Let me tell you about the simplest cookie recipe you’ll ever make. Just four ingredients. That’s it.
These are Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies, and they’re absolutely perfect. I’m talking about cookies that are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with peanut butter flavor.
My family thinks I’m some kind of baking genius when I make these. The best part? You probably have everything you need sitting in your pantry right now.
When I want something a little more indulgent, I make my Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies. They take a bit longer but have that rich, fudgy texture everyone expects.
What Makes These Cookies Different?
Most cookie recipes have a long list of ingredients and complicated steps. Not these. Four ingredients, one bowl, and about 20 minutes from start to finish.
The magic is in what’s NOT in them. No flour means these cookies are naturally gluten-free. No butter means the peanut butter does all the work.
They’re also incredibly forgiving. Hard to mess up when there’s barely anything to measure.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for recipes that don’t require a trip to the store. This one uses pantry staples you already have.
They come together so fast that you can decide you want cookies and be eating them in 20 minutes. Perfect for unexpected company or when the grandkids are coming over.
Plus, they’re the kind of cookies that make people ask for the recipe. Then when you tell them it’s only four ingredients, they can’t believe it.
Recipe Tips for Success
Use regular peanut butter, not the natural kind. The oils in natural peanut butter make the cookies spread too much.
Room temperature ingredients mix better. If your egg is cold, put it in warm water for a few minutes.
Don’t skip the fork marks. They help the cookies bake evenly and give them that classic look.
Watch them in the last few minutes. They go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
The peanut butter is doing most of the work here. It’s your fat, your flavor, and your structure all in one. Any brand works, but I prefer creamy.
Sugar gives you sweetness and that slightly crispy outside. Regular white sugar is what you want here.
One egg binds everything together. Without flour, that egg is really important for holding things together.
Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor. Just a teaspoon makes all the difference.
How to Make Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Get ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment if you have it, though it’s not required.
Step 2: Mix everything
In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Shape the cookies
Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls, about a tablespoon each.
Step 4: Place and flatten
Put them on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Use a fork to press a criss-cross pattern on each one.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 8 to 10 minutes until edges are golden brown. Don’t overbake.
Step 6: Cool
Let them sit on the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Serving Ideas
These are perfect with afternoon coffee or tea. I love serving them when friends come over because they’re so impressive for so little work.
They’re also great for bake sales, potlucks, or sending home with the kids’ teachers. Everyone loves them, and nobody guesses how easy they are.
Pack them in lunch boxes or keep a few in your purse for when you need a little pick-me-up.
Storage and Freezing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and chewy the whole time.
You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat them.
The dough freezes beautifully too. Roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake straight from frozen, just add a minute or two.
Can I Make Changes?
Different peanut butter?
Crunchy works fine, just gives more texture. Natural peanut butter makes them spread more, so watch closely.
What about the sugar?
Brown sugar makes them chewier with a molasses taste. You can do half and half if you want.
No vanilla?
They’re still good without it. Any extract works – try almond for something different.
What You’ll Need for Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup peanut butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract
Makes about 15 cookies. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Trust me, once you make these, you’ll keep the ingredients on hand all the time. They’re the perfect solution when you need something sweet and satisfying without any fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for golden brown edges. The centers might look slightly underdone, but they’ll finish cooking on the hot pan.
Can I make them smaller or bigger?
Sure. Just adjust the baking time. Smaller cookies need less time, bigger ones need more.
Why don’t they look like regular cookies?
That’s normal. Without flour, they have a denser look. The fork marks help them bake evenly.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. You’ll need two cookie sheets or bake in batches.