Peanut butter cookies are among the classics — chocolate chip, oatmeal and simple sugar. Our favorite family recipe for the best peanut butter cookies only takes a handful of ingredients and easy preparation!

As far as anyone knows, peanut butter cookies go all the way back to the early 20th century when a recipe for them first appeared in a cookbook penned by George Washington Carver of Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute: “How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing It for Human Consumption.”

Carver’s peanut cookie recipes involved chopped peanuts, with the shift to peanut butter being used by the 1930s. That’s also said to be the time when the crisscross pattern started showing up on their tops.

These days, peanut butter cookies have become a household staple and even have their own holiday! (June 12, in case you wondered). If you’ve ever had them, you know why! They’re deliciously rich, easy to make and so satisfying.

pressing a fork in a peanut butter cookie

What to serve with peanut butter cookies

Around our house, we love these classic peanut butter cookies all by themselves with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee. Still, their simple ingredients and true peanut butter flavor make them a perfect foundation for different flavors and toppings.

We love to mix it up with peanut butter chocolate chip cookies every now and then. You could add dark chocolate chunks or toasted coconut to the mixture for a different twist.

As a post-meal dessert, these cookies pair well with hearty foods like my classic beef chili or a creamy soup like my cheesy potato soup or roasted butternut squash soup.

For that reason, I always associate them with fall and winter, but they’re just as good any time of year! They’re as easy to transport to spring and summer cookouts and picnics as they are to football game day gatherings and bonfires.

If you are serving them after a more formal meal, you can dress them up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside fruit-based desserts like mom’s best apple pie or baked apple slices.

Ingredients needed to make this peanut butter cookie recipe

Here’s a list of the key items to gather to make these cookies and a little about what each ingredient adds to the recipe.

Peanut Butter: Brings that signature nutty flavor and helps to hold the cookies together.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base for the cookies, giving them structure and texture.
Baking Soda: Aids in the leavening process so the cookies will rise.
Baking Powder: Another leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread properly.
Butter: Contributes to the overall richness, flavor, and texture of the cookies. I prefer unsalted butter most of the time for baking but salted will do in a pinch. Plus, there’s no other salt in this recipe.
White Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps give them a soft and chewy texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
Sugar: Gives the cookies a sweet and crunchy coating on top.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer)
Wax paper
Sharp knife
Fork
Baking sheet pans

Frequently asked questions about baking the perfect peanut butter cookies

Here are a few answers to questions I typically get whenever I make and share these peanut butter cookies. If you have a question I haven’t covered, let me know in the comments and I will respond as soon as I can.

What makes cookies crispy or chewy?

Chewiness often results from a higher moisture content and a shorter baking time. Conversely, crispy cookies are typically made with less moisture and are baked for a bit longer.

What is the best peanut butter for cookies?

Choose a no-stir, creamy peanut butter for the best results. Natural peanut butter can sometimes lead to drier, crumblier cookies due to its tendency to separate.

How do bakeries keep their cookies soft?

Many bakeries use a secret ingredient – bread flour! This special flour contains more protein, resulting in a softer and more tender cookie texture.

What is the best way to store these peanut butter cookies?

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture.

How should I package these cookies to give as gifts?

While these cookies are far from fancy, the criss-cross pattern on these makes them worth showing off a little when you gift them. To do that, wrap them in decorative cellophane bags or stack them neatly in a pretty tin or gift box lined with tissue or parchment paper cut to fit. Don’t forget to include a handwritten note with the recipe for a personal touch!

fresh peanut butter cookies out of the oven

More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try

If you love these peanut butter cookies, I bet you’ll enjoy these other great recipes for more sweet treats. They’re all delicious and have grandma’s stamp of approval!