Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet but want to keep things super simple in the kitchen, then you’re going to adore this Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come together in a flash with just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg—no fancy pantry items or complicated steps required. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how soft and chewy the cookies turned out despite the simplicity. Stick around, because I’m going to share all my tricks and tips so you can make the best batch every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is all about simplicity, but each ingredient plays a key role to give you cookies that feel indulgent without the fuss. Choosing the right peanut butter and sugar can seriously make a difference, so I’ll walk you through what works best in my experience.

• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cookie together. Make sure it’s a large egg for best texture.
• Peanut Butter: You can use creamy or chunky depending on your preference; creamy gives a smoother cookie, chunky adds a nice crunch.
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up on the edges while staying soft inside.

Variations

I love playing around with this cookie base — it’s my go-to for quick treats. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ways I’ve tweaked it over the years.

• Add-Ins: I’ve stirred in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and a little treat surprise in every bite.
• Sweetener Swap: Sometimes I substitute the white sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor and chew.
• Salted Peanut Butter: Using salted peanut butter adds a lovely balance of sweet and savory — give it a try if you haven’t yet!
• Vegan Version: You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) if you want to make it vegan-friendly.

How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key because you want the oven nice and ready so the cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an ungreased cookie sheet, either works fine—I’ve done both and had great results.

Step 2: Mix It Up

Grab a large bowl and toss in the peanut butter, sugar, and the egg. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to mix everything until it’s combined and smooth. You’ll see it comes together pretty quickly—no need for fancy mixers here! If the dough feels a bit dry, don’t worry, that’s normal with peanut butter cookies.

Step 3: Shape and Press

Use a spoon or your hands to form golf ball-sized dough balls and place them on your baking sheet. I like to leave about two inches between each cookie because they’ll spread a little while baking. Gently press each ball down with a fork to flatten it and create that classic criss-cross pattern — it’s not just for looks, it helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end: you want the edges to look set but the centers still soft. This is where knowing your oven helps a lot—mine tends to run a little hot, so I usually pull them out at 8 minutes. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet; they’re super fragile when warm but firm up nicely as they cool.

How to Serve Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top right after the fork press step before baking—it adds a subtle pop that makes the peanut butter flavor shine even brighter. For a festive touch, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser in my house.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic, dessert-inspired treat. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness, especially when hosting friends for an afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Whenever I want to bring these to a party or gift them, I stack them in a clear jar tied with a rustic ribbon so they look homemade and inviting. Another fun idea is to sandwich a bit of homemade or store-bought jam between two cookies for a peanut butter and jelly inspired bite-sized treat. Your friends will be impressed with how easy and tasty they are!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually last well for about 4-5 days, staying soft and delicious—though in my house, they tend to disappear much faster! If you find them a touch dry after a couple of days, a light zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds brings back that fresh-baked warmth.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. I freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for a few minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave individually for 10-15 seconds. This revives that soft, freshly baked texture which I absolutely adore. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might become too crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me that delicious treats don’t need to be complicated. Whenever I’m short on time or feel like baking without the hassle, these cookies are my go-to. I hope you find the same joy in making and sharing them as I do—there’s something truly comforting about how simple ingredients can create such a satisfying snack. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked just like my family and me!

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