As the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through my kitchen, memories of family gatherings filled my heart. Today, I'm excited to share a cherished recipe that has historical roots: Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies. This delightful treat is not only incredibly simple to whip up but also offers a comforting taste of nostalgia that guarantees to make anyone smile. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, these peanut butter cookies are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or impressing guests at your next gathering. Curious about how these iconic cookies can transform your afternoon snack or dessert table? Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe!
Why Are These Peanut Butter Cookies Special?
Nostalgic Comfort: Bite into these cookies and you'll be transported to simpler times, much like the ones Jimmy Carter cherished.
Quick and Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep mean you can enjoy these warm treats in less than half an hour.
Irresistibly Soft: Their melt-in-your-mouth texture balances sweetness with a rich peanut flavor, making them hard to resist.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for all ages, these cookies will become a beloved staple at family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Versatile Indulgence: Enjoy them alone, dunked in milk, or as an exciting ice cream sandwich; the possibilities are endless!
Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients
For the Batter
- Creamy peanut butter – This rich ingredient provides the essential nutty flavor that defines these peanut butter cookies.
- Unsalted butter – Softened butter helps achieve that delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and contributes to a lovely golden crust.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that elevates these cookies.
- Large egg – Binds the ingredients together for perfect cookie dough consistency.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor, making these cookies even more irresistible.
For the Dry Mixture
- All-purpose flour – Creates the structure of the cookies, making them soft yet stable.
- Baking soda – A crucial leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly as they bake.
- Salt – Just a hint to balance the sweetness and elevate the peanut butter flavor.
With these simple ingredients, you'll be on your way to making your very own batch of delicious peanut butter cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will ensure that your peanut butter cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. It's a great time to gather all your ingredients and get everything ready for mixing!
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, cream these together with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step enhances the peanut butter flavor and gives the cookies a delightful texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat everything together until it's fully combined, and the batter is smooth and consistent. The egg will help bind the ingredients and keep your peanut butter cookies moist and tender, while the vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture, promoting an even rise during baking. The baking soda will give your cookies that perfect, slightly thick texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tougher cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, perfect for shaping into delicious peanut butter cookies that will bake beautifully.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out 1 to 1.5-inch balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. This step is crucial for ensuring that your peanut butter cookies have room to expand while baking.
Step 7: Flatten the Dough Balls
Take a fork and gently press each dough ball down in a crisscross pattern. This not only flattens the cookies slightly, giving them a classic peanut butter look, but also helps them bake evenly. You’ll know it’s time to bake when your dough balls have a nice, pressed shape ready for the oven.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are ready when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers appear just set. This will create that irresistible soft texture that makes peanut butter cookies so beloved.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As the warm, sweet aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll be all set to enjoy your delicious homemade peanut butter cookies!
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Cookies
Mixing Method: Start with room temperature butter and peanut butter for easier creaming, ensuring a fluffy cookie batter.
Don't Overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended to keep your cookies soft and tender.
Chill the Dough: For even better flavor, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking; this helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly soft for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cool Properly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking apart.
How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and delicious.
Refrigerate: For slightly longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge. They’ll last up to 10 days but may become a bit firmer.
Freezing: To freeze, individually wrap cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw on the counter for a few minutes and warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Peanut Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these beloved cookies your own with a few fun tweaks!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free option.
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Nut-Free: Use sun butter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative everyone can enjoy. This keeps the cookie's delightful flavor intact.
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Chocolate Chip: Mix in 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Maple Flavor: Replace the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a hint of maple sweetness and a deeper flavor profile.
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Coconut Flakes: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a chewy texture and a tropical flair that brightens these cookies.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a unique warm spice that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
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Chewy Texture: For a chewier cookie, add an extra egg yolk to the mixture, increasing richness and keeping the cookie moist.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a little extra creamy peanut butter on top of the dough balls before baking for a lovely peanut butter ribbon that looks as good as it tastes.
What to Serve with Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
There's something magical about pairing these warm, wholesome cookies with delightful complements that enhance their peanut buttery goodness.
- Cold Milk: The classic pairing offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness with creamy richness that's simply irresistible.
- Rich Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee enhances the cookies' flavors, making for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich these cookies around a scoop of ice cream for a nostalgic twist on dessert that everyone will love.
- Fresh Strawberries: The bright acidity of strawberries cuts through the richness, adding a fresh and fruity touch to your treat.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies creates a decadent dessert that is sure to impress.
- Nutty Hot Chocolate: For a comforting drink, pair with nutty hot chocolate, amplifying that peanut flavor in a delightful way.
- Salty Pretzels: The crunchy, salty contrast of pretzels offers a fun texture, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chai Tea: Warming spices in chai tea complement the peanut butter flavor in a cozy, aromatic pairing.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: For a cookie platter, mix these with oatmeal raisin cookies, providing varied textures and flavors that everyone can enjoy.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and complements the rich taste without overwhelming the palate.
Make Ahead Options
These Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; just freeze them on a baking sheet first before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, you’ll have cookie dough ready at your fingertips! When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time if using frozen dough. This makes for satisfyingly quick and delicious results, perfect for busy weeknights!
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe peanuts for peanut butter cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting peanuts, look for unsalted, fresh peanuts without any dark spots or blemishes. The more roasted the peanuts, the richer the flavor of your cookies. Always check the expiration date on store-bought peanut butter to ensure freshness.
What’s the best way to store peanut butter cookies?
To keep your peanut butter cookies soft and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you decide to refrigerate them, they can last for about 10 days, but they may become firmer due to the cooler temperature.
Can I freeze peanut butter cookies? How?
Very! Freezing cookies is a fantastic way to enjoy them later. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll remain tasty for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes and warm them briefly in the microwave for that freshly baked experience!
What if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies are dry, it may be because the dough was overmixed or baked too long. To ensure a soft and tender cookie, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined and set a timer for 10 minutes. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet for a bit after they’re out of the oven.
Can pets eat peanut butter cookies?
While peanut butter itself is generally safe for dogs (opt for xylitol-free peanut butter), I advise against giving them cookies made for humans. Ingredients like sugar and salt can be harmful to pets. If you want to share, consider making a special batch of peanut butter treats without harmful ingredients just for them!
Are there any common allergens in the ingredients?
Yes, peanut butter cookies contain peanuts (a common allergen) and gluten from all-purpose flour. If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, try using gluten-free flour alternatives or even prepping a nut-free cookie recipe to ensure everyone can indulge in a sweet treat safely!
Irresistibly Soft Peanut Butter Cookies to Sweeten Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together peanut butter and unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop out 1 to 1.5-inch balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Flatten each dough ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are just set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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