Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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There’s something special about a recipe that’s been passed down through generations. When I first heard about Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies, I knew I had to try them. Peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic, but knowing that these have a bit of history behind them makes them even more enjoyable. With a perfectly crisp edge, a soft center, and a rich, nutty flavor, these cookies are the kind that bring back childhood memories with every bite.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and perfect balance of flavors. The peanut butter takes center stage, creating a cookie that’s both hearty and satisfying. If you love the combination of sweet and salty, these cookies are a must-try. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee and are just as delicious as an afternoon snack as they are for dessert.

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Why You’ll Love Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Rich Peanut Butter Flavor – These cookies are packed with real peanut butter, giving them an irresistibly bold and nutty taste.
• Crispy Yet Soft – The edges have a slight crunch while the center stays soft and chewy, making them the perfect texture.
• Easy to Make – With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up a batch in no time.
• Nostalgic and Classic – This is a true old-fashioned recipe, bringing back memories of homemade cookies from childhood.
• Perfect for Sharing – Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

The type of peanut butter you choose can make a big difference in the texture and flavor of these cookies. Traditional peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, works best for a smooth, consistent dough that holds its shape well. If you prefer a richer, slightly more intense peanut taste, natural peanut butter is an option, but be aware that its oil separation can affect the dough’s consistency. If you go this route, make sure to stir it well before adding it to the recipe. Avoid using peanut butter spreads that contain extra oils or sugar, as they can make the cookies too soft or overly sweet.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to experiment, there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe while keeping its delicious essence intact.

• Almond or Cashew Butter – If you’re looking for an alternative to peanut butter, these nut butters provide a similar texture with a slightly different flavor.
• Sunflower Seed Butter – A great nut-free option that works well for those with allergies. It has a mild taste that still gives the cookies a rich, creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Flour – Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies gluten-free without compromising texture.
• Brown Sugar Instead of White Sugar – Using all brown sugar will give the cookies a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness and a chewier texture.
• Add Chocolate Chips or Chopped Peanuts – If you love extra crunch or a hint of chocolate, mix in some add-ins to customize your cookies.

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Ingredients for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s why each one matters:

• Peanut Butter – The star of the show! It gives the cookies their rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
• Butter – Adds moisture, richness, and helps create that perfect soft-yet-crisp texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
• Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together, giving structure to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the base structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them light.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

Each ingredient plays its part in making these peanut butter cookies irresistible!

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Step 1: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then continue mixing until light and fluffy. This step ensures a well-blended base and helps create a soft, chewy texture in the cookies.

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Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. The egg binds the ingredients together while the vanilla enhances the flavor, giving the cookies a warm and comforting taste.

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Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense instead of soft and tender.

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Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern on the surface. This not only gives the cookies their signature look but also helps them bake evenly.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they will firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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How Long to Cook Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies should be baked at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The key is to remove them from the oven when the edges turn lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before being transferred to a wire rack. Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly cookies, so keep an eye on them!

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Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and room-temperature eggs mix more evenly, creating a smooth dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Make the Signature Fork Marks – Pressing a fork into the dough creates the classic peanut butter cookie pattern and helps them bake evenly.
• Chill the Dough if Needed – If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for 15-20 minutes can help prevent spreading.
• Use Parchment Paper – This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t Overbake – The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so take them out when they still look slightly underdone in the center.
• Let Them Cool Properly – Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without becoming too hard.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple recipe, small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using Natural Peanut Butter Without Adjustments – Natural peanut butter can make the dough too oily or crumbly. Stir it well or stick to regular peanut butter for consistent results.
• Skipping the Fork Marks – Pressing the dough helps it bake evenly. Without it, the cookies may stay too thick and underbaked in the center.
• Overmixing the Dough – Too much mixing can develop the gluten, making the cookies dense instead of tender.
• Overbaking – These cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking will make them dry and hard.
• Not Letting Them Cool on the Baking Sheet – The residual heat helps them finish setting. Moving them too soon can cause them to fall apart.
• Using Too Much Flour – Measuring flour incorrectly (like scooping straight from the bag) can lead to dry cookies. Fluff the flour, then spoon and level it into your measuring cup.

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What to Serve With Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right treat can make them even better!

1. A Cold Glass of Milk

Nothing beats the classic combination of cookies and milk. The creamy, cool milk balances the rich peanut butter flavor perfectly.

2. Coffee or Tea

A warm cup of coffee or black tea complements the nutty, slightly sweet taste of these cookies.

3. Chocolate Drizzle or Dip

Melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) drizzled over the cookies or used for dipping takes them to the next level.

4. Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use these cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat.

5. Peanut Butter and Jelly Pairing

Serve the cookies with a side of grape or strawberry jam for a nostalgic peanut butter and jelly twist.

6. Crumbled Over Yogurt or Oatmeal

Crumble these cookies over a bowl of Greek yogurt or warm oatmeal for added crunch and flavor.

7. With a Glass of Cold Brew or Iced Coffee

The slightly bitter taste of cold brew pairs beautifully with the sweetness of peanut butter cookies.

8. A Scoop of Peanut Butter

If you’re a true peanut butter lover, enjoy these cookies with an extra dollop of peanut butter on top!

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Storage Instructions

To keep Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them soft.
• In the Refrigerator: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes and bake as usual, adding an extra minute if needed.

Reheating for Freshness

If your cookies have become slightly firm, warm them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften them up again.

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Estimated Nutrition

The nutrition values are approximate and based on a single cookie, assuming a standard batch size:

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Sugar: 12g

These cookies are a delicious treat, but if you’re looking to make them slightly healthier, consider using a sugar substitute or whole wheat flour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add small peanut bits to the cookies, giving them extra texture and a slight crunch.

2. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, but if your dough is too soft, chilling it for 15-20 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for best results. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still taste delicious.

4. Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?

The crisscross pattern helps the cookies bake evenly since peanut butter dough is denser than regular cookie dough.

5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the baking time.

6. How do I make the cookies softer or crispier?

For softer cookies, bake them for a shorter time and use more brown sugar. For crispier cookies, bake a little longer and use more granulated sugar.

7. Can I add chocolate chips or mix-ins?

Yes! Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate make great additions to these cookies.

8. How do I prevent my cookies from becoming dry?

Measure your flour correctly, don’t overbake, and store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

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Conclusion

If you love classic peanut butter cookies, this recipe is a must-try! Whether you enjoy them with milk, coffee, or as a sweet treat on their own, these cookies are sure to be a favorite. Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with friends and family, and let me know how they turn out for you! 🍪💛

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