Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There's something special about a classic peanut butter cookie—the rich, nutty aroma, the perfect balance of chewiness and crisp edges, and that nostalgic taste that brings you back to childhood. This recipe, passed down from Jimmy Carter’s grandmother, is a true Southern gem that’s been cherished for generations.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe while searching for old-fashioned, no-fuss cookies that taste like home. These cookies are simple yet full of rich, buttery peanut flavor, just as you’d expect from a recipe rooted in Southern tradition. Let’s dive in and bring a little piece of history to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with a peanut butter cookie that’s as timeless as it is delicious.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them perfect for last-minute baking.

The texture is unbeatable—soft and chewy in the center with perfectly crisp edges. A quick press with a fork before baking gives them that signature crisscross pattern, adding a delightful crunch.

These cookies are also budget-friendly. They use simple, affordable ingredients, making them a great treat for any occasion without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the history behind them. There’s something truly special about baking a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, connecting us to the past with every bite.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Peanut butter is the star of the show. Opt for a classic, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best results. Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture due to its oil separation.

Butter adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it incorporates smoothly into the dough.

Sugar provides sweetness and structure. This recipe calls for a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar, which adds depth of flavor and keeps the cookies moist.

Eggs act as a binding agent, giving the cookies their structure while keeping them soft and chewy.

Flour, baking soda, and salt work together to create the perfect cookie texture. The flour provides structure, while the baking soda helps them rise slightly, and the salt enhances all the flavors.

If you have a stand mixer, it makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, but a simple hand mixer or even a sturdy spoon will do just fine.

How To Make These Peanut Butter Cookies

Making these cookies is a breeze, and the result is a batch of warm, peanut buttery perfection.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so take your time—about 2-3 minutes of mixing should do the trick.

Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth and well-mixed dough.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to dense cookies, so mix only until no streaks of flour remain.

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Before popping them into the oven, use a fork to press a crisscross pattern into each cookie. This not only gives them their classic look but also helps them bake evenly.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They may look slightly underdone in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

These peanut butter cookies store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them soft and fresh.

If you’d like to freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

For freezing cookie dough, scoop individual portions onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Store the frozen dough balls in a zip-top bag, and when you're ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for plenty of customizations to suit your preferences.

For a crunchier texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy. The added peanut bits will give the cookies extra bite.

If you love a sweet and salty combo, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the cookies right before baking. The contrast enhances the peanut butter’s natural richness.

To add some chocolatey goodness, mix in chocolate chips or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a fun twist.

For a flourless version, substitute the flour with oat flour or almond flour. This will create a denser but equally delicious cookie.

Want to take them up a notch? Sandwich two cookies together with a layer of peanut butter frosting for a decadent peanut butter sandwich cookie.

No matter how you choose to make them, these cookies are sure to bring a taste of history and home to your kitchen. Happy baking!

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