If you’re craving a cookie that’s simple, nostalgic, and packed with rich, nutty flavor, Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is the perfect treat to dive into. This beloved recipe brings together just a handful of ingredients to create soft, chewy delights with that classic crisscross fork pattern everyone loves. Every bite bursts with homemade warmth and the comforting taste of peanut butter, making these cookies an instant favorite whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe comes from its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, sweetness, and peanut buttery flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 1 cup peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings creamy nutty richness and moist texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness and helps create a lightly crisp exterior.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds a soft, tender crumb inside the cookie.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall warmth and aroma of the cookies.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking and ensure an easy cleanup later. A good oven temperature sets the stage for the perfect balance between a chewy center and slightly crispy edges.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or a spatula to stir everything together until it’s smooth and evenly mixed. You’ll notice how the dough comes together quickly, making this recipe approachable even for beginners in the kitchen.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough balls and arrange them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Each ball should be lightly rolled for a uniform shape. Then, take a fork and gently press down on each one, creating that signature crisscross pattern. This isn’t just for looks — it helps the cookies bake evenly and adds a delightful texture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and let those beauties bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll smell the peanut butter toasting as the cookies turn a little golden along the edges. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before moving them to a wire rack where they’ll cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies set and develop their iconic chewy softness inside.
How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can elevate their flavor by balancing sweetness with a salty touch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or even sandwich two cookies together with a smear of jelly for a fun twist reminiscent of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Side Dishes
Pair these peanut butter cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combo that never fails. Alternatively, a cup of hot coffee or a cozy mug of tea can make enjoying these cookies feel like a comforting, indulgent break anytime during the day.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, stack them neatly in a jar with layers of parchment paper or arrange on a pretty platter with fresh fruit and nuts for a festive dessert spread. Using colorful cupcake liners as holders can add a charming touch, especially if you’re sharing Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe with loved ones at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay perfect for up to a week, maintaining that ideal balance of softness and chewiness. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is your friend. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, letting you enjoy grandma’s favorite recipe whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To warm frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes. For that freshly-baked feel, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. Be careful not to overheat; you want soft cookies that feel just out of the oven, not dry or crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a wonderful texture to the cookies, giving you little bursts of peanuts in every bite while keeping the recipe just as delicious.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t call for flour. Just double check your peanut butter and other ingredients to be certain they don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar?
You can! Brown sugar will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor and keep the cookies extra moist, which is a lovely variation on Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
There’s no need to chill the dough for this recipe. Its simple ingredients come together smoothly and bake wonderfully right after mixing, making it a quick and easy option for an impromptu bake session.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out dry?
If your cookies are dry, it might be from overbaking or using a peanut butter that’s too dry or old. Stick closely to the baking times and use fresh ingredients for the best chewy results that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a timeless favorite that proves you don’t need a complicated list of ingredients or fancy techniques to create something unforgettable. This recipe brings so much warmth and joy, whether you’re baking for yourself or to share with others. Go ahead and try it out—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
Print
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a classic and simple treat with Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies combine creamy peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla into a soft, chewy delight topped with a traditional crisscross fork pattern. Perfect for snack time or dessert, they come together quickly with just a few ingredients and a straightforward baking process.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, forming a dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to gently press down each ball, creating the iconic crisscross pattern.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and start to turn a light golden color. This ensures they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Serve: Once fully cooled, enjoy these peanut butter cookies as a homemade snack or dessert that’s both nostalgic and delicious.
Notes
- For a crunchier cookie, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but be careful not to over-bake.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Ensure cookies are cooled completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
