Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a taste of history and comfort. I remember the first time I tried these, the aroma of roasted peanuts and sweet butter filling my kitchen felt like a warm hug from the past. They have that perfect balance of soft, chewy centers and gently crisp edges, just like the ones Grandma Carter’s peanut cookies were famous for. Making these Jimmy Carter family peanut cookies connects me to a simpler time, and I’m so excited to share this cherished recipe with you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Grandma Carter’s Peanut Cookies
These cookies are a true delight, offering a taste of tradition and pure comfort. Here’s why they’ll become a favorite in your home:
- Incredible Taste: They boast a rich, roasted peanut flavor with perfectly balanced sweetness, making them incredibly moreish.
- Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats anytime.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, they are an economical way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these cookies, making them perfect for gatherings or a simple afternoon snack.
- A Taste of History: These are Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s famous peanut cookies, bringing a piece of American culinary heritage to your table.
- Authentic Flavor: You’re getting the authentic Grandma Carter peanut cookie recipe, ensuring that classic, comforting taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find, common ingredients mean you can make them without a special trip to the store.
Ingredients for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients to recreate the magic of peanut butter cookies like Jimmy Carter’s grandma made. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples! For the best results, make sure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature. This helps everything emulsify beautifully.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Use a standard commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – This adds richness and helps create that perfect tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – This leavening agent helps the cookies spread and rise slightly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors, especially the peanut butter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A classic flavor enhancer that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these iconic cookies. This is where the magic of how to make Grandma Carter’s peanut cookies truly comes alive!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup – this makes a world of difference.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. I like to use my stand mixer with the paddle attachment for this, beating on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Crack in the 1 large egg and pour in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage; we want to keep that light texture.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisking them together ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Add them in about 2–3 additions, stopping as soon as you no longer see any flour streaks. This helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough. I find a cookie scoop is perfect for this, ensuring uniform cookies. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one so they have room to spread.
- Step 7: Now for that signature look! Use the tines of a fork to gently press down on each dough ball. First, press in one direction, then press again in the opposite direction to create the classic crisscross pattern. This is a hallmark of Grandma Lillian Carter peanut cookies.
- Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be a beautiful golden brown, while the centers should still look soft and slightly underbaked. They will continue to set up as they cool.
- Step 9: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This short rest allows them to firm up enough to be moved. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will be incredible!
Pro Tips for the Best Grandma Carter’s Peanut Cookies
Achieving that perfect bite of these classic cookies is all about a few key details. Follow these tips to ensure your batch is just right!
- Always use a commercial creamy peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters can make the dough too oily or crumbly, affecting the final texture.
- Don’t overbake! The centers should still look slightly soft when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up on the baking sheet as they cool, giving you that ideal tender interior.
- For the most consistent results, scoop your dough balls with a cookie scoop to ensure they are all the same size. This means they’ll bake evenly.
What’s the secret to perfect Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut cookies?
The real secret is the balance of ingredients and not overbaking. Using commercial peanut butter and removing the cookies when the edges are golden but centers are soft is key to achieving those wonderfully tender, traditional Southern peanut cookies like Grandma Carter made. For more insights into baking techniques, you can explore resources on ingredient properties.
Can I make Grandma Carter’s peanut cookies ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough balls and store them on a parchment-lined tray in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This makes impromptu cookie cravings super easy to satisfy. You can learn more about proper food storage on the FoodSafety.gov website.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Jimmy Carter’s peanut cookies?
A common pitfall is using natural peanut butter, which can lead to greasy or crumbly cookies. Another is overbaking; always aim for slightly underdone centers. Also, be sure to cream your butter and sugars well initially for the best texture. For more baking tips, check out the Food Network’s baking tips.
Best Ways to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, just like Jimmy Carter’s childhood peanut butter cookies were likely enjoyed. For an extra special treat, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream is divine! They also make a fantastic addition to any cookie platter, especially alongside chocolate chip or sugar cookies, offering that comforting, classic peanut butter flavor that everyone loves.
Nutrition Facts for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Here are the estimated nutritional values per cookie, offering a glimpse into what makes these treats a classic indulgence:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Grandma Carter’s Peanut Cookies
Properly storing these delightful cookies ensures they stay fresh and delicious, just as intended in Jimmy Carter’s family recipes peanut cookies. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial to prevent any trapped moisture, which can make them soggy. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat, simply place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10–15 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also gently warm them in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes if you’re reheating a larger batch. For more information on food preservation, you can visit the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Why are Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut cookies famous?
These cookies are famous because they represent a piece of American history and a beloved family recipe. They’re a symbol of comfort, tradition, and the simple pleasures of home cooking, cherished by a former president and shared widely, making them a nostalgic favorite for many. You can read more about the Carter family history on their official website.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
While you can try, I highly recommend using commercial creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters often separate and can be oilier, which may result in a crumbly or greasy cookie texture that isn’t quite the same as these classic peanut butter cookies from Jimmy Carter’s grandma.
How do I get the signature crisscross pattern?
After scooping your dough balls and placing them on the baking sheet, gently press down with the tines of a fork. Press once in one direction, then press again in the opposite direction. This creates the iconic crisscross pattern that is a hallmark of these cookies.
Are these cookies difficult to make?
Not at all! These cookies are quite beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and most of the ingredients are common pantry staples. They’re a great recipe for kids to help with, making baking a fun family activity. For more beginner baking advice, see our about me page.
Variations of Grandma Carter’s Peanut Cookies You Can Try
While the original recipe for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies is perfection, I love experimenting! If you’re looking for ways to adapt this beloved treat, here are a few ideas. For a gluten-free twist, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free blend, aiming for the consistency of the Grandmother’s peanut cookie recipe from Georgia. You might find you need to adjust the liquid slightly. Another fun variation is adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty kick, truly elevating the Best Grandma Carter peanut cookie recipe. You could also try chilling the dough for an hour before baking for a chewier cookie with a more concentrated peanut flavor. For more recipe inspiration, visit our homepage.
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Grandma Carter’s Amazing Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These are golden, soft, and gently crisp peanut butter cookies packed with nostalgic comfort and rich, roasted peanut flavor. They are a classic dessert and a warm hug from the past, featuring the signature fork-tine crisscross tops and tender centers. Made with pantry staples and Southern tradition, these cookies harken back to kitchens where the peanut reigns supreme, famously cherished by Jimmy Carter from his grandmother’s recipe box.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 2–3 additions, mixing on low speed until no flour streaks remain.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Use the tines of a fork to press down gently on each dough ball in one direction, then again in the opposite direction to make the classic crisscross pattern.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use commercial creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for consistent texture. Natural peanut butters can lead to crumbly or greasy cookies.
- Don’t overbake; remove from the oven when edges are golden and centers are soft, as they continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cookies taste even better after cooling completely, as the flavors settle and the texture becomes perfect.
- This dough doubles easily and freezes well, making it perfect for preparing ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg