Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There’s something truly special about a time-honored family recipe, and these Peanut Butter Cookies have a presidential seal of approval! Straight from the Carter family kitchen, this classic recipe is said to have been a favorite of former President Jimmy Carter, whose roots in Georgia peanut farming run deep.

this Recipe

I first stumbled across this recipe while researching the Carter family’s deep connection to peanuts, and it quickly became a staple in my own kitchen. These cookies are rich, nutty, and irresistibly soft in the center with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. Whether you’re baking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or just need a tried-and-true peanut butter cookie, this recipe won’t disappoint.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with a cookie that blends tradition, history, and unbeatable flavor.

First off, these cookies are incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes—no fancy equipment needed.

They’re also packed with peanut butter flavor. Using creamy peanut butter as the base, these cookies deliver a deep, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.

Looking for a nostalgic treat? These cookies taste like the ones your grandmother used to make—simple, buttery, and full of homemade goodness.

Best of all, they store well, meaning you can enjoy them for days (if they last that long!). Whether you freeze them or keep them in an airtight container, they stay delicious.

Ingredient Notes

The magic of these Peanut Butter Cookies comes from a few key ingredients, each playing an essential role in texture and flavor.

Peanut Butter – The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture, but if you love extra crunch, chunky peanut butter is a great option.

Butter – Using real butter gives these cookies a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar – The mix of both sugars creates the perfect balance of chewiness and crisp edges. Brown sugar adds moisture, while granulated sugar provides structure.

Egg – A single large egg binds everything together and gives the cookies a tender texture.

Flour & Baking Soda – All-purpose flour is the foundation, while baking soda helps the cookies rise and spread just right.

No fancy equipment is required—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet!

How To Make These Peanut Butter Cookies

Making these cookies is as simple as stirring, scooping, and baking. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps aerate the dough, making the cookies soft and tender.

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The vanilla adds depth to the peanut butter flavor.

Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt, stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern into each cookie, flattening them slightly.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will look slightly underdone in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!

Storage Options

These cookies keep well, making them perfect for meal prep or gifting.

For room temperature storage, keep them in an airtight container for up to one week.

To freeze the dough, scoop individual cookie dough balls onto a tray and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a low oven for a freshly baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a great base for fun modifications! Try these variations:

Love texture? Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for an added crunch in every bite.

For extra indulgence, stir in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Make them gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

Prefer a salty-sweet contrast? Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.

However you make them, these peanut butter cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household—just as they were in the Carter family!

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