These Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are pure perfection! With just four simple ingredients, they create rich, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth. This flourless recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for peanut butter lovers.
Why This Recipe Works
Minimal Ingredients: The combination of peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla creates a naturally rich and flavorful cookie without the need for flour.
Effortless Baking: Only one bowl and a few steps are needed, making it ideal for beginner bakers or when you’re short on time.
Naturally Gluten-Free: The absence of flour makes this recipe a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten.
Classic Texture: These cookies are slightly crisp on the outside and delightfully soft in the middle, just like Grandma’s!
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter: Choose creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference.
1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar balances the peanut butter’s richness.
1 egg: Acts as the binding agent.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an ungreased cookie sheet and set aside.
Mix the Dough
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough is smooth and well combined.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball). Place them evenly spaced on the cookie sheet.
- Add the Criss-Cross Pattern
Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball, creating a criss-cross pattern. This step flattens the cookies slightly and adds their signature look.
Bake
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake; these cookies firm up as they cool.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Recipe Success
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough combine more smoothly.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients until just combined to prevent overly dense cookies.
Experiment with Peanut Butter: Swap out traditional peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter for a fun twist.
Toppings: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Dessert Sandwiches: Spread a layer of Nutella, jelly, or marshmallow fluff between two cookies.
Holiday Twist: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and decorate with festive sprinkles.
Why There’s No Flour
Many might wonder why these cookies don’t call for flour. The science behind it is simple:
Peanut Butter: Acts as both fat and structure.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and stability as it caramelizes during baking.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together, creating a perfect chewy texture.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing
For Dough: Shape into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
For Baked Cookies: Place in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 15 cookies
These timeless Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy a simple yet indulgent treat. Whether you’re baking for a quick snack, holiday gifting, or to relive nostalgic flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!