Sometimes you want dessert, but the idea of dragging out every bowl, whisk, and gadget in your kitchen makes you want to take a nap instead. Well, good news: this recipe is old-school, simple, and straight-up delicious. We’re talking about Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies—a recipe that’s survived decades, presidents, and probably more bake sales than you can count.
If you’ve ever wanted cookies that are chewy, nutty, and dangerously easy to eat by the dozen, this is your moment. Plus, the recipe is so easy that unless you try really hard, you can’t mess it up.
Why This Recipe is Awesome?
- It’s idiot-proof. Even I didn’t mess it up. That’s saying something.
- Only a few ingredients. No rare, fancy-pants stuff you’ll have to Google.
- Perfect texture. Crisp edges, soft and chewy middle—cookie nirvana.
- It’s nostalgic. You’ll feel like you’re in your grandma’s kitchen, minus the questionable hard candy in her candy dish.
- Quick. From “I want cookies” to “I’m eating cookies” in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter – Creamy or crunchy, you do you.
- 1 cup sugar – White sugar keeps it classic.
- 1 egg – Big, small… just don’t use the plastic ones from Easter.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – The secret lift for that perfect crumb.
- Optional: Extra sugar for rolling – Because why not make them sweeter?
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Yes, this matters. If you skip it, you’ll get sad, flat cookies.
- Mix peanut butter and sugar in a bowl. No mixer? No problem. Just use a spoon and some elbow grease.
- Add the egg and stir until smooth. Resist the urge to taste the raw dough—unless you’re a rebel.
- Mix in baking soda. This is what makes them puff up instead of looking like hockey pucks.
- Roll into balls about the size of a walnut. If they look like golf balls, they’re too big.
- Optional: Roll in sugar for a sparkly, extra-sweet touch.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Give them space—they like their personal bubble.
- Press crisscross marks on top with a fork. It’s not just for looks; it helps them bake evenly.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake unless you enjoy tooth-breaking snacks.
- Cool for a few minutes before eating. Or don’t. I’m not your boss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the preheat. Rookie move—don’t.
- Overbaking. These cookies keep cooking a bit after you take them out.
- Forgetting the fork marks. Your cookies will bake unevenly and look sad.
- Using “natural” peanut butter without stirring. Unless you want oily, greasy blobs.
- Doubling the recipe before testing it. I get it—you’re confident. But maybe bake one batch first before committing to 48 cookies.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Peanut allergies? Use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cashew butter. The texture will still be spot-on.
- Want a chocolate kick? Toss in ½ cup chocolate chips. Peanut butter + chocolate = life.
- Gluten-free? Surprise—this recipe already is. You’re welcome.
- Crunch factor: Add chopped peanuts if you want extra texture.
- Lower sugar? Cut it to ¾ cup, but IMO, just embrace the sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: There’s no butter in this recipe. But also… why hurt your soul like that?
Q: Do I have to use a fork for the crisscross pattern?
A: Technically no, but then they’ll bake weird and look naked.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! Roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then stash in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the time.
Q: My cookies turned out flat. What happened?
A: Either your baking soda was dead, you didn’t preheat the oven, or you’ve angered the cookie gods.
Q: Can I make these with crunchy peanut butter?
A: Absolutely. Just be prepared for extra texture—and possibly falling in love.
Q: How long do they last?
A: About 3–4 days in an airtight container… if they last that long.
Related Recipe:
- Decadent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe
- Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
- Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert Recipe
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies, straight from the “simple but perfect” category of desserts. They’re easy, nostalgic, and just the right amount of sweet to make you feel like you’ve accomplished something amazing with very little effort.
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