Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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These cookies aren’t just nostalgic—they’re a tribute to a time when recipes were passed down on index cards and made with ingredients you already had in your pantry. With a tender, crumbly texture and a rich, roasted peanut flavor, Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies offer an old-fashioned comfort that never goes out of style.

Perfectly soft in the center with lightly crisp edges, these cookies are a peanut butter lover’s dream. What makes them even more special is the signature fork-pressed crisscross pattern on top—a charming detail that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether paired with a glass of milk or stacked on a dessert table, they bring a sense of home to every bite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cookie bliss, set yourself up for success with the right tools:

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients. A large one for the main dough and a smaller one for the dry mix keeps things organized.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming the butter, sugar, and peanut butter until fluffy is crucial for the perfect texture.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters—especially with baking soda, salt, and sugar.
• Baking Sheet: A rimless cookie sheet ensures even baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and promotes golden, even bottoms.
• Fork: The classic crisscross pattern isn’t just decorative—it helps the dense peanut butter dough bake evenly.

Having your equipment ready will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

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Ingredients for the Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart of the recipe, bringing rich nutty flavor and moisture to the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds that melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps with even baking.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a bit of crispness on the edges.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with a hint of molasses.
• Egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds a warm note.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base for the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Provides lift so the cookies don’t turn out too dense.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

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How To Make the Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process traps air into the mixture, creating a soft interior.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These add richness and depth to the dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll them into balls, and place on a prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

Serve these peanut butter cookies warm with a tall glass of cold milk, or alongside coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make excellent gifts when stacked in a clear treat bag tied with ribbon.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of peanut butter should I use?

Stick with creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter can cause the dough to separate or bake inconsistently.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling required! This dough is ready to bake immediately, making it quick and convenient.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! These freeze well, so feel free to double the batch and save some for later.

Why the crisscross pattern?

It helps flatten the dense dough for even baking, and it’s a nostalgic touch that makes these cookies instantly recognizable.

How do I make them extra soft?

Avoid overbaking and keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark. Slightly underbaked centers result in irresistibly soft cookies.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these peanut butter cookies steeped in tradition, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a soft ganache center.
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies if you prefer classic nostalgia.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies with cozy fall flavor.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak it with chunky peanut butter? Add a drizzle of chocolate? I’d love to hear your spin on this classic!

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