Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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I’ve always believed that the best recipes are the ones passed down through generations, carrying with them stories, memories, and a touch of nostalgia. That’s exactly what makes Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies so special. These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a piece of history, connected to the former president’s childhood and his grandmother’s warm Southern kitchen. With their rich peanut butter flavor, crisp edges, and soft, chewy center, they embody the essence of a homemade classic.

What makes these cookies stand out is their simplicity and deep, comforting taste. The perfect balance of sweet and nutty, they melt in your mouth while offering that signature peanut butter richness. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, an afternoon snack, or just to indulge in a piece of old-fashioned goodness, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep close.

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

• Time-Tested Recipe – A traditional Southern recipe passed down through generations, ensuring a tried-and-true method for perfect cookies.
• Easy to Make – With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
• Rich Peanut Butter Flavor – Packed with deep, nutty sweetness that peanut butter lovers will adore.
• Soft and Chewy – A perfect texture with crisp edges and a tender middle.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a comforting homemade treat.

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

The key to making these cookies just right is choosing the right peanut butter. A classic, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy works best for this recipe, as it provides the perfect balance of sweetness and smooth texture. Natural peanut butter, which tends to have a more oily consistency, can alter the texture of the dough, making the cookies more crumbly. However, if you love the rich, roasted peanut taste of natural peanut butter, just be sure to stir it well before measuring and consider adding a touch more flour to maintain the right consistency.

For those who love a little crunch, chunky peanut butter is also a great option. It adds small peanut pieces throughout the cookie, giving them a bit of extra texture. No matter which one you choose, make sure it’s a peanut butter you enjoy eating on its own—because its flavor will shine through in every bite.

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Options for Substitutions

While these cookies are perfect as they are, you can make a few simple swaps if needed:

• Peanut Butter Alternatives – If you have a peanut allergy or prefer another nut butter, try almond butter or cashew butter. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
• Sugar Alternatives – You can swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. If using a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol, check the conversion ratio, as they may be sweeter than regular sugar.
• Flour Substitutions – While all-purpose flour is best, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. Almond flour can work, but it may create a more delicate, crumbly cookie.
• Egg-Free Option – For an egg-free version, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Twist – Mix in some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies for an extra indulgent treat.

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

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect peanut butter cookie. Here’s why they matter:

• Peanut Butter – The star of the show! It gives the cookies their rich, nutty flavor and soft texture. A creamy peanut butter works best, but chunky peanut butter adds a nice crunch.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies while helping to create a crisp exterior. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like taste.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the necessary structure and stability to the cookies, keeping them from becoming too soft or crumbly.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, giving the cookies just the right amount of rise and chewiness.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and intensifying the peanut butter taste.

These simple ingredients come together to make a batch of warm, nostalgic cookies that are packed with flavor and history.

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar, stirring until smooth and well blended. Add the egg, baking soda, and salt, mixing until a thick dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, let it rest for a few minutes to firm up.

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Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, take small portions of dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

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Step 3: Create the Signature Crisscross Pattern

Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball, flattening it slightly and creating the classic crisscross pattern on top. If the fork sticks to the dough, dip it in a bit of sugar before pressing.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers still look soft. Avoid overbaking, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

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Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy them with a glass of milk or store them for later!

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

These cookies bake quickly, requiring only 8-10 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven. The key is to remove them from the oven when the edges are just beginning to turn golden, even if the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool, resulting in a perfectly soft and chewy texture. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies, so keep a close eye on them!

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Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the dough mix evenly and ensures the best texture in the final cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Stir until just combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can make them tough.
• Chill the Dough (If Needed) – If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for 20-30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Make Uniform Cookie Sizes – Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
• Avoid Overbaking – These cookies firm up as they cool, so take them out of the oven while the centers still look slightly soft.
• Enhance the Flavor – A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can add extra depth to the peanut butter flavor.
• Make the Crisscross Pattern Stick – Dip the fork in sugar before pressing down to prevent sticking and add a light sugary crust.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple recipe like this, a few missteps can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using Natural Peanut Butter Without Adjustments – Natural peanut butter can be too oily or dry, leading to crumbly or overly soft cookies. If using it, stir well and consider adding a touch more flour.
• Skipping the Fork Pattern – Pressing the cookies with a fork helps them bake evenly and gives them their signature look.
• Overbaking – These cookies should come out of the oven while they still look slightly soft in the center. Overbaking will make them hard and dry.
• Not Spacing the Cookies Properly – They spread as they bake, so leave at least 2 inches between them on the baking sheet.
• Using Too Much Flour – Adding extra flour can make the cookies too dense and dry. Stick to the measurements for the best texture.
• Not Allowing Them to Cool Properly – They need a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack, or they may fall apart.

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

These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right treats can make them even better!

1. A Cold Glass of Milk

The classic choice—cold milk balances the rich, nutty flavor of the cookies perfectly.

2. Hot Coffee or Tea

A warm drink enhances the deep peanut butter taste, making for a cozy snack.

3. Chocolate Drizzle

Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an indulgent touch.

4. Ice Cream Sandwiches

Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a delicious homemade treat.

5. Peanut Butter & Jelly Twist

Spread a little jam on top of a cookie for a PB&J-inspired dessert.

6. Crumbled Over Yogurt

Break the cookies into pieces and sprinkle them over vanilla yogurt for added texture and sweetness.

7. Dipped in Peanut Butter or Nutella

Double up on peanut butter flavor or add a chocolatey twist with a Nutella dip.

8. With Fresh Fruit

Enjoy these cookies with sliced bananas or strawberries for a sweet and slightly healthy contrast.

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Storage Instructions

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

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their softness, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay chewy longer.
• In the Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, store the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional values per cookie (assuming the recipe makes about 24 cookies):

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that the exact nutrition content will vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds small peanut bits throughout the cookies, giving them extra texture.

2. How do I make these cookies extra soft?

To keep them extra soft, avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

3. Can I make these cookies without flour?

Yes! Some peanut butter cookie recipes use only peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, making them naturally flourless. However, the texture will be slightly different.

4. What’s the best way to freeze peanut butter cookie dough?

Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then store them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them directly in the oven and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

5. Why do my cookies turn out dry and crumbly?

This usually happens if there’s too much flour or if they’re overbaked. Measure carefully and take them out of the oven when the centers still look slightly soft.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or even a chocolate drizzle can take these cookies to the next level.

7. How can I make these cookies healthier?

You can use natural peanut butter, reduce the sugar slightly, or use coconut sugar as an alternative. You can also swap out some flour for almond flour.

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

Not necessarily, but if your dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for 20–30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

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Conclusion

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a timeless classic with a rich, nutty flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to enjoy a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends so they can enjoy it too!

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