Name: Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt

There's something special about a recipe passed down through generations, and these peanut butter cookies have a legacy worth savoring. Originating from the family of President Jimmy Carter, whose roots in Georgia peanut farming are well known, these cookies are a delicious tribute to tradition. With their rich, nutty aroma and perfectly crisp edges, they’re a timeless treat for any occasion.

I first came across this recipe in a newspaper clipping from years ago, tucked inside my grandmother’s old recipe box. One bite and I understood why it had stood the test of time—simple, comforting, and packed with peanut butter flavor. If you love classic cookies with a hint of nostalgia, this one’s for you!

Why You'll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with a cookie that’s both simple and irresistibly delicious. These cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft, chewy center—everything a peanut butter lover could want.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time. No complicated techniques, just straightforward baking at its best.

They also have that old-fashioned homemade taste. Unlike store-bought versions, these cookies are buttery, nutty, and packed with rich peanut flavor—a taste that instantly transports you back to childhood kitchens.

Plus, they’re versatile. Enjoy them plain, dunk them in milk, or sandwich them with jam for a PB&J-inspired treat. They even freeze well, making them perfect for prepping ahead!

Ingredients Notes

These peanut butter cookies shine because of their simple, high-quality ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them so special.

Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! Using a good-quality creamy peanut butter ensures the cookies have a smooth texture and deep nutty flavor. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can substitute chunky peanut butter for added texture.

Butter: Unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, buttery taste. If using salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to keep the balance perfect.

Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The combination of sugars creates the perfect texture—brown sugar keeps the cookies chewy, while granulated sugar adds a light crispness to the edges.

Flour & Baking Soda: All-purpose flour provides structure, and baking soda gives the cookies a slight rise, keeping them from being too dense.

Egg & Vanilla Extract: The egg binds everything together, while vanilla extract adds a hint of warm sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

No special equipment is needed—just a mixing bowl, hand mixer (or stand mixer), baking sheet, and fork for that classic crisscross pattern!

How To Make These Peanut Butter Cookies

Making these cookies is as easy as it gets, and the results are worth every minute. Follow these steps for perfectly golden peanut butter cookies every time.

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by creaming together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key to getting the right texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in one egg and a splash of vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The dough should now be smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Use a fork to gently press down and create that signature crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage Options

These cookies store wonderfully, so you can enjoy them for days (if they last that long!).

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain freshness, add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb its moisture and stay soft.

If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

Crunchy Peanut Butter Swap: Love texture? Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for a little extra bite in every cookie.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist that peanut butter fans will adore.

Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and these cookies will turn out just as delicious as the original.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprints: Instead of flattening the cookies with a fork, make an indent in the center and fill it with your favorite jam before baking.

No matter how you tweak them, these peanut butter cookies will always deliver warm, nostalgic goodness with every bite. Give them a try and bring a little piece of history into your kitchen!