Description
Delight in Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s classic peanut butter cookies, a cherished Southern family recipe that delivers rich, nutty flavor with a tender, chewy texture. These easy-to-make cookies combine creamy or crunchy peanut butter with simple pantry staples, offering a nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- Extra granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process creates a smooth, airy texture essential for the cookies.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg to the creamed mixture until fully combined, which helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to add a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Shape and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie for the classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked without drying out.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger peanut flavor, opt for crunchy peanut butter or add chopped peanuts to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months for fresh taste later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
