3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

When you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or run to the store for ingredients, these 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are the perfect solution. Requiring minimal effort and basic pantry staples, these cookies deliver maximum flavor with their perfect balance of sweet and salty notes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this foolproof recipe will become your go-to for satisfying dessert cravings in no time.

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can create warm, fresh-baked cookies that taste just as delicious as more complex recipes. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions or when you’re out of flour. Let’s dive into this magical recipe that proves sometimes less truly is more!

Recipe Overview

These incredible 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies come together in minutes and bake up into perfectly chewy, peanutty treats that will disappear from your cookie jar almost as quickly as you can make them. The recipe yields approximately 25-30 cookies, depending on the size you choose to make them.

Total time from start to finish is under 30 minutes, making this an ideal recipe for last-minute gatherings, after-school snacks, or satisfying sudden sweet cravings. The minimal ingredient list also makes this an extremely budget-friendly dessert option that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it truly special. You’ll only need three basic ingredients to create these delicious cookies:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• ½ cup to 1 cup sugar (depending on preferred sweetness)
• 1 large egg

That’s it! No flour, no butter, no baking powder or soda, no vanilla extract – just three simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The magic happens when these three ingredients come together to create a cookie dough that bakes up into perfectly chewy, flavorful cookies.

Notes About Ingredients

While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few considerations about the ingredients that can help you achieve the best results:

Peanut Butter: Both natural and commercial peanut butter will work in this recipe, though they may produce slightly different results. Natural peanut butter (the kind that separates and requires stirring) tends to create a slightly more crumbly cookie, while commercial peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) often results in a more cohesive, chewy cookie. Either way, make sure your peanut butter is well-mixed before measuring.

Sugar: The original recipe calls for ½ cup of sugar, but you can adjust this between ¾ cup to 1 cup for sweeter cookies. White granulated sugar is traditional, but some bakers have successfully substituted brown sugar or a combination of both for a deeper flavor profile.

Egg: The egg acts as the binding agent in this flourless recipe. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best incorporation into the dough.

Kitchen Equipment Required

Another advantage of this simple recipe is that it requires very minimal equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon or electric mixer (optional, but makes mixing easier)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or non-stick baking mat
• Fork (for creating the classic criss-cross pattern)

No special equipment needed! This makes the recipe perfect for beginning bakers or those with limited kitchen supplies.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This temperature is perfect for baking these cookies – hot enough to set the cookies properly but not so hot that they’ll burn quickly. While the oven is heating, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth, uniform dough. You can do this by hand with a sturdy spoon, or use an electric mixer for easier blending. The dough should be somewhat stiff but still pliable enough to roll into balls.

3. Form the Cookies

Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll the dough between your palms to form smooth balls. Place these balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

4. Create the Classic Pattern

For the traditional peanut butter cookie look and to help the cookies bake more evenly, flatten each ball slightly using a fork. Press the tines of the fork down on top of each cookie ball, then rotate the fork 90 degrees and press again to create the distinctive criss-cross pattern that’s characteristic of peanut butter cookies. This step not only gives the cookies their classic appearance but also helps them cook more uniformly.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies are done when the bottoms are golden brown and the tops appear set. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly. They may look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them, but they will firm up as they cool.

6. Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, achieving that perfect chewy texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies keep well when stored properly. Here’s how to maintain their freshness:

Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their best quality for up to 5 days. For an extra tip to keep them soft and fresh, add a slice of bread to the container – it will absorb excess moisture and help keep the cookies at the perfect consistency.

Freezing Options: These cookies freeze beautifully! You have two options for freezing:

• Freeze the baked cookies: Allow them to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• Freeze the cookie dough: Form the dough into balls, create the fork pattern, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly on a baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. This method allows you to enjoy fresh-baked cookies whenever the craving strikes!

Recipe Variations and Customizations

While the classic 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie is perfect in its simplicity, there are several easy ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences:

Add-In Options

Consider mixing in one or more of these ingredients for added flavor and texture:

• Chocolate chips or chunks
• Chopped peanuts for extra crunch
• M&M’s candies
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Shredded coconut

Flavor Enhancements

While not necessary, these optional additions can add dimension to the flavor profile:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt (especially if using unsalted peanut butter)
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• A dash of nutmeg

Finishing Touches

Before baking, consider these decorative and flavorful finishes:

• Roll the dough balls in additional sugar before flattening
• Sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast
• Add a chocolate kiss in the center after baking (while still warm) for a peanut butter blossom variation
• Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate

Nutritional Information

These cookies are naturally gluten-free and can be part of various dietary plans. While they are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, it’s worth noting that they do provide some nutritional benefits from the peanut butter, which contains protein and healthy fats.

Each cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 95-115 (depending on sugar amount used)
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0.5g

For those with dietary concerns, note that these cookies contain no gluten, no dairy (if using dairy-free peanut butter), and no flour. However, they do contain eggs and peanuts, which are common allergens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

A: This usually happens if the peanut butter was too warm or oily. Try refrigerating the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. Also, different brands of peanut butter can affect the consistency of your cookies due to varying oil content.

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it’s well-stirred before measuring. Natural peanut butter may result in slightly more crumbly cookies compared to commercial varieties.

Q: Can I substitute the peanut butter with other nut butters?

A: Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter (for nut-free options) work well. Just be aware that each will impart its own unique flavor and may slightly alter the texture of the final cookie.

Q: Why do I need to make the criss-cross pattern with a fork?

A: The fork marks serve two purposes: they create the classic peanut butter cookie appearance, and they help the cookies bake more evenly by flattening the dough to a consistent thickness.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

A: You can reduce the sugar to as little as 1/3 cup, but be aware that this will affect not only the sweetness but also the texture of the cookies. They may be slightly less stable with reduced sugar.

These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies prove that sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most delicious results. With minimal effort and basic pantry staples, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies any day of the week. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with add-ins and variations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta