These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate quick and easy dessert. Made with just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, these soft and chewy cookies come together in minutes and bake in just 12 minutes. Perfect for busy days, beginner bakers, and last-minute sweet cravings, this classic cookie recipe delivers rich peanut butter flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 simple ingredients
- Ready in just 13 minutes
- No flour or butter required
- Soft, chewy texture
- Perfect for beginner bakers
- Budget-friendly recipe
- Great for quick desserts
- Naturally gluten-free when using certified ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, peanut butter, and egg.
- Stir until the mixture is fully incorporated and forms a dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each cookie to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips & Tricks
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture.
- Don’t overbake; the cookies continue setting as they cool.
- Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it’s too soft.
- Add a pinch of sea salt for enhanced flavor.
- Stir in chocolate chips for a fun variation.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
Details
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Flourless, Gluten-Free Friendly
Notes
- Natural peanut butter may create a softer cookie texture.
- Brown sugar can be substituted for part of the sugar for a richer flavor.
- Perfect for lunchboxes and after-school snacks.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Cookie)
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
FAQ
Can I make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies without flour?
Yes. This recipe is naturally flourless and relies on peanut butter and egg for structure.
Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The dough is dense, so pressing with a fork helps flatten the cookies for even baking.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the cookies may spread more and have a softer texture.
How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes. Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt make delicious additions.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Similar Recipes
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, peanut butter, and egg.
- Stir until the mixture is fully incorporated and forms a dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each cookie to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Natural peanut butter may create a softer cookie texture.
- Brown sugar can be substituted for part of the sugar for a richer flavor.
- Perfect for lunchboxes and after-school snacks.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies prove that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, they’re the perfect quick dessert when you need a homemade treat in a hurry. Once you try this easy recipe, it will become a staple in your baking collection.