Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Legacy

Nostalgic memories dance through my grandmother’s classic peanut butter cookies, capturing a slice of southern comfort.

Whispers of jimmy carter’s family traditions echo in each crumbly bite.

Sweet memories blend with rich, nutty flavors that transport you to warm georgia kitchens.

Childhood afternoons surface with soft, golden edges and delicate peanut butter swirls.

Simple ingredients promise delightful connections to heritage and home.

Crisp yet tender textures invite you to savor a cherished family recipe.

Bake these cookies and let delicious memories unfold with every delectable morsel.

Why Jimmy Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies Are Famous

• Embrace Quick Comfort: Whip up these nostalgic peanut butter cookies in just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for sudden sweet cravings.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Crafted with just 5 simple pantry staples, this recipe eliminates complicated shopping trips and reduces kitchen stress.
• Family Heritage Delight: Connected to Jimmy Carter's family recipe, these cookies carry a heartwarming historical touch that transforms baking into a storytelling experience.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Super easy technique with straightforward steps makes this recipe welcoming for novice bakers, kids, and anyone wanting a foolproof cookie adventure.

Grandma’s Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients

• Peanut Butter: The star of the cookie, provides rich nutty flavor and creamy texture. Smooth works best for even mixing, crunchy adds extra texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a crisp golden exterior.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie dough.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertone that complements the peanut butter. Pure vanilla gives the best flavor.

• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise slightly and creates a tender, soft texture. Fresh baking soda ensures proper rising.

Jimmy Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies – Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for some serious cookie magic.

Step 2: Whip Up The Base

Grab your mixing bowl and blend peanut butter and sugar until they become a smooth, creamy dream.

Step 3: Create Cookie Magic

• One egg
• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix everything until perfectly combined and looking irresistible.

Step 4: Shape Those Delicious Rounds

Roll the dough into adorable little balls, each about the size of a golf ball.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each cookie some breathing room.

Step 5: Make The Classic Fork Marks

Gently press down on each cookie ball with a fork, creating those iconic crisscross patterns that scream homemade goodness.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the cookies bake for 10-12 minutes.

Watch for those beautiful golden edges that signal cookie greatness.

Step 7: Cool And Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Get ready to enjoy Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s legendary peanut butter cookies!

Peanut Butter Cookies From Jimmy Carter’s Family With Old-Fashioned Tips

• Use exact measurements for peanut butter and sugar to ensure the perfect cookie texture and sweetness.
• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and create more uniform cookies.
• Press the fork gently but firmly to create distinct crisscross patterns without flattening the cookies too much.
• Allow ingredients like egg and peanut butter to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
• Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Store Peanut Butter Cookies Soft And Sweet

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep cookies at room temperature in a sealed container, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious for 3-4 days.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their original softness and warmth.

Best Bites with Jimmy Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Savor Peanut Butter Companions: Rich Milk Pairing: Creamy whole milk balances the cookie's nutty intensity, creating a smooth, indulgent flavor combination that enhances the peanut butter's natural sweetness.
• Complement Sweet Crunch: Chocolate Drizzle Technique: Melt dark or milk chocolate and lightly drizzle over cooled cookies, adding depth and a sophisticated touch that elevates the classic treat's taste profile.
• Refresh with Cold Delight: Vanilla Ice Cream Contrast: Place a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream alongside these warm cookies, letting the cold creaminess contrast beautifully with the cookie's crisp texture and warm peanut butter notes.
• Enhance Nutty Experience: Caramel Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick caramel sauce for gentle cookie dipping, introducing a rich, buttery dimension that amplifies the cookie's natural sweetness and provides a luxurious tasting experience.

Peanut Butter Cookies from Jimmy Carter’s Grandma

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to make these cookies safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly or low-carb diets.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of chicken egg, and choose a plant-based peanut butter without added dairy to create a completely vegan cookie option.
• Protein-Packed Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to increase protein content, making the cookies more nutritionally dense for fitness enthusiasts.

FAQs

• Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies naturally do not contain flour, making them naturally gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter?

Creamy peanut butter works best for consistent texture, but you can use natural peanut butter. Just ensure it’s well-mixed and avoid separating oils.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly set center. They might seem soft when first removed from the oven but will firm up while cooling.

• What makes these cookies different from other peanut butter cookies?

These are a classic, simple recipe with minimal ingredients, reflecting traditional Southern baking style. The recipe comes directly from Jimmy Carter’s family, giving it a unique historical connection.

Jimmy Carters Grandmothers Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Passed down through generations, jimmy carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies blend Southern comfort with nostalgic sweetness. Crisp edges, rich nutty flavor, and a family legacy make these simple treats a delightful connection to presidential culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

Flavoring and Leavening:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring an even heat distribution for perfect cookie baking.
2. Vigorously blend creamy peanut butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes silky and well-incorporated.
3. Introduce a fresh egg, fragrant vanilla extract, fine baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Gently shape the dough into small, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
5. Arrange the cookie spheres on a parchment-protected baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing between each morsel.
6. Employ the tines of a fork to create a distinctive crisscross pattern, gently pressing down on each unbaked cookie.
7. Position the prepared sheet in the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to transform into golden-edged delicacies over 10-12 minutes.
8. Once removed from the oven, let the cookies rest momentarily on the baking sheet to stabilize their structure.
9. Carefully transfer the delicate treats to a cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature and achieve optimal texture.

Notes

• Replace traditional flour with almond or coconut flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter and reduce sugar content for a more nutritious treat that maintains the classic flavor.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring they remain soft and delicious throughout.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies, gently combining ingredients until just incorporated for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth result.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg