National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Peanut butter cookies became a popular treat in the early 1900s. In 1916, American scientist and educator George Washington Carver promoted peanuts and published recipes that included peanut butter cookies in his bulletin, “How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing It for Human Consumption.” A later recipe printed by The Schenectady Gazette in 1932 is often credited with popularizing the classic crisscross pattern made with a fork.

History of National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

National Peanut Butter Cookie Day is observed on June 12 and celebrates a simple cookie that became a staple in many home kitchens. Peanut butter cookies gained traction as peanuts became more widely used in American cooking, and published recipes helped spread familiar techniques, including the fork-marked top that many bakers still use today.

Interesting Facts About National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Peanut butter is used in large quantities in commercial baking, especially for well-known sandwich-style cookies. Here are a few fun details about peanut butter cookies and their place in American baking:

• Peanut butter cookies are often recognized by their crisscross fork marks, which help flatten the dough and give the tops a signature look.
• Many classic versions balance sweet and salty flavors, and the texture can range from soft and chewy to crisp.
• In large-scale baking, peanut butter fillings and dough are often portioned and applied at high speeds to keep production consistent.

Peanut butter cookie nutrition varies widely by recipe, serving size, and whether extras like chocolate chips or frosting are added.

If you want to keep things light, cookie humor is part of the tradition for many families:

• Why did the peanut butter cookie cry?
  Because its mother was a wafer so long.
• When should you take a peanut butter cookie to the doctor?
  When it feels crummy.
• Why do basketball players love peanut butter cookies?
  Because they can dunk them.

A playful joke is optional, but it fits the easygoing tone of this food holiday.

If you plan to celebrate away from home, a few simple “destinations” work anywhere:

• Visit a local bakery and pick up peanut butter cookies.
• Stop by a favorite cafe and pair a cookie with coffee, tea, or milk.
• Stay home and bake a batch using a trusted recipe.

Alternative titles for this holiday include National Peanut Butter Cookies Day, Peanut Butter Cookie Day, and International Peanut Butter Cookie Day.

How to Take Part in National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

National Peanut Butter Cookie Day is easy to observe, whether you bake or buy. A simple plan is to enjoy a few cookies and share them with others.

• Bake a batch: Make classic peanut butter cookies and add the crisscross fork marks on top before baking.
• Share with others: Bring cookies to friends, family, or coworkers as a small treat.
• Try a variation: Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or a sprinkle of flaky salt, or make sandwich cookies with a simple filling.

If you are baking, letting the cookies cool fully helps them set and keeps the texture consistent.

When Is National Peanut Butter Cookie Day in 2026?

National Peanut Butter Cookie Day is observed on June 12 each year.

Observations