Jimmy Carter’s Peanut Cookies Are a Viral Hit on Reddit—Here’s How To Make Them

When a peanut cookie recipe tied to former president (and lifelong peanut farmer) Jimmy Carter started making waves on Reddit, we knew we had to check it out. The old-fashioned recipe recently resurfaced in the r/oldrecipes subreddit, racking up 1.8K upvotes and sparking a flurry of excitement among home bakers. While the exact origins of these drop cookies remain a mystery, their peanut-packed goodness make them a fitting tribute to Carter’s agricultural roots. And let’s just say it’s worth making six dozen. Here’s how to make Jimmy Carter’s peanut cookies.

The Reddit-famous peanut cookies

The original poster (OP) shared the offical recipe found in “Panis’ Cookbook,” a community cookbook compiled by the Panis (priests’ wives) of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese’s Scranton Deanery. Aptly titled, “Jimmy Carter Cookies,” they look like a cross between an oatmeal cookie and a peanut butter cookie. “Has no date inscription, definitely after 1977 when Jimmy Carter became president,” the OP noted. “These cookies were tasty. I did add extra peanuts in honor of President Carter.”

So, what’s the connection? Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, was famously a peanut farmer before he entered politics. Raised in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s family owned and operated a peanut farm, which played a significant role in shaping his public image. So, it’s no surprise that a peanut-based treat would be associated with Carter.

What are drop cookies?

Drop cookies are one of the simplest types of cookies to make. Instead of rolling out dough or shaping it by hand, drop cookies are made by spooning or scooping dough directly onto a baking sheet. As they bake, they spread and take their natural shape, resulting in a rustic, homemade look. This method is quick, easy and perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a no-fuss baking experience.

Food

How To Make Jimmy Carter’s Favorite Dish: Southern Creamy Cheese Grits

Plus, the best ingredients to use for the richest taste, per the former president 

What Reddit thinks about Jimmy Carter’s cookies

The response to the recipe has been overwhelmingly positive, with Redditors chiming in with their own takes and modifications.

“These look delicious! Good call on adding extra peanuts,” one commenter wrote. “I made these today. Really good. Thanks for the recipe!” another user shared.

One baker even suggested dipping the cookies in chocolate for an extra indulgent twist. Another mused about swapping in pecans for peanuts, proving just how versatile this recipe can be.

Tips for the best peanut cookies

Here are a few expert tips to ensure these cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Toast the peanuts. Lightly toasting the salted peanuts before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor and bring out their natural oils, adding a deeper, nuttier taste to the cookies.
• Use old-fashioned oats. For the best texture, opt for old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats. Quick oats can make the cookies too soft, while old-fashioned oats give them that perfect chewy bite.
• Don’t over mix the dough. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Over mixing can lead to dense or tough cookies instead of the desired light and chewy texture

Food

This Spam Cookies Recipe Gives the Sweet, Buttery Treats a Salty Twist

We often think of Spam as just being for savory dishes: whether in a hearty sandwich or to enjoy alongside fried eggs. But, it can surprisingly be added to desserts, including cookies. Stirring chunks of this lunch meat into cookie dough gives it an extra chewy texture and hints of saltiness. It’s another way to […]

How to make Jimmy Carter’s peanut cookies

Despite its humble ingredients, this cookie has a presidential charm that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a fan of vintage recipes or a peanut lover, Jimmy Carter’s peanut cookies are well worth a try. The method for these cookies follows a traditional drop cookie formula. Here’s what you’ll need:

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1½ cups sifted flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1⅓ cups salted peanuts

Directions:

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 dozen cookies (varies)

1. Start by creaming the butter, then slowly adding the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar in a stand mixer (or using a bowl and whisk). Once smooth, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, whipping the mixture until light and fluffy.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Then, stir in the rolled oats and salted peanuts, ensuring everything is well combined. Optionally, you can cover and chill the dough for a couple hours to let them set better.
3. Using a rounded teaspoon, portion out the dough onto a lined or greased baking sheet, spacing each mound evenly. If you want less batches (and larger cookies), use a tablespoon instead.
4. Bake at 375° F for 12 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying.

Storage notes: These cookies freeze well, just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to three months. If you want to keep them fresh at room temperature, a sealed container will do the trick for about a week.