If you have a sweet tooth but prefer to keep things ultra-simple in the kitchen, you are going to fall head over heels for this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. With just three pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of delightfully chewy, nutty cookies that boast a perfect balance of sweetness and rich peanut flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or need a quick treat to satisfy those snack cravings, this recipe is a testament to how simplicity can deliver splendid results. Plus, the minimal ingredients mean less cleanup—a definite win in my book!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, working together to create soft, flavorful cookies that melt in your mouth. The beauty lies in how straightforward and accessible these ingredients are, making this recipe a go-to anytime!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness and helps give the cookies a subtle crisp edge.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their nutty richness and moist texture.
- 1 large egg (at room temperature): Binds everything together and contributes to the soft, tender crumb in each bite.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a steady, even heat for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, creamy peanut butter, and egg. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and fully blended, ensuring every bit of sugar is incorporated and the batter is uniform. This step is quick but key to achieving that luscious, soft texture.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Use about one tablespoon of dough per cookie, rolling it into balls with your hands. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing is important so the cookies have room to spread without merging.
Step 4: Create the Signature Crisscross Pattern
Gently press each ball of dough down with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top. Not only does this give the cookies that classic look, but it also helps them bake evenly and lets some of the edges crisp up nicely.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Look for edges that are set and slightly firm while the tops show pretty cracks. They might seem soft at first, but trust that they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool directly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the cookies develop their perfect chewy texture and makes them easier to handle.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but you can get creative by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top right after pressing with the fork for a delightful salty-sweet contrast. Alternatively, add a few chocolate chips or chopped peanuts before baking for some extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack or after-dinner treat. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit like apple slices, which enhance the nutty flavor and add a crisp element to your snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, stack these cookies with sheets of parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking. You could also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set for a fancy, irresistible twist that will impress anyone lucky enough to get one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps them maintain their soft interior and chewiness without drying out or becoming too crumbly.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a sealed freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring out that freshly-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. The heat softens the peanut butter and refreshes the texture, making them taste almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely crunch to your cookies from the peanut bits, making them even more delightful. Just be aware that the texture and spread of the dough might vary slightly.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
For this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, chilling the dough isn’t necessary. The dough is soft enough to shape right after mixing, making it perfect for whipping up quick batches.
Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative?
You can try using alternatives like coconut sugar or a granulated sugar substitute, but be mindful that this might affect the taste and texture slightly. It’s best to experiment in small batches when making substitutions.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, replace the large egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and ensure your peanut butter and sugar align with vegan standards.
Will these cookies be gluten-free?
Yes! This 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat flour or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is one of those magical kitchen discoveries—simple, dependable, and incredibly tasty. Whether you need a quick dessert fix or want a no-fuss recipe to impress friends, these cookies are a pure joy to bake and eat. Give them a try today; you might just find your new favorite cookie!
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 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy treat made with just sugar, creamy peanut butter, and an egg. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal ingredients and effort, these cookies have a delightful chewy texture with a classic crisscross fork pattern on top.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and the egg. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and well combined, forming the cookie dough.
- Form dough balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Create crisscross pattern: Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern on the top of the cookies. This also helps flatten them for even baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool on baking sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before handling.
- Transfer to wire rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy these simple, delicious peanut butter cookies!
Notes
- For best results, make sure the egg is at room temperature before mixing.
- You can use natural or crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture.
- Storing the cookies in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen after baking for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- To reduce sugar, you may try using a sugar substitute, but results may vary.
