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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** to ensure it’s at the right temperature when the dough is ready.
#### Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Use a spoon or an electric mixer to blend the ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. Once combined, add the egg and vanilla extract (if using), and continue mixing until smooth.
#### Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
#### Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough
Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
#### Step 5: Create the Classic Fork Marks
For the traditional peanut butter cookie look, use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern. This step not only gives the cookies their classic appearance but also helps them bake evenly.
#### Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about **10 minutes**, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies:
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** For best results, make sure your peanut butter, egg, and any other ingredients are at room temperature. This will help the dough come together more smoothly.
– **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you like your cookies sweeter, you can slightly increase the amount of sugar, but remember that peanut butter already adds a bit of natural sweetness.
– **Crunchy or Smooth Peanut Butter:** This recipe works well with both crunchy and smooth peanut butter, so feel free to use whichever you prefer. Crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a bit more texture, while smooth peanut butter will create a softer, smoother cookie.
– **Chill the Dough:** If the dough seems too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll the dough into balls without it sticking to your hands.
– **Add-Ins:** Though this recipe is about simplicity, feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a fun twist.
### Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies:
– **Timeless Taste:** These cookies have a simple yet irresistible flavor that has stood the test of time. The combination of peanut butter and sugar is perfect for those who enjoy a classic, comforting treat.
– **Quick and Easy:** With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, these cookies come together quickly. They’re perfect for a last-minute treat or a fun baking project with kids.
– **Customizable:** While the basic recipe is perfect on its own, you can easily tweak it to suit your taste by adding extras or adjusting the texture.
– **Perfectly Balanced:** These cookies are soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweetness. They have a perfect balance of flavor, making them ideal for any occasion.
### Final Thoughts:
**Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies** are a true testament to the power of simple ingredients and timeless recipes. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just as a comforting snack, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes them. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and filled with history, they’re a treat worth sharing with loved ones. Embrace the simple pleasure of these classic peanut butter cookies—you might just find they become your family’s new favorite too.
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