Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of warm peanut butter cookies fresh from the oven. These cookies, with their golden-brown edges and soft, chewy centers, are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty. But what makes them even more special is their history—this recipe comes straight from the family of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, whose roots in peanut farming made him a household name.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while researching classic Southern desserts, and it instantly caught my attention. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a timeless flavor, these cookies offer a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re a history buff, a peanut lover, or simply in search of the perfect cookie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies

If you love peanut butter, you’re in for a treat. These Southern-style peanut butter cookies have a rich, nutty flavor and a delightfully soft texture that makes them irresistible.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute dessert or a fun baking project with kids.

They also have a deeply nostalgic feel. This isn’t just any peanut butter cookie recipe—it’s a family heirloom from the Carters, bringing a bit of presidential history right to your kitchen.

These cookies are perfectly balanced. They’re sweet but not overly so, with just the right amount of peanut butter flavor. The classic fork-tine crisscross pattern gives them a wonderful texture and a slightly crisp edge.

Best of all, they’re versatile. Want a softer cookie? Slightly underbake them. Prefer a crunchier bite? Let them bake a little longer. No matter how you like them, they’ll turn out delicious every time.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect peanut butter cookie texture and flavor.

Peanut Butter: Since this recipe comes from the Carter family, it’s no surprise that peanut butter is the star of the show. Use a classic, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best texture. Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may slightly alter the consistency.

Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before mixing for a smooth, even dough.

Sugar: A mix of brown and white sugar provides the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel-like depth, while white sugar helps create that crisp edge.

Flour: All-purpose flour is the best choice for these cookies. It provides the perfect structure while keeping them tender and soft.

Eggs & Vanilla: A single egg binds the dough together, while vanilla extract enhances the overall warmth and sweetness of the cookies.

No special equipment is needed—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet. However, a cookie scoop can help ensure evenly sized cookies, and a fork is essential for creating that classic peanut butter cookie pattern.

How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cookie, as it helps incorporate air into the dough.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. The egg provides structure, while the vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make the cookies tough.

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, pressing down in a crisscross pattern to create that signature peanut butter cookie look.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake if you prefer a chewy texture.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures they don’t break apart while still warm.

Storage Options

These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping or gifting.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

This classic recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures.

Want a little crunch? Try chunky peanut butter instead of creamy for a nutty bite.

For an extra indulgent twist, add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Need a gluten-free option? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking.

If you prefer a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness, substitute white sugar for all brown sugar.

Not a fan of vanilla? Swap it out for maple extract for a deliciously rich twist.

Baking is all about making a recipe your own. However you choose to customize these peanut butter cookies, one thing is for sure—they’ll always be deliciously comforting and full of history.

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