Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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If there’s one cookie recipe that has stood the test of time and Southern tradition, it’s Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies. This nostalgic treat carries with it a sense of Americana comfort, warm kitchens, and the unmistakable aroma of roasted peanuts wafting through the house. Biting into one of these cookies feels like a trip back to a time where recipes were passed down on weathered index cards and perfected with love.

These cookies strike a beautiful balance between chewy and slightly crisp, just the way a true peanut butter cookie should. With a golden edge, a soft center, and that signature fork-pressed crisscross on top, every bite is familiar yet unforgettable. Whether you grew up with them or are making them for the first time, they are a delicious reminder of simplicity and heritage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for more than just the story. They’re rich in peanut flavor, quick to whip up, and only require pantry staples. The dough comes together in one bowl and doesn’t need chilling, which means cookies are in your oven faster than you can preheat it. It’s also endlessly adaptable—perfect for adding chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or sandwiching with jam or frosting.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

While smooth peanut butter is the classic choice and creates that soft, tender bite, using crunchy peanut butter will give you a fun textural contrast with little bits of peanut in every mouthful. Avoid natural peanut butters that separate in the jar; they can throw off the consistency of the dough. Stick with a reliable, creamy spread like Jif or Skippy for that nostalgic, authentic result.

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

These cookies require just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect old-fashioned peanut butter flavor. The key is using good quality pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Each one contributes to the classic texture and flavor that makes these cookies so beloved.

• Peanut Butter
• Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Soda
• Salt

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

Step 1: Cream the Fats and Sugars

Start by creaming the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a smooth dough and even bake.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This gives the dough structure and a warm, aromatic base.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Scoop and Shape

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roll each scoop into a ball, place on the sheet, and gently press down with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

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

Serving and Storing Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are at their absolute best when served slightly warm with a glass of milk, though they taste just as delicious at room temperature or even the next day. They make a nostalgic treat for after-school snacks, cozy evenings, or holiday cookie trays. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it perfect for sharing or stashing away a few extras for yourself.

To store, let the cookies cool completely and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just pop them into a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds and they’ll taste oven-fresh.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cookies?

Milk or Hot Chocolate

Nothing pairs better with warm peanut butter cookies than a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of hot cocoa.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for an easy and indulgent dessert.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over your cookies or dip them halfway for a rich twist.

Sliced Bananas

Add a few slices of banana on the side or mash them up and spread between two cookies.

Coffee

These cookies make a delightful afternoon pairing with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Strawberry Jam

A swipe of strawberry or raspberry jam turns them into a peanut butter and jelly cookie dream.

Whipped Cream

Top with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed peanuts for a mini dessert bowl experience.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

Balance the sweetness by serving alongside a small bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey.

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If you adore the old-school flavor of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with these delicious cookie creations from the site:

• Peggi’s Gigantic Melt-In-Your-Mouth Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies for a crunchy, oversized twist.
• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies with that buttery, meltaway texture.
• Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies for something colorful and fun.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving warm spice and citrus zing.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies for a soft bite with a ganache center.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use crunchy or creamy peanut butter? Did you add chocolate or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies bring more than just a sweet bite—they carry generations of flavor, memories, and Southern warmth. Simple, satisfying, and soul-soothing, these cookies are the kind of classic recipe that earns a permanent spot in every baker’s collection. Whether you’re baking for family or simply for the joy of it, this is a cookie that tells a story in every crumb.

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