Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Introduction

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a true piece of American culinary history—simple, comforting, and deeply rooted in Southern tradition. These cookies reflect a time when recipes were passed down by memory, measured with care, and baked to bring family together around the kitchen table. Rich with peanut butter flavor and finished with the classic fork crisscross pattern, they are timeless in both taste and technique.

Family stories often describe how Jimmy Carter grew up surrounded by home cooking that emphasized simplicity, frugality, and warmth. His grandmother’s peanut butter cookies embody those values perfectly. Made with pantry staples and no unnecessary extras, these cookies rely on quality ingredients and careful mixing to achieve their soft-yet-slightly-crisp texture.

What makes these cookies special isn’t just the flavor—it’s the nostalgia. Each bite delivers rich peanut butter taste, gentle sweetness, and that familiar homemade texture that modern shortcuts can’t replicate. They’re not overly sweet, not overly fancy—just honest, comforting cookies baked the way generations before us enjoyed.

Perfect for afternoon coffee, lunchbox treats, holiday trays, or quiet moments at home, these cookies remind us that the best recipes are often the simplest ones.

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Press each cookie gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring.

Variations

Extra Soft Cookies: Reduce baking time by 1 minute.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Use crunchy peanut butter for texture.

Honey Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace half the sugar with honey.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips.

Cooking Notes

Do not overbake—cookies firm up as they cool.

Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture.

The fork press is traditional and helps even baking.

Natural peanut butter may alter texture slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature with milk, coffee, or tea. They’re perfect for cookie tins, bake sales, church gatherings, or quiet evenings at home.

Tips

Chill dough briefly if cookies spread too much.

Use a cookie scoop for even sizing.

Store in airtight containers to maintain softness.

Flavor deepens after resting overnight.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

12 minutes

Total Time

27 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)

Calories: 180

Protein: 5g

Sodium: 140mg

FAQs

Why the fork crisscross pattern?
Peanut butter dough is dense—pressing helps even baking.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze dough balls for up to 2 months.

Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
They’re soft with lightly crisp edges.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but texture may be slightly affected.

Conclusion

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a reminder that the most memorable recipes don’t need embellishment. Simple, comforting, and rooted in tradition, these old-fashioned cookies deliver rich peanut butter flavor and timeless Southern charm. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this classic recipe brings warmth, history, and home-baked goodness to every bite. 🥜🍪

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