There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of homemade cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? It takes me back to my childhood, when every visit to Grandma meant a warm plate of cookies just waiting for me. And let me tell you, Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies are a true treasure! This recipe is not just a delicious treat; it’s a slice of American history, crafted with love and simplicity. I remember the first time I made these cookies—I couldn’t believe how easy they were! Each bite is a delightful combination of sweet and nutty that brings back all those cozy memories. Trust me, once you taste these cookies, you’ll understand why they’ve stood the test of time. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create some sweet memories of our own!
Ingredients for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Before we get cooking, let’s gather all the goodness we need for these cookies. You’ll want to make sure you have the best ingredients to create that perfect batch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
That’s it! Just five simple ingredients that come together to create cookie magic. I love how straightforward this recipe is—no fancy additives or complicated steps, just pure peanut butter goodness. You’ll be amazed at how these staples can transform into something so delightful!
How to Prepare Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Alright, let’s get those peanut butter cookies baking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make you feel like you’re right in Grandma’s kitchen. Trust me, it’s as simple as pie—well, cookie, really!
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ve got to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. So, don’t skip this part—set that temperature and let the oven do its thing while you mix your ingredients!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, large egg, baking soda, and pure vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s all smooth and well incorporated. You want that rich, creamy texture that makes these cookies so delightful. If it feels a bit thick, don’t worry—that’s just the peanut butter doing its job!
Shape the Dough
Now comes the fun part—shaping the dough! Grab a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You’ll want to leave some space between each ball on your baking sheet, as they’ll spread a little while baking. This is where the magic happens, so make sure they’re evenly spaced out!
Create the Crisscross Pattern
Next, take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it, creating that iconic crisscross pattern. I like to dip my fork in a little sugar first to help prevent sticking, but it’s totally optional. This not only gives them that classic look but also helps them bake evenly. Don’t be shy—press down firmly but gently!
Baking the Cookies
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake those beauties for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and the tops look set. Ooh, just wait until you catch that warm, nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
Cooling the Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to handle. I recommend letting them cool completely before diving in, but who am I kidding? A warm cookie with a glass of milk is hard to resist! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days to come.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake these delightful cookies, here are some tips to ensure your batch turns out perfectly every time! You know how it goes—sometimes even the simplest recipes can have their little quirks. So, let’s avoid those pitfalls and elevate your cookie game!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best mixing results, make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature. It’ll blend more easily with the sugar and egg, giving you that smooth texture we’re after.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Every oven is different! If you notice the edges turning golden while the centers still look a bit soft, it’s time to take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your cookies on the sweeter side, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the mix. Just remember, too much sugar can change the texture, so go easy!
- Experiment with Peanut Butter: If you want a chunkier texture, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. It adds a delightful bite and extra flavor. Yum!
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to shape and helps the cookies hold their form as they bake.
- Mix-Ins Galore: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Throw in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor kick.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to whip up a batch of cookies that’ll impress everyone. Enjoy the baking process, and remember, the secret ingredient is always a sprinkle of love!
Nutritional Information for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
When you’re indulging in these delightful peanut butter cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie, so you can savor every bite with a bit of knowledge:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter how you slice it, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy these cookies in moderation, and feel free to share them with friends and family for a delightful experience together!
Variations on Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
While Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies are absolutely perfect as is, there’s always room for a little creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations that you can try to shake things up and put your own spin on this classic recipe:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Who doesn’t love chocolate? Just fold in a cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips into the dough for an extra dose of sweetness. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is simply irresistible!
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Switch things up by using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. You’ll get those delightful chunks of peanuts in every bite, adding extra texture and flavor that’s sure to please!
- Oatmeal Twist: For a heartier cookie, mix in a cup of old-fashioned oats. This variation adds a lovely chewiness and a bit of wholesome goodness. You can even throw in some raisins or dried cranberries for added fruitiness!
- Peanut Butter & Jelly: Want to get nostalgic? After flattening the dough balls, make a small indentation in the center of each with your thumb and fill it with your favorite jam or jelly before baking. It’s like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in cookie form!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for cozy days. It’s a simple tweak that can elevate the taste to a whole new level!
- Nutty Surprise: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and rich flavor. This little addition will take your cookies from good to gourmet!
Feel free to mix and match these variations, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Each twist can create a new favorite treat that’s just as delightful as the original. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a delicious batch of Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible! Here’s how to store and reheat those yummy treats so they stay just as delightful as the moment they came out of the oven.
First off, once your cookies have completely cooled, grab an airtight container. This is key to keeping them soft and chewy! I like to layer my cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Just pop the lid on, and they can stay at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long!
If you want to save some for later (or if you just baked way too many, which is totally a thing!), you can freeze them! Just place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.
And remember, if you do reheat them in the microwave, just keep an eye on them! You don’t want them to get too hot and lose that lovely chewy texture. With these storage tips, you’ll be able to savor every last crumb of your homemade peanut butter cookies. Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Absolutely! You can use natural peanut butter, just keep in mind that it may make the dough a bit more oily. If you do, make sure to stir it well before measuring, so it’s nice and smooth. It’ll still taste delicious! Just adjust as needed based on the texture.
How do I make the cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, you can replace the regular granulated sugar with a gluten-free blend. Most of the time, these cookies are already gluten-free since they don’t contain flour, but it’s always good to double-check your sugar and any mix-ins you might add!
Can I substitute sugar?
You can definitely experiment with sweeteners! If you want a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or even honey. Just remember, if you’re using a liquid sweetener like honey, you might need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.
How long do they last?
These delicious cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Trust me, they won’t last that long, but it’s good to know, right?
What can I serve with these cookies?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love enjoying these cookies with a glass of cold milk—it’s a classic pairing! You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Crumble them over yogurt or even have them with a cup of coffee for a cozy treat. Enjoy experimenting!
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Delight
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic recipe for Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, baking soda, and vanilla until smooth.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let them cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: Jimmy Carter, peanut butter cookies, grandmother's recipe
