Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. 📄
- Cream Butter & Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar.
- Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, light, and fluffy. 🥣
- Add Eggs & Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. 🥚🧴
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 🌾
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture, beating on low speed just until a cohesive cookie dough forms.
- Roll & Press the Crisscross Pattern:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch to 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Dip the tines of a fork into granulated sugar to prevent sticking.
- Gently press the fork down onto each dough ball, then turn the fork 90 degrees and press again to create the classic crisscross pattern while flattening the cookie slightly. 🍴
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are light golden brown and set, but the centers remain soft. ⏲️
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 😋
