Description
Step back into a Southern kitchen with these nostalgic, soft, and golden peanut butter cookies inspired by Jimmy Carter’s grandmother. A perfect combination of sweet and salty, with the signature crisscross design and rich roasted peanut flavor, these cookies are an easy recipe for dessert, snack, or even breakfast ideas. If you’re craving comfort food or looking for a quick baking win, this cookie delivers timeless charm and unbeatable taste.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
6. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with 2 inches between each.
7. Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern gently onto each dough ball.
8. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden.
9. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use commercial creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for consistent texture.
Don’t overbake; remove from oven when edges are golden and centers are soft.
Cookies taste even better after cooling completely—flavors deepen with time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy recipe, peanut butter cookies, dessert ideas, quick baking, Jimmy Carter cookie, nostalgic cookie, family recipe