Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies—a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. These cookies are a perfect blend of crisp edges, a chewy center, and a rich, nutty flavor that peanut butter lovers will adore.

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies with a Homestyle Touch

These cookies are everything a peanut butter cookie should be—soft yet slightly crisp, with a deep roasted peanut flavor and a delightful texture. They feature the signature crisscross fork pattern on top, a hallmark of traditional peanut butter cookies, making them instantly recognizable.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a weekend treat, or simply reminiscing about old-fashioned homemade cookies, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Plus, it’s simple enough for any level of baker to master!

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

To make these delicious peanut butter cookies, you’ll need a few pantry staples that come together to create a classic, rich, and nutty flavor.

• Peanut Butter – The star of the recipe! Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture or chunky for added crunch.
• Butter – Softened butter adds richness and ensures a soft, tender cookie.
• Sugar (Granulated & Brown) – A combination of both sugars enhances the sweetness and provides a perfect chewy texture.
• Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough, giving the cookies their classic texture.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – These leavening agents ensure the cookies rise slightly and have a light texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic depth to complement the peanut butter flavor.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of these classic cookies that taste just like home.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on the top of each cookie.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will be soft when removed but will firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!

How Long to Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking time is key to achieving the perfect texture—slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. Follow these general guidelines:

• Small Cookies – Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Medium Cookies – Bake for 10-12 minutes for the classic peanut butter cookie texture.
• Large Cookies – Bake for 12-14 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges to prevent overbaking.

The cookies may look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out, but they will continue to set as they cool.

How to Store Leftovers

Peanut butter cookies store well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Room Temperature – Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerator – If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer – These cookies freeze beautifully! Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

Follow these expert tips to ensure your peanut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use High-Quality Peanut Butter – Natural peanut butter can be used, but ensure it’s well mixed to avoid an oily or dry texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can make cookies tough rather than tender. Mix just until combined.
• Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies – If you prefer thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Press the Crisscross Pattern Gently – The classic fork pattern is not just for looks—it helps the cookies bake evenly! Press lightly to avoid flattening them too much.
• Watch the Baking Time – Peanut butter cookies can go from perfect to overbaked quickly. Remove them when the edges are just set for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra bite and texture to these cookies.

Why do my peanut butter cookies turn out dry?
This can happen if you overbake them or use too much flour. Measure ingredients carefully and remove the cookies when the edges are just golden.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version of this classic treat.

How can I make these cookies extra soft?
Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar and slightly underbaking them will give you softer cookies. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain moisture.

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