If you’re craving a sweet treat that comes together in a flash with the fewest ingredients possible, the 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. These cookies are irresistibly soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, proving that sometimes simple truly is best. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just want a quick fix for your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers spectacular results without any fuss. You’ll be amazed how just sugar, peanut butter, and an egg can transform into a batch of tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s perfect texture and rich taste, turning pantry staples into a delightful treat.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and helps create that lightly crisp exterior on the cookies.
- Creamy peanut butter: Provides the rich, nutty flavor and moist texture that make these cookies so addictive—and using creamy keeps the dough smooth and easy to work with.
- Large egg (at room temperature): Binds the ingredients together and adds just the right amount of structure without weighing down the cookies.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the perfect baking temperature. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—this step guarantees your cookies come off easy and look pristine.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, creamy peanut butter, and egg until you have a smooth and cohesive dough. It comes together faster than you might expect, and you’ll notice the shine and richness from the peanut butter perfectly coating every bit of sugar.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
With about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, roll it into a ball and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Keep them spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking—this little detail ensures each cookie stays nice and round.
Step 4: Create the Classic Crisscross
Gently press down on each ball with a fork, first in one direction, then perpendicular to create a signature crisscross pattern. It’s not just decorative: this pattern helps the cookies bake evenly and adds a charming homemade look that’s instantly comforting.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops show slight cracks. The smell at this point is heavenly, and it’s a delicate balance where underbaking leaves softness and overbaking risks dryness, so keep a close eye!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up just right. Then transfer them to a wire rack so they cool completely—this step locks in the perfect chewy texture that will have you reaching for another immediately.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness. You can also press a few chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the dough balls for extra texture and flavor variety.
Side Dishes
Pair these peanut butter gems with a cold glass of milk or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. If you want to make it feel like dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream nearby really hits the spot.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies with layers of mini marshmallows and chocolate squares to make quick peanut butter cookie s’mores. Or, dunk half of a cookie into melted chocolate and let it set for a stylish finish that doubles the indulgence factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Line the container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their soft, chewy texture.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and snap freeze for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. These cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months, perfect for future cravings.
Reheating
Warm frozen or room temperature cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back their freshly baked softness and aroma, almost like they just came out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter can be used, but be aware it might make the dough a bit less smooth and could affect the texture since it often contains less stabilizer and more oil separation.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
No refrigeration is necessary for this recipe since the dough is simple and bakes quickly. You can bake the cookies right away after mixing.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar?
You can try light brown sugar for a slightly richer, caramel-like flavor, but it may change the texture, making cookies a little softer and chewier.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 12 cookies, depending on the size of your dough scoops. It’s a perfect batch for sharing or satisfying a moderate sweet tooth.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Since the recipe contains no flour, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making delicious treats with just three simple ingredients, and this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is proof. It’s fast, fuss-free, and delivers that comforting peanut butter flavor everyone loves. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as much as I do—they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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
Description
These simple and delicious 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are quick to make and perfect for a sweet treat. With just sugar, creamy peanut butter, and an egg, this easy recipe creates soft, chewy cookies with a classic peanut butter flavor and a delightful crisscross pattern on top. Ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a fuss-free dessert, these cookies bake in just 10 minutes and yield a batch of 12.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat 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 sugar, creamy peanut butter, and egg. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the cookie dough.
- Shape Dough: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
- Make Crisscross Pattern: Gently press down on each dough ball using the back of a fork, creating a classic crisscross pattern on top of each cookie for a traditional look and even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops of the cookies appear slightly cracked, indicating they are done.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before handling.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set properly and achieve the best texture. Serve and enjoy your homemade peanut butter cookies!
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a balanced sweetness and texture.
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to help the dough mix smoothly.
- If you prefer a crunchier cookie, consider baking for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To make these gluten-free, confirm that the peanut butter and sugar are certified gluten-free.
