What makes a presidential family’s favorite cookie recipe so special? Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies are a masterclass in homemade comfort food, with rich peanut butter and a simple baking method. Quick to make and easy to love, these classic treats are a family favorite. Save this idea for your next weeknight baking session.

peanut butter cookies on a plate with the words jimmy carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy cookie that’s bursting with the rich flavor of peanut butter. These classic treats, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s legendary recipe, are not only a delight to eat but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a batch of peanut butter cookies that are sure to impress family and friends. The best part? This recipe is perfect for those who love to get creative in the kitchen, as it offers endless opportunities for experimentation and customization.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of peanut butter, sugar, and eggs creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. Plus, the ingredients are readily available in most pantries, making it easy to whip up a batch at a moment’s notice.
Ease of preparation: With a simple mixing process and no need for complicated equipment, these cookies are a breeze to prepare. Even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results with minimal effort.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is a batch of cookies that are sure to impress. The peanut butter flavor shines through, and the texture is perfectly chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, peanut butter. Look for a high-quality creamy peanut butter that’s free from added oils and sugars. Other essential ingredients include sugar, eggs, flour, and baking soda. For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the flour and baking soda. Mix until a dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, as this will help the dough come together smoothly and evenly.
If you find that your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them retain their shape.
For an extra crunchy cookie, try baking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook, as this can result in a dry or burnt cookie.

Heat Control

When it comes to baking, heat control is crucial. Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature, and keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should be set. If you’re unsure, try removing one cookie from the oven and letting it cool for a minute or two. If it’s still too soft, return it to the oven for an additional minute or two.

Crunch Factor

The perfect peanut butter cookie should have a delicate balance of crunch and chew. To achieve this, make sure to bake the cookies until they’re lightly golden around the edges, but still soft in the center. If you prefer a crunchier cookie, try baking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook, as this can result in a dry or burnt cookie.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For a professional-looking finish, try using a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This will help the cookies bake evenly and retain their shape.
To add an extra layer of flavor, try sprinkling the cookies with a pinch of sea salt or a drizzle of honey before baking.
If you’re looking for a shortcut, try using a pre-made peanut butter cookie mix. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and don’t be afraid to add your own twist with mix-ins or toppings.

Storage Tips

Once the cookies are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, try freezing the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies will keep for up to 2 months.
When reheating, try placing the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warm and chewy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Consider packaging them in a decorative tin or jar, or wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or wax paper. You can also get creative with ribbons, bows, and other embellishments to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Creative toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of honey, or a handful of chopped nuts to the cookies before baking.
Ingredient swaps: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the peanut butter for another type of nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your cookies are too dry or too chewy, try adjusting the baking time or temperature. You can also try adding more or less flour to the dough to achieve the perfect texture.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, try substituting it with a similar alternative. For example, you can use almond butter instead of peanut butter, or honey instead of sugar.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, and remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. If you’re unsure, try removing one cookie from the oven and letting it cool for a minute or two. If it’s still too soft, return it to the oven for an additional minute or two.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies will keep for up to 2 months.
Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, these cookies contain wheat flour, which means they’re not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or coconut flour.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients by two, and bake the cookies in batches if necessary. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as the baking time may be slightly longer.

Conclusion

With these simple peanut butter cookies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little creativity to their kitchen. So go ahead, get baking, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. And remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love – so be sure to add a generous helping of that to your cookies as well!

Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies