Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies have a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of cozy afternoons spent in my own grandmother’s kitchen. I can still almost smell the sweet, nutty aroma filling the air as she’d pull a fresh batch from the oven. This Grandma Carter’s peanut cookie recipe is wonderfully simple, using pantry staples to create that classic, comforting taste. The texture is just perfect – crisp around the edges with a delightfully soft, chewy center. It reminds me so much of the stories my mom told about Jimmy Carter’s childhood peanut cookies. Ready to bake some happiness? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Grandma Carter’s Peanut Cookies
- An unforgettable, nostalgic taste that brings back warm memories.
- Incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have.
- A budget-friendly treat that’s easy on the wallet.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together, creating lasting family moments.
- These Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies deliver that perfect balance of chewy and crisp.
- A true taste of tradition, embodying the charm of Grandma Carter’s peanut cookie recipe.
- Impress your friends and family with these delightful, old-fashioned cookies.
Ingredients for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Gathering these simple yet essential Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s cookie ingredients is the first step to recreating a piece of culinary history. The magic truly lies in the combination of creamy peanut butter and softened butter, which creates that signature tender texture. We’ll also need both granulated and brown sugar for that perfect balance of sweetness and a slightly chewy center. These cookies are straightforward, proving that delicious treats don’t need complicated components.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky) – your choice adds personal flair!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with crisp edges
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – for moisture and a deeper flavor
- 1 large egg – acts as a binder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the backbone of the cookie structure
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies spread and rise
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – for a little extra lift
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut flavor
How to Make Grandma Carter’s Peanut Cookies
Following these steps will guide you through making Grandma Carter’s peanut cookies. It’s a simple process that yields wonderfully classic results. I love how straightforward this recipe is, making it perfect even if you’re new to baking!
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: In a nice big bowl, grab your peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to getting that perfect texture.
- Step 3: Now, mix in the large egg and the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is nicely combined and you have a smooth, cohesive batter. The vanilla adds such a lovely aroma here!
- Step 4: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This just ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before they go into the wet mixture.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we want tender cookies!
- Step 6: Time to form the cookies! Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one so they have room to spread.
- Step 7: Now for that classic look! Gently press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each cookie with the tines of a fork. This is a signature touch for how to make Grandma Carter’s peanut cookies.
- Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden brown, and the centers should just look set, not wet. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. This short resting period helps them hold their shape. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoying these Grandma Carter’s peanut cookies is the best part!
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies Inspired by Grandma Carter
I’ve baked these cookies countless times, and a few tricks really elevate them to that perfect, classic status. Achieving that ideal balance of chewy center and crisp edge is totally doable!
- Use room temperature butter and peanut butter. This ensures they cream together beautifully, creating a smooth, consistent dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to tougher cookies instead of tender ones.
- Bake just until the edges are *lightly* golden. The centers might still look a little soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool, guaranteeing that wonderful chewy texture.
- For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. It really makes the peanut butter flavor pop!
What’s the secret to perfect traditional peanut cookies from the Carter family?
I think the real magic in these Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s baking secrets peanut cookies comes from the simple yet precise ratios of ingredients and the creaming method. Using both granulated and brown sugar is key for that perfect texture contrast. For more baking tips, check out these dessert recipes.
Can I make Jimmy Carter’s family recipe peanut butter cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready. This makes impromptu cookie cravings so much easier to satisfy. You might also enjoy these homemade ice cream recipes as a perfect pairing.
How do I avoid common mistakes with authentic Jimmy Carter grandmother peanut cookies?
The biggest pitfalls are overmixing the dough after adding flour, which makes them tough, and overbaking them, which removes that signature chewiness. Always err on the side of slightly underbaked! Learning about proper baking techniques can help prevent these issues.
Best Ways to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Cookies
These delightful cookies are wonderful on their own, but I love serving them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a truly special occasion, consider them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the warm cookie and cold ice cream combination is pure bliss!
When I think about the best peanut butter cookies inspired by Grandma Carter, I imagine them as part of a dessert spread. They’re fantastic alongside a slice of apple pie or a rich chocolate cake. Their simple, comforting flavor complements richer desserts without overpowering them. These cookies truly embody a taste of home and tradition, no matter how you choose to enjoy them. You might also like these baby lemon impossible pies for another classic dessert option.
Nutrition Facts for Grandma Carter’s Peanut Cookies
When enjoying these delightful Grandma Carter’s peanut cookies, it’s helpful to know their nutritional breakdown. These figures are based on a single cookie, assuming the recipe yields about 24 servings. Remember, the exact amounts can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use, especially the type of peanut butter and butter.
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 75mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy options, explore these power bowl recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Old-fashioned peanut butter cookies Grandma Carter
Once your delicious Grandma Carter’s peanut cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them. Proper storage is key to preserving that wonderful texture and flavor. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I find that placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them perfectly soft!
If you want to keep these delightful treats longer, freezing is your best bet. Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 months. This method is fantastic for preserving Carter family peanut cookie freshness, ensuring you always have a homemade treat on hand. To reheat, you can simply let them thaw at room temperature, or for a warm cookie experience, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For other make-ahead ideas, consider these cranberry feta pinwheels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Famous Peanut Cookies
What are Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut cookies?
These are classic, old-fashioned peanut butter cookies, renowned for their delightful texture – crisp on the edges with a soft, chewy center. They represent a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, embodying simple, comforting flavors.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you opt for natural peanut butter, make sure to stir it very thoroughly to recombine the oil before measuring. It might affect the texture slightly compared to conventional peanut butter, but the flavor will be wonderfully pure. For more ingredient tips, you can check out this about me page for insights.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Cookie spread can happen if your butter or peanut butter is too soft, or if you use too much baking soda or baking powder. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and measure your leavening agents accurately. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading. Understanding the science behind baking can be very helpful.
How do I get the crisscross pattern without flattening the cookies?
The key is gentle pressure! Use the tines of a fork and press lightly in one direction, then rotate the cookie 90 degrees and press again. If the dough is sticking to the fork, you can lightly dip the tines in granulated sugar or flour before pressing. This ensures you get that iconic look without squashing the cookie.
Variations of Peanut Cookies Associated with the Carter Family You Can Try
While the classic Grandma Carter’s peanut cookie recipe is absolutely wonderful, I love experimenting to see how I can adapt it. These variations are inspired by the enduring appeal of the peanut cookies associated with the Carter family, offering something for everyone.
- Gluten-Free Twist: For those avoiding gluten, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. You might need to add an extra teaspoon of baking powder for lift, but the peanut butter flavor shines through beautifully. This keeps the spirit of the Jimmy Carter’s ancestral peanut cookie recipe alive for more people.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Fold in about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks into the dough during the final mixing stage. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is divine and adds a decadent touch to these traditional cookies.
- No-Bake Version: If you’re short on time or don’t want to turn on the oven, you can adapt these! Combine the peanut butter, sugars, butter, and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Shape into balls and chill until firm. It’s a quicker way to enjoy that classic peanut butter cookie taste.
- Spiced Pecan Delight: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans to the dough along with the dry ingredients. For an extra layer of warmth, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the dry ingredients as well. This adds a lovely nutty depth that complements the peanut flavor wonderfully.
Jimmy Carters Grandmothers Peanut: Best Cookie
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s famous peanut butter cookies. This treasured recipe offers a classic flavor with crisp edges and soft centers, made with simple ingredients and a foolproof method.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Scoop dough into balls about 1 tablespoon each and place on the baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Gently press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie with a fork.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and even texture.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Slight underbaking keeps centers soft and chewy.
- Add a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft.
- Natural peanut butter can be used if stirred thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American