Name: Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Short description

I bring you a nostalgic cookie recipe, straight from the Carter family kitchen. These peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic—soft, chewy, and delightfully buttery. Each bite carries the warmth of home and tradition.

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly these cookies come together with simple pantry ingredients. I find the texture perfectly soft in the middle yet slightly crisp around the edges. They’re not overly sweet, letting the rich peanut butter flavor shine through. Honestly, they remind me of cozy afternoons and family gatherings.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
– peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
– granulated sugar
– brown sugar
– butter
– eggs
– vanilla extract
– all-purpose flour
– baking soda
– salt

directions

I preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
I cream together peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
I beat in softened butter, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
I stir in vanilla extract.
I whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; I slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
I scoop dough by tablespoonfuls, rolling each into a ball and placing them evenly on the baking sheet.
I gently flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
I bake until the edges turn golden and centers are set.
After removing from the oven, I let the cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

These cookies yield about 36 medium-sized treats.
– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Bake time: 8–10 minutes per batch
– Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

– Chunky peanut butter: Swap creamy for chunky for extra texture.
– Chocolate drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies.
– Peanut butter and jelly twist: Press a small jar of your favorite jam into the center right after baking and cooling for a few minutes.
– Oat flour addition: Substitute up to ¼ cup of flour with oat flour for a heartier flavor.
– Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the dough for warmth.

storage/reheating

I store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, I warm them at 300 °F (150 °C) for about 5 minutes—that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture comes right back.

FAQs

Why do my cookies flatten too much?

If I’ve over-creamed the butter and sugar or used melted butter, the dough spreads more. I make sure my butter is just softened, not melting. Also, chilling the dough for 15 minutes helps control the spread.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Absolutely. I just ensure the peanut butter has a thick consistency and isn’t runny. I stir well before measuring so the oil is mixed in.

How can I make my cookies chewier?

I like to replace a tablespoon of granulated sugar with molasses or reduce baking time by 1 minute. Cool-on-sheets for 5 minutes to lock in moisture.

What’s the best way to measure flour?

I spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off—no packing. Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! I scoop and freeze dough balls on a tray. Once firm, I transfer them to a freezer bag. I bake them straight from frozen, adding about 2–3 minutes to the bake time.

Conclusion

These peanut butter cookies, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s grandmother, become an instant favorite in my kitchen. I love their nostalgic flavor, simple preparation, and versatility. Whip up a batch—you’ll feel that same cozy warmth, too.