Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies! Every time I make them, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re little bites of history that remind us of simpler times spent in the kitchen, just like Jimmy Carter probably did with his family. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll whip up soft, chewy cookies that are bursting with peanut butter flavor. Trust me, they’re super easy to make and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re having a cozy night in or sharing sweets with friends. Get ready to bake something truly special!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup peanut butter: Use creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s the good stuff—nothing too artificial!
- 1 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives these cookies their sweet magic. You could even try half brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together, giving the cookies that soft, chewy texture we love.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is ideal here; it adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the peanut butter.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This little ingredient helps the cookies rise and get that perfect texture—don’t skip it!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Mix the Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine your peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda. I like to use a wooden spoon or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s well-blended and smooth. You want a slightly thick and creamy dough—it should hold together nicely without being too sticky. If you find it’s a bit too thick, don’t worry! That’s just perfect for shaping.
Shape the Cookies
Next up, it’s time to shape those cookies! Use your hands to roll the dough into small balls—about the size of a tablespoon works great. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To flatten them, use a fork to press down gently, making a crisscross pattern. Here’s a little tip: if the dough sticks to the fork, dip it in a bit of sugar or flour to prevent that from happening. Your cookies will look so cute with that pattern!
Bake the Cookies
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let those cookies bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely golden brown around the edges. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is key because they’ll firm up a bit as they cool, but don’t wait too long to dig in—they’re best warm!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s not set in stone. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
These values are just a guideline, but they should help you keep track of your delicious creations! Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there are so many reasons to fall in love with Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies! First off, they come together in no time at all—prep takes just about 10 minutes, and before you know it, you’ve got warm cookies waiting to be devoured. The ingredients are super simple, which means you probably have everything you need right in your pantry. It’s like a little taste of nostalgia with every bite, reminding us of the comfort that comes from homemade treats. Plus, if you’re looking to make them a bit healthier, you can easily swap in natural peanut butter or add oats for an extra boost of texture and nutrition. Trust me, these cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience you’ll want to share with everyone!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few pro tips up my sleeve! First, always measure your ingredients accurately—baking is a science, and even a little bit of extra peanut butter or sugar can change the texture. If you want cookies that are soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them; it’s better to take them out a minute early than to risk drying them out.
When it comes to storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but let’s be real—they probably won’t last that long! If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for a fun twist. You can even use different types of peanut butter, like crunchy for added texture or natural for a healthier option. Don’t be afraid to experiment! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super flexible, and with a little creativity, you can make these cookies your own. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies, the possibilities are endless! These cookies are delightful on their own, but I love pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk—it just takes the experience to another level! The creaminess of the milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor perfectly, and it’s a classic combo that never gets old.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just imagine the warm cookie melting slightly into the ice cream as you take a bite—pure bliss! You could even make an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop between two cookies. Yum!
For a cozy afternoon treat, why not brew a cup of your favorite tea or coffee? The warm, nutty flavors of the cookies pair beautifully with a rich cup of coffee or a soothing chai. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day or enjoy a relaxed weekend brunch with friends.
And hey, if you want to jazz things up a bit, consider adding some fresh fruit on the side—slices of apple or banana work wonders! It adds a refreshing contrast to the cookies and brings a nice balance to the sweetness. So go ahead, mix and match these suggestions, and make your cookie experience even more delightful!
FAQ Section
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works beautifully in this recipe. Just keep in mind it may make the dough a little thinner, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. But trust me, it adds a lovely depth of flavor!
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Oh, yes! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic way to elevate these cookies. Just fold in about a half cup of chocolate chips after mixing the dough. It’ll give you that perfect sweet and salty combination!
What if I don’t have eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce! About 1/4 cup should do the trick. It’ll keep the cookies moist and tasty, and you won’t even notice the difference.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Feel free to double the ingredients if you want to make a bigger batch. Just keep an eye on those baking times, as you may need to bake in batches or adjust slightly if you’re using multiple trays at once!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies or Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies.
Print
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Magic
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic peanut butter cookies inspired by Jimmy Carter’s grandmother.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and baking soda.
- Form the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten the balls with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Try adding chocolate chips for variety.
- Use natural peanut butter for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: jimmy carter, peanut butter cookies, grandmother's recipe
