Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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I still remember the first time I bit into one of Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies. It wasn’t just the soft crunch or the warm, nutty aroma that caught me — it was the feeling of something deeply familiar. These cookies aren’t just a treat, they’re a time capsule. They remind me of lazy afternoons on a porch swing, the clink of iced tea in a glass, and the hum of cicadas in the distance. There’s something unmistakably comforting about a cookie recipe that’s been passed down from a grandmother to a future president and now, somehow, to us.

What makes these cookies so special is how simple and nostalgic they are. They don’t rely on fancy techniques or obscure ingredients. Instead, they’re rooted in tradition, flavor, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re baking for your kids, a holiday cookie swap, or just to bring a little warmth into your own day, these peanut butter cookies are the kind that make memories stick — just like the dough to your fingers.

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Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

These cookies have that old-fashioned, melt-in-your-mouth texture that modern recipes often miss. They strike the perfect balance between chewy and crisp, thanks to the peanut butter’s richness and a few key baking tricks. The iconic fork crisscross pattern? It’s not just for looks — it ensures an even bake and helps these cookies keep their charming rustic appeal.

You’ll love that this recipe is approachable, easy to follow, and adaptable. No chilling time, no fancy mixers needed. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a warm oven. If you love a cookie that tastes like it came straight out of your grandmother’s kitchen, this one’s for you.

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

When I bake Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies, I always reach for creamy, unsweetened peanut butter — the kind that’s sturdy and rich without being overly oily. While the original recipe likely used an old-school Southern brand, today’s natural peanut butters work beautifully too, as long as they’re not too runny. If you like a little crunch in your bite, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter. Just remember, the texture will be a bit heartier.

Avoid “no-stir” peanut butters with added oils and sugars — they tend to make the dough greasy and overly sweet. This recipe shines best with a good, clean peanut flavor.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is pretty forgiving, which makes it great for customizing based on what you have on hand or dietary needs.

• Almond Butter or Sunflower Butter: If you’re avoiding peanuts, almond or sunflower seed butter can be great swaps. Just expect a slightly different flavor and a bit more spread in the oven.
• Flour Alternatives: Want a gluten-free version? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. These cookies hold up well to the change.
• Sugar Options: You can substitute white sugar with coconut sugar or use half brown sugar for a softer, slightly caramelized cookie.
• Vegan Version: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) in place of the egg, and choose a dairy-free butter substitute.
• Add-ins: Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate these cookies without overpowering the original charm.

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Ingredients for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Peanut Butter
  This is the soul of the cookie. It brings richness, nutty depth, and that irresistible flavor we’re here for. Go for creamy or crunchy, depending on your texture preference.
• Unsalted Butter
  Butter provides the structure and the perfect chewy-soft bite. Using unsalted gives you more control over the salt content.
• Granulated Sugar
  White sugar keeps the texture light and gives these cookies their signature crackly edges.
• Brown Sugar
  Adds a hint of molasses flavor and helps keep the center of the cookies soft and moist.
• Egg
  Just one egg binds everything together and gives the dough structure without making it cakey.
• All-Purpose Flour
  The flour forms the base of the dough, holding all the deliciousness together without overpowering the peanut butter.
• Baking Soda
  Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft inside while creating a crisp outer edge.
• Salt
  A pinch of salt enhances the peanut flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract
  Just a splash brings warmth and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give it enough time to fully preheat — the even heat is key for perfectly baked cookies.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon or hand mixer to cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You want the mixture to be fluffy and light — this helps make tender cookies.

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Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and glossy at this stage.

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Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then slowly add this dry mixture into the peanut butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. It might be a little thick — that’s exactly what you want.

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Step 5: Shape and Press the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a fork, gently press each ball twice — once horizontally and once vertically — to create that signature crisscross pattern.

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Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center — they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

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Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and avoids breaking.

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How Long to Cook Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies take about 10 to 12 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Keep a close eye starting at the 10-minute mark. You’re looking for edges that are lightly golden while the centers still look slightly soft — they’ll finish setting up on the pan after baking. Overbaking is the easiest way to lose that chewy center, so don’t wait for them to look fully done in the oven.

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Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

• Soften the Butter First
  Let the butter sit at room temperature before creaming. Cold butter won’t blend smoothly and will affect the cookie texture.
• Don’t Skip the Fork Marks
  That classic crisscross pattern isn’t just tradition — it flattens the dough so it bakes evenly.
• Use a Cookie Scoop
  For consistent sizes (and even baking), a cookie scoop is your best friend.
• Let Them Rest on the Pan
  These cookies are fragile straight out of the oven. Letting them rest for 5 minutes before transferring helps them set up without falling apart.
• Avoid Overmixing
  Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
• Add a Pinch of Sea Salt on Top (Optional)
  If you’re into sweet-salty combos, a light sprinkle of flaky salt before baking takes these to another level.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Oily Peanut Butter
  Natural peanut butters with too much oil separation can lead to greasy cookies that spread too much. Stir well or use a more stable brand.
• Skipping the Crisscross Press
  These cookies don’t spread much on their own — pressing them ensures they bake through evenly and get that signature look.
• Overbaking
  It’s tempting to wait for a golden brown top, but resist! These cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly
  Scooping straight from the bag can pack in too much flour, resulting in dry, cakey cookies. Spoon and level for best results.
• Ignoring Oven Hot Spots
  Rotate your pan halfway through baking to avoid uneven browning — especially if your oven has a personality of its own.
• Transferring Too Soon
  Moving cookies off the pan too early can lead to breakage. Let them rest a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

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What to Serve With Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

Cold Milk

A classic pairing. The creaminess of milk balances the peanut butter’s richness and softens each bite perfectly.

Hot Coffee

Dark roasted coffee complements the cookie’s sweetness and adds a cozy, adult-friendly twist to snack time.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a nostalgic dessert that feels like a Southern summer dream.

Sliced Apples

Sweet, crisp apples and peanut butter are already a match — the cookie just adds a fun twist.

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

For a fancier dessert, drizzle a little warm ganache over the top. Peanut butter and chocolate were made for each other.

Peanut Butter Milkshake

Double down on the flavor by blending one of these cookies into a creamy milkshake. It’s indulgent, but totally worth it.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

Want a lighter option? Pair a cookie with some tangy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for a sweet-protein snack.

Southern Sweet Tea

For that full-on Southern experience, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea and settle in with a cookie (or three).

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Storage Instructions

Once the cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 4 to 5 days. If you like a slightly firmer texture, just leave the lid slightly cracked.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temp or microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.

The dough can also be frozen — roll it into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, toss them into a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, press with a fork and bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the time.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie, assuming recipe yields 24 cookies)

• Calories: ~160
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

These are estimations and may vary based on exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, but choose one that isn’t too oily or separated. Stir it well and expect the cookies to spread a bit more than with conventional peanut butter.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope! One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s no-chill. You can go from mixing bowl to oven in minutes.

Why do I need to press the dough with a fork?

The crisscross pattern helps flatten the dough so it bakes evenly. Peanut butter dough is dense and doesn’t spread much on its own.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture stays surprisingly close to the original.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

When the edges are lightly golden and the center still looks soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to look “done” in the oven.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles (or even triples) well. Just make sure you don’t overcrowd your baking sheets and rotate pans if using multiple racks.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, portion and roll the dough into balls, then freeze. Bake straight from frozen with just 1–2 extra minutes added to the time.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use all granulated sugar, but the cookies might be a little crisper. A quick fix: mix white sugar with a tiny bit of molasses to mimic brown sugar.

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Conclusion

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a recipe — they’re a warm, nostalgic bite of history. With their soft middles, gently crisp edges, and that deep roasted peanut flavor, they hit all the right notes of a classic Southern treat.

Whether you’re baking them for a party, sharing them with neighbors, or sneaking one fresh off the tray for yourself, these cookies always bring a smile. They’re simple, homey, and remind us that sometimes the best things really do come from grandma’s kitchen.

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