👉Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic peanut butter cookies come from a cherished family recipe passed down through generations in Jimmy Carter’s family. Simple yet indulgent, they are soft and chewy with a slightly crisp exterior. The combination of creamy peanut butter, butter, and a touch of brown sugar makes for a perfectly balanced treat. The iconic crisscross pattern, made by flattening the dough with a fork, adds a rustic touch that makes these cookies irresistibly nostalgic and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.
2. Cream the butter and peanut butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the egg: Beat in the egg until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is well incorporated and a dough forms.
6. Shape the dough: Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten with a fork: Gently press each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and slightly firm around the edges.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

• Storage: Once completely cooled, store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Freezing the dough: You can freeze the cookie dough by rolling it into balls, placing them on a baking sheet, and freezing until firm. Transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crispier texture, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

20 FAQs About Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies:

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
2. Can I make these cookies without an egg?
   Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
3. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, you can, but omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
4. Can I add chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! You can fold in chocolate chips or chunks to make peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.
5. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
   Yes, almond butter can be substituted, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, but whole wheat flour will make the cookies denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
7. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
   If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, or check that your butter is not too soft.
8. How do I make these cookies chewier?
   To make them chewier, slightly underbake the cookies, and let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
10. What makes these cookies “Jimmy Carter’s” grandmother’s recipe?
    This recipe is a family favorite passed down from Jimmy Carter’s grandmother, and it’s known for its simplicity and heartwarming taste.
11. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour.
12. What’s the best way to measure flour?
    For accuracy, fluff the flour with a spoon, then spoon it into the measuring cup and level off the top with a knife.
13. Can I add nuts to these cookies?
    Yes, feel free to add chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch.
14. What temperature should the butter be?
    The butter should be softened to room temperature, but not melted. It should give slightly when pressed but not be overly soft.
15. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure to use two baking sheets or bake in batches.
16. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
    Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.
17. Why are my cookies too dry?
    If your cookies are too dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of peanut butter or butter next time, or reduce the baking time slightly.
18. How can I make these cookies a bit healthier?
    Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar, substitute part of the butter with applesauce, and reduce the sugar slightly.
19. How can I tell when the cookies are done?
    The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
20. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
    Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing them until firm, and then storing in an airtight container in the freezer.

20 Best Tips for Making the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies:

1. Use room-temperature butter to ensure smooth creaming with the peanut butter and sugars.
2. Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour—mix until just combined for a tender texture.
3. Chill the dough if it’s too soft to handle—this helps prevent excessive spreading.
4. Flatten with a fork to create the iconic crisscross pattern, pressing gently so the dough doesn’t stick to the fork.
5. Use natural peanut butter for a richer, less sweet flavor (but be aware it may affect texture).
6. Underbake slightly to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
7. Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake—once they start to turn golden, they’re done.
8. Don’t skip the salt—it enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
9. Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
10. Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even baking if you’re making multiple trays.
11. Slightly underbake and let the cookies set on the sheet—this will keep them chewy.
12. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor.
13. Use an ice cream scoop to form uniform cookie dough balls.
14. For extra texture, add chopped peanuts to the dough for a crunchy bite.
15. Space cookies at least 2 inches apart to give them room to spread without merging.
16. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
17. Add a dash of vanilla extract for a subtle extra layer of flavor.
18. If dough is too sticky, chill it before rolling into balls for easier handling.
19. Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months if you want to bake cookies later.
20. Try drizzling chocolate over the cookies after they cool for a decadent twist.

Enjoy these timeless and delicious peanut butter cookies, perfect for any occasion or just a comforting treat!