3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for busy bakers and peanut butter lovers. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these irresistibly chewy, sweet, and nutty cookies in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re short on time, out of flour, or just craving a simple homemade dessert, this easy recipe has your back. These cookies are gluten-free, delightfully rich, and require no special tools or fancy techniques. Keep reading to find out why this simple cookie is a favorite across kitchens nationwide!
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
This cookie recipe is a dream come true for both novice and seasoned bakers. It’s quick, fuss-free, and delivers on both flavor and texture. Here’s what makes these cookies so lovable:
- Minimal ingredients: No flour, no butter – just peanut butter, sugar, and egg.
- Naturally gluten-free: Great for those with dietary restrictions.
- Quick prep and bake: Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Rich peanut flavor: Pure, unadulterated peanut butter taste.
- Perfect texture: Crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Step-by-Step: How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Use an electric mixer or stir by hand until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create the classic criss-cross: Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, then rotate the fork and press again to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers look set.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing.
- Avoid overbaking – cookies may look slightly underdone in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- If your peanut butter is oily, stir it well before using to ensure an even texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted.
- These cookies do not spread much during baking, so flatten them well with a fork.
Substitutions And Variations
- Sugar swaps: Try using coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Peanut butter alternatives: Almond butter or cashew butter work well too, though flavor and texture may vary.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- Make it vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and mix well.
Storage Instructions
Keep these cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days. To keep them chewy, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy slightly warmed in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie (based on a yield of 24) contains approximately:
- Calories: 98
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
- Sodium: 52mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Calcium: 6mg
- Iron: 0mg
- Potassium: 73mg
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a few creative touches:
- Sandwich cookies: Spread a layer of chocolate or jam between two cookies.
- Ice cream topping: Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy, nutty topping.
- Dunk in milk or coffee: A classic pairing that never fails.
- Holiday treats: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too runny, or the dough might be too loose to shape.
Why do my cookies fall apart? Overbaking or using overly dry peanut butter can cause them to crumble. Try baking a few minutes less or switching to a creamier peanut butter.
Are these cookies gluten-free? Yes! Since there is no flour, they are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your peanut butter label to be safe.
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and bake straight from frozen – just add 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by to explore this delightful recipe for 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies! Whether you’re baking on a whim or whipping up a quick treat for guests, these cookies are a perfect go-to. I absolutely love how effortlessly they come together and the nostalgic, rich peanut butter flavor they bring. I hope they become a staple in your home as they have in mine. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this wonderful food-loving community. May your kitchen always be filled with warmth, joy, and the sweet smell of cookies!
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3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are quick, flourless, and full of classic peanut butter flavor. Perfect for a fast dessert or gluten-free treat.
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Use an electric mixer or stir by hand until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create the classic criss-cross: Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, then rotate the fork and press again to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers look set.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter as desired.
Cookies will firm up as they cool—avoid overbaking.
Add chocolate chips or a pinch of sea salt for variations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 98
- Sugar: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 3g