Nothing beats the charm of simple ingredients coming together to create something utterly delicious, and this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a perfect example. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can whip up soft, chewy, and wonderfully nutty cookies in no time. It’s a fuss-free treat that tastes like it took hours, making it a must-have recipe for any busy baker or peanut butter lover looking for an easy sweet fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three ingredients are the heart and soul of this cookie recipe — each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. The simplicity means you can focus on quality and get perfect results every time.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps give the cookies a slightly crisp exterior.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings the rich, nutty flavor and moist texture that make these cookies unforgettable.
- Large egg: Acts as the binding agent, holding all the ingredients together while adding a bit of lift and softness.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, creamy peanut butter, and the egg. Stir them together until the mixture is silky smooth and fully combined. This simple blend is the foundation for your cookies’ perfect texture and flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball and place it on your lined baking sheet. Leave at least 2 inches between each ball to give your cookies space to spread just perfectly while baking.
Step 4: Create the Classic Fork Pattern
Take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball, creating a charming crisscross pattern on top. Not only does this add a classic peanut butter cookie look, but it also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes. Look for edges that are just set and tops that show delicate cracks — that’s your sign they’re ready! Don’t worry if they seem soft at first; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Transfer
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without breaking and gives you a chance to admire that tempting golden finish.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over warm cookies for a lovely sweet-salty contrast, or add a few mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a melty, gooey surprise in every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert duo. For a healthy twist, pair them with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies with a layer of peanut butter or chocolate spread between them for homemade peanut butter cookie sandwiches. Gift these beautiful bundles wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine — they make the perfect thoughtful present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making them a great grab-and-go snack for busy days.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives their fresh-from-the-oven texture and heightens the peanut butter aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add lovely texture and little peanut chunks, making the cookies a bit more rustic and extra flavorful.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe uses no flour or wheat products, making it naturally gluten-free and a perfect choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with a different sweetener?
You can try brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor, but keep in mind the texture and sweetness level may vary slightly.
How do I make the cookies less sweet?
Reducing sugar is possible, but since sugar contributes to the structure, try decreasing by only a small amount and adjusting to your taste gradually.
Can I make a bigger batch of the 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and bake in batches, as overcrowding the baking sheet can affect how evenly your cookies bake.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a shining example of simplicity meeting incredible flavor and texture. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just in need of a quick homemade treat, these cookies never disappoint and will quickly become a trusted favorite in your kitchen. Go ahead and try them today — your friends and family will thank you!
Print
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal ingredients and effort. Made with just sugar, creamy peanut butter, and an egg, these cookies deliver a soft, chewy texture and classic peanut butter flavor. Ideal for beginners or anyone needing a fast homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and the room temperature egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, forming a cookie dough.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, making a crisscross pattern on top which is a classic peanut butter cookie look and helps them bake evenly.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the edges appear set and the tops have slight cracks, indicating doneness.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool fully before serving. Enjoy your quick and delicious peanut butter cookies!
Notes
- Make sure the egg is at room temperature to help the dough blend evenly.
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a lower sugar option, substitute granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like erythritol, adjusting to taste.
- These cookies do not spread much, so the spacing on the baking sheet is to keep them from sticking together as they bake.
