Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s woven into the fabric of American family kitchens, look no further than Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are crumbly, golden, sweetly nutty, and absolutely packed with nostalgia in every bite. This recipe has a delightful legacy, delivering the perfect balance of softness and crispness, with that signature crisscross fork mark on top. Whether you’re baking with kids, sharing with friends, or reliving the warmth of homemade treats, Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies embody both Southern comfort and family tradition.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the true joys of making Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Everything works in harmony to create cookies that are richly flavorful with just the right texture.

• Peanut Butter (1 cup, smooth or crunchy): The standout star of this recipe—use smooth for creaminess, or crunchy for extra bite and nostalgia.
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Softened butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie and adds a subtle richness.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Gives the cookies the classic sweetness we all crave and helps with spreading.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moistness and hints of caramel for that signature chewy bite.
• Eggs (2 large): The binding power—eggs give structure and keep the cookies soft.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Forms the base, balancing the richness of the butter and peanut butter.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Encourages just the right amount of spread and lightness.
• Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds lift so your cookies are delightfully puffy.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and highlights the nutty notes.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): The finishing touch—bringing warmth and rounding out the flavors.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures no sticking, and helps your cookies bake evenly with perfectly golden bottoms.

Step 2: Cream the Good Stuff Together

In a large mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. With a hand mixer or whisk, beat everything together until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and a little airy. This step is where the magic begins—creaming incorporates air and sets the base for a soft cookie.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue mixing just until smooth. The eggs and vanilla add moisture and a subtle aroma that makes these cookies feel truly comforting.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that each leavening agent gets evenly distributed for consistent results.

Step 5: Make the Cookie Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything comes together in a soft, sticky dough. Avoid over-mixing—just blend until you don’t see streaks of flour.

Step 6: Shape and Crisscross

Now for the fun part! Roll tablespoons of dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball twice to create that classic crisscross pattern. This step makes Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies instantly recognizable.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes—this makes them easier to handle and helps maintain their tender texture. Finally, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).

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

Garnishes

Try finishing your cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a quick drizzle of melted chocolate after baking. These extra touches bring out the sweet-salty harmony and elevate the homemade charm of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies.

Side Dishes

Milk is the obvious (and classic) companion, but these cookies are fantastic next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mug of cocoa, or even tucked alongside a bowl of fresh fruit salad for an afternoon treat or dessert board centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cooled cookies in a mason jar with a ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a tiered platter at your next family gathering. If you’re feeling playful, use them to sandwich a big spoonful of vanilla ice cream; they make the ultimate old-fashioned ice cream sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week—though they tend to disappear long before that!

Freezing

Want to enjoy a fresh cookie any time? Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to three months. You can also scoop and freeze the dough balls, ready to bake off straight from the freezer any time a craving hits.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, briefly pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This little trick makes them taste (and smell) like they’ve come straight from the oven, especially if you froze them earlier.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

Yes, but results may vary slightly! Natural peanut butter tends to separate and contains less sugar, which can make the dough a bit looser. For best texture, stir it well before measuring and consider chilling the dough before baking.

Why do peanut butter cookies have a crisscross pattern?

The signature fork marks not only look charming but also flatten the dough for even baking. This trick dates back generations—Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies just wouldn’t be the same without those classic lines.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. The taste remains nutty and wonderful, though the cookies might be a touch more delicate.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Fold in up to a cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped roasted peanuts for an extra special twist. Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a wonderful base for your favorite mix-ins.

What’s the best way to make perfectly round cookies?

Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough, and roll each bit between your hands to form neat balls before flattening. This quick tip results in evenly sized, picture-perfect cookies every time.

Final Thoughts

I can promise, few things beat the comfort and joy of sharing a plate of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies with loved ones. They’re sweet, simple, and irresistibly nostalgic—perfect for bakers of all ages. If it’s your first time trying this classic recipe, get ready for it to become a staple in your kitchen!

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