Craving a sweet treat but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated recipe? These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are the perfect solution. Made with just peanut butter, sugar, and eggs, this recipe delivers deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookies in under 20 minutes.
One of the best things about these cookies is their simplicity. Unlike traditional cookie recipes that require flour, baking soda, and butter, this one keeps things minimal while still producing irresistible homemade peanut butter cookies.
These cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Plus, they require no special equipment just a mixing bowl and a baking sheet! Whether you’re a beginner baker, need a quick dessert for guests, or simply want a guilt-free indulgence, these easy 3-ingredient cookies are a must-try.
In this post, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, offer expert baking tips, and suggest variations to customize your cookies. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
If you’re on the fence about trying this 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe, here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
1. It’s Ridiculously Easy
With only three basic ingredients, this is one of the easiest cookie recipes you’ll ever make. No flour, butter, or baking powder required just mix, scoop, and bake!
2. Quick Baking Time
From start to finish, these cookies are ready in 20 minutes. If you need a last-minute dessert, 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies is a lifesaver.
3. No Special Equipment Needed
You don’t need a stand mixer, rolling pin, or cookie cutters. A simple mixing bowl and spoon will do the job.
4. Naturally Gluten-Free
Since these cookies are made without flour, they are naturally gluten-free. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions while still being incredibly flavorful.
5. Chewy, Soft & Packed with Flavor
These soft peanut butter cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture with the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty richness.
Ingredients
The beauty of this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies lies in its simplicity. You only need three pantry staples:
- Peanut Butter (1 cup) – For best results, use creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. If using natural peanut butter, make sure to stir it well to prevent oil separation.
- Sugar (¾ cup) – Granulated sugar works best, though you can use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like taste.
- Egg (1 large) – This helps bind everything together, giving the cookies their firm yet chewy texture.
Pro Tip:
Want softer cookies? Add an extra yolk for extra richness. Prefer crunchier cookies? Reduce the sugar slightly for a firmer texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- ¾ cup of sugar
- 1 large egg
Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until fully combined. You’ll end up with a thick, smooth dough.
Step 3: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll it into small balls. Arrange them on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 4: Create the Classic Fork Marks
Press a fork into each ball of dough twice (forming a criss-cross pattern). This not only gives the cookies their signature peanut butter cookie look but also helps them bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake these cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips
To ensure your 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies come out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use the Right Peanut Butter
Regular creamy peanut butter works best. Natural peanut butter can make the dough too oily, leading to crumbly cookies.
2. Adjust Sweetness to Taste
If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the sugar to ½ cup. If you love a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
3. Chill the Dough for Extra Firm Cookies
For firmer cookies, refrigerate the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
4. Don’t Overbake
These cookies firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to look fully done in the oven. Slightly underbaking them ensures a chewy texture.
Variations
Want to customize your easy peanut butter cookies? Try these fun variations:
1. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a delicious twist. Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven!
2. Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies
Prefer a crunch? Use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter for added texture.
3. Keto & Sugar-Free Version
Swap granulated sugar for monk fruit sweetener or erythritol to make these keto peanut butter cookies.
4. Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles
Roll the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a tasty cinnamon-infused upgrade.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how to serve these quick peanut butter cookies? Here are a few delicious ideas:
- With a Glass of Milk – The classic combo! Dunk your cookies in cold milk for the ultimate treat.
- Drizzled with Chocolate – Melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – Sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- As a Topping – Crumble the cookies over yogurt, brownies, or milkshakes for extra flavor.
FAQ
1. Can I Double 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Yes! Simply double all ingredients to make a larger batch.
2. Can I Make These with Almond Butter?
Absolutely! Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a nut-free alternative.
3. How Do I Store Peanut Butter Cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
4. Can I Use a Sugar Substitute?
Yes! Sweeteners like Swerve, monk fruit, or coconut sugar work well for sugar-free or paleo variations.
5. Why Did My Cookies Turn Out Crumbly?
If your cookies are dry or crumbly, it could be due to natural peanut butter or overbaking. Stir your peanut butter well before using and bake until just set.
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Conclusion
These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are hands down one of the easiest and most delicious homemade treats you can make. With minimal ingredients, no flour, and a quick bake time, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this easy peanut butter cookie recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and let us know how you like it!
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Easy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies Recipe: Quick, Simple & Delicious
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make! With just peanut butter, sugar, and eggs, you can whip up a delicious batch in under 20 minutes. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make! With just peanut butter, sugar, and eggs, you can whip up a delicious batch in under 20 minutes. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough by combining peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Scoop and shape the dough into small balls using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each.
- Create fork marks by pressing a fork into each cookie in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and enjoy by letting the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- For softer cookies, add an extra egg yolk.
- If using natural peanut butter, stir well to prevent oil separation.
- Chilling the dough for 15 minutes helps prevent spreading.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~100
- Sugar: ~7g
- Sodium: ~50mg
- Fat: ~7g
- Saturated Fat: ~1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~3g
- Cholesterol: ~10mg