiny touch that makes a huge flavor difference.
Final Thoughts
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a wonderful tribute to the magic that happens in grandma’s kitchen—a simple recipe with big heart and even bigger flavor. These cookies are easy to make, comforting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Go ahead and give this classic a try; I promise it will become a beloved staple in your cookie repertoire!
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Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (cookies) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic and simple recipe for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies, featuring a rich peanut butter flavor with a sweet and slightly salty finish. These cookies are quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, offering a chewy texture that crisp up around the edges.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the cookies.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined; the dough will be slightly thick and sticky.
- Form the Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Create the Crisscross Pattern: Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating the classic crisscross pattern associated with peanut butter cookies.
- Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle the tops lightly with sea salt if desired, to enhance the flavor with a hint of saltiness.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges of the cookies should be just set while the centers might still look slightly underdone, which is perfect for a chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using either creamy or chunky peanut butter can slightly affect the texture – creamy will yield smoother cookies, chunky adds bits of peanut for crunch.
- For more pronounced salt flavor, add a pinch of sea salt directly into the dough as well.
- Do not overbake; cookies continue to firm as they cool, so take them out when edges are set.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels to confirm if using packaged peanut butter or vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
