Let me share one of my all-time favorite treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form: the 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s unbelievably simple yet incredibly satisfying — just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg come together to create soft, chewy cookies with that classic nutty flavor you crave. These cookies prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to whip up something absolutely delicious and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone looking for a quick fix, this recipe is an absolute winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and that irresistible peanut butter richness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps create a lightly crisp outside.
- 1 cup peanut butter: This is the star of the show, giving the cookies their classic nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and lends a tender crumb to the cookie.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent sticking and ensure even baking, line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This step will save you from a sticky, crumbly mess later and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a wooden spoon and combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and egg in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This part is super quick but so satisfying as you watch the magic happen with just three simple ingredients.
Step 3: Shape Your Cookies
Using a heaping tablespoon measurement, scoop out portions of dough and roll each into a ball about 3/4 inch across. For a little extra sparkle and texture, roll the dough balls in sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. Make sure to space them at least two inches apart so they have room to spread during baking. Then, gently press each ball down with a fork, creating that classic cross-hatch pattern that makes peanut butter cookies instantly recognizable.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them — the cookies should be just slightly golden on the bottoms but still soft in the middle. Overbaking can make them dry, so err on the side of underdone if needed. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for one minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Enjoy
Serve these cookies fresh out of the oven or once they’ve cooled for a chewy bite every time. They’re perfect with a glass of cold milk or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress these cookies up, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right before baking to accentuate the peanut butter’s richness. Alternatively, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet and elegant touch without complicating this delightfully simple recipe.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter cookies pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or bananas to balance the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of whipped cream on the side can turn this humble cookie into a decadent dessert that everyone will ask you to make again.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, stack these cookies on a pretty plate with layers of parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking. You can also sandwich softened cream cheese or chocolate spread between two cookies for a fun twist. They also make a delightful edible gift when wrapped in a clear bag tied with a ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh, chewy, and delicious for up to a week — perfect for snacking throughout the week or surprising guests with a homemade treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is your friend. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw in minutes at room temperature without losing their charm.
Reheating
To revive a bit of that fresh-baked warmth, pop leftover cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This brings back softness and enhances their inviting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?
Yes! Natural peanut butter works, but since it contains more oil and is less processed than regular peanut butter, your dough might be a bit softer. You may want to chill the dough before baking or adjust the baking time slightly for best results.
What if I don’t have granulated sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, more caramel-like flavor. Just keep in mind this may affect the texture slightly, making cookies a bit softer and chewier.
Can I make the dough without an egg?
The egg acts as a binder in this recipe, so leaving it out will change the cookie’s structure. However, you can experiment with flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan alternative, though some adjustment might be needed for texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for a golden color on the cookie bottoms and slightly firm edges. They should still feel a little soft in the center as they firm up when they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender and chewy.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Since this cookie recipe only calls for peanut butter, sugar, and egg, with no flour or gluten-containing ingredients, it is naturally gluten-free—just be sure your peanut butter brand doesn’t have any additives.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is proof that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be soul-satisfying. It’s a quick, fuss-free way to enjoy a nostalgic, homemade treat that’s bound to become a go-to in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and embrace how just three simple ingredients can create something so wonderfully comforting and delicious.
Print
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Simple and delicious 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies made with just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. These quick and easy cookies have a soft texture and a rich peanut butter flavor, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: Using a wooden spoon, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and egg in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated, forming a dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the dough into heaping tablespoons, roughly 3/4 inch in diameter. (Optional) Roll each dough ball in a small bowl of sugar to coat the outside for extra sweetness and texture. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Create Cross Pattern: Using a fork, gently flatten each dough ball and press to form a crisscross pattern on the top. This is a classic peanut butter cookie aesthetic and helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Remove the cookies when they are just slightly browned on the bottom to avoid over-baking and ensure a soft texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and maintain their shape.
- Serve: Once cooled, enjoy your homemade peanut butter cookies as a delightful treat or snack.
Notes
- For best results, use smooth peanut butter for easy mixing and a uniform texture.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar is optional but adds a nice crunch and sweetness on the outside.
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up more as they cool.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To make these cookies gluten-free, ensure your peanut butter and sugar are certified gluten-free.
