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Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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These peanut butter cookies, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s cherished Southern recipe, are rich, tender, and full of nostalgic flavor. With a classic criss-cross pattern and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a tall glass of milk.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually mix into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  5. (Optional) Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
  6. Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place on baking sheets.
  7. Press a fork into each ball to create a criss-cross pattern.
  8. Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are golden.
  9. Cool 2 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for better texture and less spreading.
  • Use crunchy peanut butter for a more rustic cookie.
  • Cookies freeze well, baked or unbaked, for prep-ahead baking.
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern, American
  • Diet: Vegetarian