Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Legacy

Crisp afternoons in plains of georgia often remind me of sweet peanut butter cookies from Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s cherished kitchen.

Memories of homemade treats waft through childhood memories like gentle breezes.

Her simple recipe carries generations of warmth and tradition.

Southern kitchens hold magical secrets passed down through whispered conversations and shared moments.

Comfort comes in small, delicate rounds that crumble softly against your palate.

Classic ingredients blend into something more than mere sustenance – they become connection.

Bake these cookies and reconnect with a delicious slice of american culinary heritage.

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

• Craft Family Memories: These nostalgic peanut butter cookies carry a heartwarming connection to Jimmy Carter's family recipe, perfect for creating special moments with loved ones.
• Simplify Baking Process: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are accessible for bakers of all skill levels, making them an ideal treat for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• Quick Delightful Treat: Needing less than 15 minutes of preparation and baking time, these cookies offer a fast and delicious solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Utilizing common ingredients most people already have in their kitchen, this recipe eliminates the need for special shopping trips and allows for spontaneous baking adventures.

Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

• Peanut Butter: A creamy base that gives the cookies their signature rich and nutty flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cookie's overall taste.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cookies rise and balance the sweetness with a subtle savory touch.

How to Bake These Timeless Peanut Butter Cookies Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to create a smooth landing spot for your cookies.

Step 2: Whip Together Cookie Ingredients

• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh egg
• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Mix everything until the ingredients become best friends and create a unified dough.

Step 3: Shape Tasty Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into adorable 1-inch round balls.

Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet. Take a fork and gently press down on each ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern that makes these cookies instantly recognizable.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the heated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers remain soft and inviting.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies hang out on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to catch their breath.

Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These Jimmy Carter-inspired peanut butter cookies are now ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Insider Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor in Each Bite

• Opt for smooth, creamy peanut butter for a consistent texture and better cookie structure.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and easier shaping.
• Use a fork dipped in granulated sugar when creating crisscross patterns to prevent sticking.
• For gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially baking soda.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Delicious Ways to Put Your Own Spin on These Cookies

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace wheat-based ingredients with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Nutty Cookies: Substitute egg with flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce sugar content while maintaining classic peanut butter cookie flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Upgrade: Fold in dark chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the dough for extra texture and flavor complexity.

Creative Serving Ideas for Peanut Butter Cookie Fans

• Classic Family Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a vintage wooden board with small glasses of cold milk, creating a nostalgic family-style presentation perfect for sharing.
• Southern Comfort Treat Box: Package cookies in a rustic kraft paper box with twine, ideal for gifting or bringing to potluck gatherings, showcasing the homemade charm.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve cookies alongside chamomile or Earl Grey tea on delicate china plates, offering a delightful sweet complement to your relaxed tea break.
• Childhood Memory Dessert: Pair cookies with vanilla bean ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings back warm memories of grandmother's kitchen.

How to Store Peanut Butter Cookies for Lasting Freshness

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, wrapping each cookie individually in plastic wrap first.
• Reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies by microwaving for 10-15 seconds or letting them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore their original softness.

FAQs

• Can I use natural or organic peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural or organic peanut butter, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too runny. Separated or oily peanut butter might affect the cookie’s texture.

• How do I prevent the cookies from crumbling?

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and don’t overbake. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to prevent cracking.

• Are these cookies gluten-free?

While the recipe doesn’t contain flour, always check your peanut butter label to ensure it’s gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

• Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

You can slightly reduce sugar, but it might change the cookie’s texture and spreading. For best results, stick close to the original recipe.

Best Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Grandma Carter’s peanut butter cookies blend Southern hospitality with sweet nostalgia. Simple ingredients and classic techniques create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create a smooth, uniform mixture by thoroughly blending peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl until ingredients are fully integrated.
3. Shape the dough into compact, uniform 1-inch spheres, strategically positioning them on the prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing.
4. Gently press each dough ball using fork tines, generating a distinctive crisscross texture that enhances visual appeal and ensures even baking.
5. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and monitor cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers, which indicate perfect doneness.
6. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling them to stabilize and prevent breakage during transfer.
7. Carefully relocate cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete cooling and texture refinement before serving or storing.

Notes

• Ensure peanut butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
• Use creamy peanut butter for a more uniform texture, or try crunchy for added nutty crunch.
• For gluten-free option, confirm all ingredients, especially baking soda, are certified gluten-free.
• Reduce sugar by 25% for a less sweet version that highlights the natural peanut butter flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 174 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 157 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg