Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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I’ve baked a lot of peanut butter cookies over the years, but nothing quite compares to Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies. The recipe carries that unmistakable old-fashioned charm—soft in the center, lightly crisped on the edges, with just the right amount of salty-sweet peanut butter richness. Every bite reminds me of the kind of cookie that sat cooling on a windowsill in the summer sun, the kind that never lasted long because everyone grabbed two.

What makes this recipe so special isn’t just the flavor—it’s the story. These cookies are rooted in a simpler time, passed down through generations with love and Southern pride. Knowing they came from the family of the peanut president himself just adds a warm, nostalgic note that you can almost taste. Whether you’re making these for a bake sale, after-school treat, or just because you’re craving something comforting, this is the peanut butter cookie that sets the bar.

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Why You’ll Love Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe hits every note a peanut butter cookie should. It’s:

• Unfailingly soft in the middle with just the right crumble around the edges.
• Packed with peanut butter flavor thanks to a generous scoop of creamy goodness.
• Ridiculously easy to whip up—no chilling or fancy steps required.
• Made from pantry staples, so you probably already have everything on hand.
• Perfect for kids and adults alike, especially with a cold glass of milk.
• A touch nostalgic, with its roots in traditional Southern baking.

You don’t have to be a Carter or from Georgia to appreciate the heart behind these cookies—but once you taste them, you’ll feel like you’re part of the family.

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Works Best for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies?

You’ll want to go for creamy peanut butter, the classic kind you probably grew up with—think Jif or Skippy. These cookies are old-school, and that means no-stir, shelf-stable peanut butter is what the original recipe likely called for. It helps give the cookies a smooth, uniform texture and a rich, balanced flavor.

Natural peanut butter (the kind you have to stir) can work in a pinch, but you’ll notice the dough might be a bit more crumbly and the texture less cohesive. Chunky peanut butter, on the other hand, is totally fine if you’re into a little extra crunch and nutty bite—just know it changes the cookie’s classic softness.

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Options for Substitutions

While these cookies shine with traditional ingredients, there’s always room to adapt if needed:

• Peanut Butter → Use almond or cashew butter if you’re avoiding peanuts. Just keep in mind the flavor will shift.
• Flour → You can swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. These cookies are pretty forgiving.
• Sugar → Want less sugar? Cut the granulated and brown sugar each by ¼ cup. You’ll lose a bit of chew, but they’ll still be good.
• Egg → For an egg-free version, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) does the trick well here.
• Butter → Swap with vegan butter or use refined coconut oil to keep it dairy-free.

Keep in mind that substitutions may slightly affect the texture, but this recipe is resilient. It was made to last through generations—so it can probably handle your pantry swaps, too.

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

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this vintage recipe truly special. Each one plays a part in building the flavor, texture, and nostalgia.

• Peanut Butter – The star of the show. It brings that creamy, nutty depth and smooth texture. Stick with classic creamy peanut butter for the most authentic taste.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps the cookies spread just enough while baking. It’s what gives that perfect golden edge and melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Granulated Sugar – Contributes to sweetness and crispness on the outside. It helps balance the saltiness of the peanut butter.
• Brown Sugar – Gives moisture, chewiness, and a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s overall taste.
• Egg – Binds the dough together and adds structure. One egg is enough to hold everything in place without making the cookie cakey.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the backbone of the cookie. It gives the cookies their shape and helps them hold together without being too dense.
• Baking Soda – Adds just the right lift to keep the cookies from being too flat. It reacts with the sugars for light crisping.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the peanut butter flavor and rounds everything out with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Salt – A small pinch goes a long way. It balances the sweetness and makes the peanut flavor pop even more.

Every ingredient has a purpose, and when they come together, you get that classic peanut butter cookie with the perfect balance of soft, crisp, sweet, and salty.

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Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugars

Start by adding the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step builds the foundation for that tender texture.

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Step 2: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure no peanut butter is left unmixed. At this point, the dough should look glossy and smooth.

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Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet mixture, beating on low speed. Mix just until the dough comes together—don’t overmix, or the cookies can turn out tough.

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Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Roll them gently between your palms, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced a couple of inches apart.

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Step 5: Press with a Fork

Here’s the signature move: gently press each dough ball with the back of a fork, then again in the opposite direction to create that classic crisscross pattern. This flattens the cookies slightly and helps them bake evenly.

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Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the tray in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t wait for the tops to brown too much—these cookies will firm up as they cool.

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Step 7: Cool on a Rack

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them finish setting without breaking apart. Once cooled, they’ll be perfectly soft and chewy in the center with that delicate crisp edge.

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

These cookies bake beautifully at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look lightly golden and the tops appear set, even if they still look a little soft in the center. That’s exactly what you want—the centers will finish setting as they cool, giving you that soft, chewy texture.

Avoid overbaking; it’s one of the easiest ways to lose the nostalgic softness these cookies are known for.

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Tips for Perfect Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

• Don’t skip the fork press. The crisscross pattern isn’t just for looks—it helps the dense dough spread evenly and bake through properly.
• Use room-temperature ingredients. Let your butter and egg sit out before mixing. This creates a smoother dough and more even bake.
• Chill only if needed. If your kitchen is very warm or the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm it up slightly before baking.
• Let them rest on the sheet pan. Those few minutes of cooling time post-bake are key—they allow the cookies to firm up without overcooking.
• Try a test cookie. If it spreads too much or not enough, you can tweak by adding a tablespoon of flour or chilling the dough a bit.
• Store them right. Keep them in an airtight container to preserve the softness—more on that in the next section.

With these tips in mind, you’ll bake a batch that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen—just the way Jimmy Carter remembered them.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even the simplest cookie recipes can trip you up if you’re not paying attention. Here’s what to avoid with Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies:

• Overmixing the dough – Once you add the flour, mix only until combined. Overmixing will make the cookies dense and dry instead of soft and tender.
• Using natural peanut butter without adjusting – Natural varieties can be oily or dry, affecting the dough’s consistency. Stick with classic creamy unless you’re confident with substitutions.
• Skipping the fork crisscross – It’s not just traditional—it ensures even baking. Without it, the cookies might stay too thick in the center.
• Baking too long – These cookies are meant to be soft. Pull them out just as the edges turn golden. Overbaking leads to a dry, crumbly result.
• Not letting them cool – They’re delicate right out of the oven. Give them time to rest on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
• Incorrect ingredient measurements – With so few ingredients, accuracy matters. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off dry ingredients.

Avoid these mistakes and your cookies will be just as warm, soft, and nostalgic as the ones Carter likely grew up on.

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

These cookies can be enjoyed on their own, but pairing them with something delicious only adds to the experience. Try one of these favorites:

1. A Glass of Cold Milk

The classic pairing. Whole milk, oat milk, almond—any cold milk works perfectly with the warm, salty-sweet peanut butter flavor.

2. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The slight bitterness of coffee balances the richness of the cookie. Great for a grown-up treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn two cookies into a nostalgic ice cream sandwich or crumble one over a scoop of vanilla.

4. Hot Chocolate

For a cozy winter moment, dip a warm cookie into creamy hot chocolate. It’s dessert heaven.

5. Strawberry or Grape Jelly

It might sound quirky, but a dollop of jelly or jam on top makes for a quick PB&J-style dessert.

6. Greek Yogurt and Berries

For a light contrast, pair a cookie with a small bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. It’s a fun twist on breakfast-for-dessert.

7. Chopped Banana

Bananas and peanut butter are best friends. Slice one and serve it with your cookie for an Elvis-approved snack.

8. Cheddar Cheese (Trust the South)

It’s an old Southern combo—sharp cheddar alongside a sweet peanut butter cookie creates a surprising, delicious contrast.

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Storage Instructions

To keep Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies soft and flavorful for days, proper storage is key:

• Room Temperature – Store cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture (the bread will dry out, not the cookies!).
• Freezing Baked Cookies – Once fully cooled, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temp before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough – You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (with fork marks already pressed). Just flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag or container. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

These cookies freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat for holidays, lunchboxes, or whenever a craving hits.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: These are approximate values based on one medium-sized cookie (from a batch of about 24).

• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 110mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

These cookies aren’t pretending to be health food—but they’re a satisfying, nostalgic treat that’s worth every bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of peanut butter should I use for the best results?

Stick with classic creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. It creates the smoothest, most consistent dough. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the dough crumbly unless you adjust for the oil content.

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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. This recipe is simple and forgiving, so the swap usually works well with no major texture changes.

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How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden and the centers just set. Don’t wait for the tops to brown. They’ll continue to firm up after coming out of the oven.

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Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and bake in batches so they have room to spread properly.

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Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, if you like a bit of texture in your cookies. Crunchy peanut butter will give a slightly nuttier bite but still works well with the recipe’s structure.

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

Peanut butter dough is dense and doesn’t spread much on its own. The fork press helps flatten the dough for even baking—and gives that signature crisscross look.

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How long will these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

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Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before scooping and baking to make it easier to work with.

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Conclusion

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies aren’t just a recipe—they’re a sweet, simple link to a time when baking was about comfort and care. Every bite brings the warmth of home, the richness of tradition, and that unmistakable peanut butter charm that made the Carter family proud. Whether you’re baking for the first time or just need a reliable, nostalgic favorite, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Bake a batch, share with someone you love, and taste a little bit of Southern history.

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