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These golden, crisscross-topped cookies carry the warmth of a family kitchen and the charm of a time when recipes were passed down with love, not just written instructions. With every bite, you get that perfect blend of nutty richness and buttery sweetness — the kind that instantly takes you back to childhood afternoons, when the air smelled of fresh baking and you couldn’t resist sneaking one off the cooling rack.
Peanut butter cookies have been a classic for generations, but this particular recipe has history baked right in. Beloved by Jimmy Carter’s own grandmother, these cookies are soft on the inside, slightly crisp at the edges, and rich enough to make you close your eyes in delight. If you’re looking for a treat that balances nostalgia with pure peanut butter indulgence, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this cookie lies in its simplicity and authenticity. The ingredients are pantry staples, the process is straightforward, and the result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right crumb. No fancy gadgets needed, just a bowl, a spoon, and a craving for something sweet. Plus, the crosshatch pattern on top isn’t just pretty — it helps the cookies bake evenly and gives that classic peanut butter cookie look we all love.
What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?
Creamy peanut butter is the classic choice for achieving a smooth, even texture in these cookies, but if you’re a fan of a little crunch, chunky peanut butter will add pockets of peanut bits in every bite. Just steer clear of natural peanut butters with separated oil, as they can make the dough too greasy and change the final texture.
Ingredients for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect peanut butter cookie. The harmony of fat, sugar, and protein gives that iconic texture and flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Provides a rich, creamy base that enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- Peanut butter – The star of the show; choose creamy for a smoother texture or chunky for a little bite.
- Granulated sugar – Gives sweetness and a light crisp to the edges.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth.
- Eggs – Bind the dough and create structure.
- All-purpose flour – Forms the body of the cookie while keeping it tender.
- Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
How To Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Fats
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a softer cookie.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its warm aroma.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
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.
Step 5: Create the Classic Crosshatch
Using a fork, gently press a crisscross pattern on top of each dough ball. This helps them bake evenly and gives their signature look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storing Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe yields about 3 dozen cookies, making it perfect for sharing at family gatherings, bake sales, or keeping stocked in the cookie jar for after-school snacks. Serve them warm for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience, or at room temperature for a slightly firmer bite.
To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months — just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cookies?
These cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of treats and drinks.
1. Cold Milk
The ultimate classic combo — nothing balances peanut butter’s richness like a tall glass of cold milk.
2. Hot Coffee
A robust cup of coffee complements the nutty sweetness and makes for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
3. Chocolate Pudding
The creamy chocolate and chewy peanut butter cookie create a decadent dessert duo.
4. Fresh Berries
The tart freshness of berries cuts through the cookie’s richness for a balanced treat.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream
Sandwich a scoop between two cookies for a dreamy peanut butter ice cream sandwich.
6. Banana Slices
Top your cookie with banana slices for a nostalgic peanut butter-banana flavor.
7. Hot Cocoa
Perfect for colder months, hot cocoa makes each bite of cookie feel even more indulgent.
8. Cheese Board
Believe it or not, a mild cheese like brie can create an unexpectedly delicious sweet-savory pairing.
Want More Cookie Ideas?
If you adore these peanut butter cookies, you’ll love exploring more sweet creations from the NoraNosh kitchen:
- Banana Bread Cookies for a soft, fruity twist.
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Mini Pecan Tarts for a bite-sized, nutty indulgence.
- Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie if you’re in the mood for something rich and fruity.
- Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie for a creamy, nostalgic treat.
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I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Did you go classic with creamy peanut butter or shake things up with chunky? Maybe even drizzle a little chocolate on top? Share your tips in the comments so we can all bake better together.
Explore more sweet inspirations and health-boosting drinks on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest — you might just discover your next go-to dessert.
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Roll tablespoon-sized dough portions into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Press each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool before serving.