Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

A Nostalgic Southern Treat Straight from the White House Family Recipe

Introduction

Few things capture the warmth of home like the aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through the kitchen. These Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just cookies—they’re a bite of history, a taste of Southern tradition, and a reminder of the comforting power of family recipes.

Inspired by the cherished cookie recipe from former President Jimmy Carter’s grandmother, this classic treat is simple, tender, and full of flavor. With its signature criss-cross pattern, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, gifting during the holidays, or indulging in a quiet moment with a tall glass of milk.

Whether you’re a peanut butter lover, a cookie enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates vintage Southern baking, these cookies bring together nostalgia, texture, and a touch of elegance in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: From mixing to baking, these cookies are ready in just 20 minutes.
• Classic flavor: Creamy peanut butter, buttery richness, and a perfect balance of sweetness.
• Tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture: Soft yet slightly chewy edges, just like grandma used to make.
• Customizable: Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture or chill the dough for thicker cookies.
• Freezer-friendly: Bake now or later—both baked and unbaked cookies freeze beautifully.
• Perfect for gifting: These cookies are elegant yet homey, making them ideal for cookie exchanges or homemade gifts.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian
Cuisine: Southern, American
Method: Baking

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Fork (for criss-cross pattern)
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to cream until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air, ensuring tender, soft cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg adds structure while the vanilla enhances the nutty, buttery flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed to help the cookies rise slightly and maintain their soft texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

Pro Tip: If you want a thicker, chewier cookie, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches between each cookie.

Step 7: Create the Signature Criss-Cross Pattern

Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating the classic criss-cross pattern. This isn’t just decorative—it helps the cookies bake evenly and showcases the iconic peanut butter cookie look.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies are meant to be soft and tender in the center.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart and maintains the perfect chewy texture.

Tips & Variations

• Chill the dough: Helps prevent spreading and creates thicker, chewier cookies.
• Crunchy variation: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
• Nut swap: Try almond or cashew butter for a unique twist.
• Add mix-ins: Mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or a sprinkle of sea salt enhances flavor.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Flavor: Rich, nutty, buttery, and sweet with a slight caramel undertone from brown sugar.
• Texture: Soft, tender, and slightly chewy, with a delicate crunch from the edges.

Suggested Pairings:

• Beverages: Cold milk, hot chocolate, coffee, or black tea.
• Dessert Boards: Pair with chocolate truffles, shortbread, or fruit for variety.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbohydrates	16 g
Sugars	10 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Unsaturated Fat	5 g
Sodium	90 mg
Fiber	1 g
Cholesterol	15 mg

Note: Values are approximate and depend on the exact brands used.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare dough ahead: Refrigerate dough for 1–2 days before baking.
• Freezing: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies; thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Gift-ready: Package baked cookies in decorative tins or jars for a thoughtful homemade gift.

FAQs

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.

2. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but cookies may spread more and have a slightly different texture. Chilling the dough helps.

3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes, use parchment paper, and avoid overbaking.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients, keeping the same baking time per sheet, and bake in batches.

5. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a classic peanut butter-chocolate combo.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
Prep	Mix ingredients, shape dough	10 min
Bake	350°F (175°C)	9–11 min
Cool	On baking sheet + wire rack	5–10 min
Total		20 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with milk for a nostalgic treat.
• Pair with ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
• Place in decorative jars or plates for parties, gatherings, or gifts.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate-studded: Add mini chocolate chips or chunks to the dough.
2. Salted peanut butter cookies: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
3. Oatmeal peanut butter cookies: Mix in ½ cup rolled oats for extra texture.
4. Nutty surprise: Use half crunchy peanut butter and half creamy for layered texture.

Ingredient Spotlight: Peanut Butter & Brown Sugar

• Peanut Butter: The star of this cookie, offering rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Look for high-quality peanut butter with no added hydrogenated oils for the best taste.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel undertone that complements peanut butter perfectly.

Selection Tips:

• Use creamy peanut butter for classic cookies; crunchy for added texture.
• Brown sugar should be packed for accurate measurement and uniform sweetness.

Pro Baking Tips

• Always measure flour correctly—spoon into cup, level off, avoid scooping directly from bag.
• Don’t overmix after adding flour; overmixing makes cookies tough.
• Chill dough for thicker cookies that hold their shape.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Extend freshness up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Dough balls can be frozen up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well for 2–3 months.

Expanded Conclusion

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a taste of Southern heritage, a comforting reminder of home, and a celebration of classic flavors. With their soft, tender texture, melt-in-your-mouth richness, and nostalgic criss-cross design, these cookies are a must-try for peanut butter lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe brings a touch of history to your kitchen while creating warm memories around the table. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, pair with a glass of milk, or gift them to someone special. These cookies are proof that simplicity, tradition, and quality ingredients create timeless magic in the kitchen.

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