If you’re craving something sweet but short on time, these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the perfect solution. With just a few pantry staples and no flour required, you can have warm, soft cookies ready in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are incredibly simple, making them ideal for beginners or busy days. The rich peanut butter flavor shines through, while the soft, slightly chewy texture makes them irresistible. They’re also naturally gluten-free and family-friendly, perfect for quick treats or last-minute desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, mix sugar, peanut butter, and egg until fully combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball using a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cookies cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Tips & Tricks
- Use natural peanut butter for a softer texture, but stir well before using.
- Don’t overbake—cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter for better flavor balance.
- For variation, mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, dairy-free
Notes
You can substitute sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. These cookies also pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Nutrition (Approximate per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 8g
FAQ
Can I make 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies without sugar?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but the texture may change slightly.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
This usually happens if there’s too much peanut butter or overbaking. Measure carefully and bake just until set.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, roll into balls and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen with a couple extra minutes.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, since they contain no flour, they are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely, it adds a nice texture to the cookies.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 10 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.
Similar Recipes
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, mix sugar, peanut butter, and egg until fully combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball using a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cookies cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Notes
Conclusion
These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies prove that baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.