I recently fell a Reddit rabbit hole and surfaced with an absolute gem! One of the most talked-about recipes right now is for Jimmy Carter’s grandmother’s peanut butter cookies. Yes, that Jimmy Carter! With the former president’s recent 100th birthday celebrations, this beautifully simple recipe has gone viral, and I am totally here for it.
Why all the buzz? It’s a flourless peanut butter cookie recipe that relies on just three core ingredients: peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. No flour, no butter, no mixer required. It’s the kind of nostalgic, no-fuss “vintage peanut butter cookies” recipe that feels both historical and perfectly modern. I was skeptical at first about how good they could really be. But after one batch, I was a believer. They’re perfectly chewy, packed with peanut butter flavor, and just so easy!
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A Presidential Cookie Legacy: The Carter Family Recipe
This isn’t just any “old-fashioned peanut butter cookies” recipe; it’s a piece of American history. President Carter’s family was, and still is, famous peanut farmers in Georgia. This recipe, passed down from his grandmother, feels like a direct link to that heritage. It’s a true “farm-to-table” (or, in this case, farm-to-cookie-jar) dessert that honors the crop that defined his family.
You can almost taste the history! Sharing this recipe feels like preserving a story, which makes it all the more delicious. It’s this authenticity that really sets the Carter family peanut butter cookie recipe apart from all the others. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a genuine discovery from a family that knows peanuts better than anyone.
Why This 3-Ingredient Recipe Works (It’s Like Magic!)
I know what you’re thinking: “Cookies with no flour? Or butter? How do they even hold together?” I had the same question! The Magic is in the simplicity.
The peanut butter itself provides all the necessary fat (replacing butter) and a significant amount of the structure. The sugar, of course, adds sweetness and contributes to those delicious, crispy outside, soft inside edges. And the egg? That’s the binder. It’s what holds the whole thing together.
Because there’s no flour, the peanut butter flavor is intense and undiluted. It’s the perfect, minimalist formula for a “simple peanut butter cookies no flour” recipe that delivers a totally crave-worthy, chewy texture. As a bonus, it’s also a naturally gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is the best part: you have everything you need right now. At its core, this is a three-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe, but I add one little extra ingredient for flavor, just as the official directions suggest.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (This is technically the 4th ingredient, but it’s optional. It just rounds out the flavor beautifully, but the cookies work perfectly without it.)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Jimmy Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Get ready, this is going to be quick!
- Preheat & Prepare: First, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is my non-negotiable tip for easy cleanup and making sure nothing sticks. It’s a lifesaver!
- Mix the Dough: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and a splash of vanilla. Grab a spatula or a sturdy wooden spoon and start mixing. At first, it might look a little grainy, but keep going! You’ll see it come together pretty quickly into a smooth, thick, slightly sticky dough. That’s precisely what you want. No mixer, no fuss.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out dough (I use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, but a regular spoon works great) and roll it between your hands into little balls, about the size of a walnut. Place them on your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between them; they will spread slightly. This recipe yields approximately 15-18 cookies.
- Create the Signature Pattern: This is the fun part! Take a fork and press it down gently on top of a dough ball. Lift it, turn the fork 90 degrees, and press down again to make that classic crisscross pattern. This isn’t just for looks; it gently flattens the cookie, which helps it bake more evenly.
- Pro Tip: If your fork starts to stick, dip it lightly in a little bowl of sugar between presses. It works like a charm.
- Bake: Place the sheet in the 350°F oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. This is important: they will not look “done” in the traditional sense. The edges will be set and slightly golden, but the centers will appear soft and slightly puffy. Trust the process! Pull them out. Overbaking is the only way to ruin these.
- Cool & Serve: This is the most challenging part, waiting. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a full 5 minutes. They are very delicate when they first come out and need this time to set up. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This is what firms them up and gives you that perfect, chewy in the middle, crispy on the edges texture.
Tips for Perfect Results & Fun Variations
These are already such an easy peanut butter cookie recipe, but I’ve learned a few things after making them… a lot.
- The Peanut Butter: My personal preference is to use a traditional, stabilized creamy peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy. “Natural” peanut butter (the kind that requires stirring) has a different oil content and can make the cookies more crumbly. If it’s all you have, it can work, but the texture will be different.
- Mix-ins? Go for it! While I love the purity of the original, you can absolutely throw in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even some flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Crispy vs. Chewy: For chewier cookies (my favorite), stick to a bake time of 8-10 minutes. If you prefer them crispier, you can carefully cook for 11-12 minutes, but keep a close eye on them.
- Make it Presidential: Want to try other presidential cookie recipes? This is a great starting point, but I’ve also heard tales of Mamie Eisenhower’s chocolate fudge and Hillary Clinton’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. This one, however, is the simplest!
What to Serve With Your Vintage Peanut Butter Cookies
A cookie this good deserves the perfect partner. Honestly, they are totally crave-worthy all on their own, but here’s how I love to serve them:
- A Tall Glass of Cold Milk: This is a non-negotiable. The rich, salty-sweet peanut butter cookie dipped in cold milk is a top-tier nostalgic experience.
- A Hot Cup of Coffee: For a more grown-up snack, the bold, slightly bitter notes of a hot black coffee cut through the richness of the peanut butter perfectly. It’s my favorite afternoon pick-me-up.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Want to turn this into a full-on dessert? Serve a cookie (or two!) slightly warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. You can even make mini ice cream sandwiches.
- A Cup of Tea: A simple black tea, such as an English Breakfast, pairs beautifully, complementing the delicious and dense cookie.
FAQs About the Carter Family Cookies
What is Jimmy Carter’s favorite dessert?
While he’s famous for his family’s peanut farm (and these cookies!), President Carter is known to love a simple, Southern dessert. His reported favorite is peanut butter pie!
What is Snoop Dogg’s favorite cookie?
This one made me laugh! It’s a switch-up from presidential trivia, but Snoop Dogg has famously collaborated with Martha Stewart and even has his own cookbook. His favorite is often cited as a classic peanut butter cookie; he should try this 3-ingredient version!
What is Michelle Obama’s favorite cookie?
Another great presidential cookie question! Michelle Obama shared her recipe for White and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies during her time as First Lady, and they became incredibly popular.
Are Tagalongs the same as peanut butter patties?
They are essentially the same cookie! “Peanut Butter Patties” is the name used by ABC Bakers, while “Tagalongs” is the name used by Little Brownie Bakers. Both are crispy cookies topped with a peanut butter layer and coated in chocolate.
You Have to Try These Cookies!
I am so glad this recipe had its viral moment because it’s a true keeper. These Jimmy Carter peanut butter cookies are the perfect example of how simple, humble ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a recipe that’s budget-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and consistently delivers on flavor. You can whip this up in less than 20 minutes from start to finish!
I really hope you give these a try. When you do, please let me know what you think in the comments!
