These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect solution when you want a quick homemade treat without a long ingredient list. Made with just sugar, peanut butter, and an egg, these cookies come together in minutes and deliver a rich peanut butter flavor with a soft, chewy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires only three simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in about 13 minutes from start to finish
- Naturally flourless and easy to make
- Rich peanut butter flavor in every bite
- Perfect for beginner bakers
- Family-friendly and ideal for quick desserts
- Great for last-minute gatherings and cookie cravings
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the 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 combined and forms a thick dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using the back of a fork, gently press each ball to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake the 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies for 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture.
- Natural peanut butter may produce a softer dough; stir well before measuring.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of vanilla extract.
- Slightly underbake for softer cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely to help them firm up.
- For a festive twist, add a few chocolate chips to the dough.
Details
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Flourless, Vegetarian
Notes
- Crunchy peanut butter can be substituted for additional texture.
- Brown sugar may be used for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
- Serve with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- These cookies make a great addition to holiday cookie trays.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Cookie)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
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?
Peanut butter cookie dough is dense, and the fork pattern helps flatten the cookies for even baking.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may vary slightly. Be sure to mix the peanut butter well before using.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should look lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes. Roll into balls and freeze for up to 3 months before baking.
Are these gluten-free peanut butter cookies?
They can be gluten-free if all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer:
Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature or warm for a few seconds in the microwave.
Similar Recipes
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the 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 combined and forms a thick dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using the back of a fork, gently press each ball to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake the 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies for 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Crunchy peanut butter can be substituted for additional texture.
- Brown sugar may be used for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
- Serve with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- These cookies make a great addition to holiday cookie trays.
Conclusion
These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies prove that simple ingredients can create an incredibly delicious dessert. With minimal effort, quick preparation, and rich peanut butter flavor, this easy cookie recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are a reliable and satisfying treat every time.