I absolutely love how this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe comes together so quickly and easily — it’s like magic in the kitchen! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that doesn’t require a dozen ingredients or complicated steps, these cookies will be your new best friend. They’re perfect for when you want something homemade without the fuss, whether it’s a last-minute snack or a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of tea.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how rich and satisfying these peanut butter cookies taste with just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. You’ll find that the simplicity here is what makes it truly special — no need for flour or added butter! Plus, it’s a fantastic option if you’re short on pantry staples or just want to impress friends with a quick homemade dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Just three pantry staples come together for a crowd-pleasing cookie.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it’s ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy days.
- Great Texture: Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center — a peanut butter lover’s dream!
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Simple steps and no complicated ingredients make this a fun bake with kids.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is in how just a few simple ingredients come together so beautifully. When shopping, look for natural peanut butter with minimal added ingredients for the best flavor, and keep your sugar and egg fresh for optimal texture.
- Peanut Butter: Natural or creamy peanut butter works best; avoid ones with extra oils for better consistency.
- White Sugar: Granulated white sugar creates that classic crispy, sweet cookie surface you’ll love.
- Egg: Using a large egg binds everything together and adds moisture — make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Variations
I love to mix things up a bit with this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to add your favorite twists — customization is half the fun!
- Variation: Sometimes I add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks right into the batter — my family goes crazy for the melty chocolate surprise.
- Variation: For a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top before baking; it adds great texture and extra peanut punch.
- Variation: To make it vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), though the texture shifts a bit.
- Variation: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking — it balances the sweetness perfectly and makes the flavors pop.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients into a Creamy Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. I like to use an electric mixer here to make sure everything blends smoothly — no sticky clumps! Mix on medium speed until the batter is creamy and uniform in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you don’t have a mixer, a sturdy spoon or whisk will do just fine, just expect a bit more arm work.
Step 2: Shape the Dough into Perfect Little Balls
Once your batter is well mixed, roll it into 1-inch balls. This is fun because the dough is slightly sticky but easy to handle if you wet your hands just a bit. Place each ball about an inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet — the cookies don’t spread much, so giving them space helps them keep their shape.
Step 3: Create the Classic Criss-Cross Pattern and Bake
Take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball, making a criss-cross pattern. This not only looks iconic but also flattens the cookie evenly, helping it bake through. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are just firm and the cookies don’t look wet. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely — this helps them set nicely so they don’t crumble.
Pro Tips for Making 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Peanut Butter: It mixes more easily and gives a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies firm up as they cool, so pull them out when edges are just set to avoid dryness.
- Fork Pattern Makes Baking Even: Pressing the dough with a fork helps the cookies bake through evenly without undercooked centers.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender and avoid tough cookies.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep these cookies simple, but sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for an extra flavor boost. For a festive look, you can drizzle melted dark chocolate over them once cooled, which adds a touch of elegance and pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but I often serve them with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee to balance their sweetness. They’re also a hit alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert upgrade!
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I arrange these cookies on a pretty platter layered with parchment paper, adding fresh berries or edible flowers around the edges for a pop of color. I’ve even packaged them in little cellophane bags tied with twine for easy gifting — people love receiving these simple homemade treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they keep well for up to a week. If you want them extra fresh, you can slip a slice of bread inside the container which keeps the cookies soft by adding moisture balance.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing these cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you want a sweet snack, just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes — they taste almost as fresh as the day you baked them!
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and makes them super comforting to enjoy.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and little peanut bits throughout the cookies, which some people really enjoy. Just keep in mind that the batter might be slightly less smooth, but the cookies will still bake beautifully.
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What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
No worries at all. You can mix these ingredients thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or whisk. It might take a little more elbow grease, but the cookies will come out just as delicious.
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Can I substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup?
I’ve tried swapping sugar for honey or maple syrup, but it changes the texture since the recipe relies on the sugar’s granules for structure and crispiness. If you want to experiment, be prepared for a softer cookie and a longer bake time.
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How do I know when the cookies are done?
Keep an eye on the edges — they should be firm and slightly golden while the centers might still look a bit soft. The cookies will set up as they cool, so it’s better to underbake just a touch than overbake.
Final Thoughts
This 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it proves you don’t need complexity to create something delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies offer a reliable, no-fail way to enjoy homemade goodness without stress. I hope you’ll give it a try soon — I bet it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want a simple, sweet pick-me-up.
Print3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These classic 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are incredibly simple to make, requiring just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. With a soft, chewy texture and a delightful peanut butter flavor, they are perfect for a quick homemade treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Oven: Gather all the ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, white sugar, and egg. Use an electric mixer to blend them until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring even incorporation.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow enough space for spreading during baking.
- Flatten and Pattern: Using a fork, gently press each ball down to flatten it and create a criss-cross pattern on top, which is characteristic of peanut butter cookies.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are firm, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
- Serve: Enjoy your freshly baked peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or your preferred beverage.
Notes
- For a gluten-free variation, ensure the peanut butter and sugar used contain no additives with gluten.
- You can substitute white sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor, though this may slightly change the texture.
- If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, this recipe will give a different texture; creamy peanut butter is recommended for uniform results.
- Do not grease the baking sheet as the cookies have enough fat from the peanut butter to prevent sticking.
- Press down the cookies with a fork twice if you want a more defined criss-cross pattern.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 98
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 52mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 8mg