Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Whip up delicious 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies in minutes with this simple, quick, and perfect recipe for any sweet craving! These cookies combine just three wholesome ingredients into a soft, chewy treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just want a fast homemade snack, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your peanut butter cravings with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal ingredients: Only three pantry staples create a wholesome cookie that’s both simple and satisfying.
• Quick preparation: Mix, shape, and bake in under 20 minutes for instant gratification.
• Gluten-free friendly: Made without flour, this recipe easily fits gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable flavors: Easily adapted with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to suit your preferences.
• Crispy outside, chewy inside: The perfect cookie texture that delights every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These three ingredients are straightforward yet essential. Each contributes to the cookie’s rich flavor, texture, and natural sweetness, keeping this recipe wonderfully simple and approachable.

• Peanut butter: Use creamy or chunky peanut butter for a rich, nutty base that packs flavor and moisture.
• Sugar: Granulated white or brown sugar balances peanut butter’s savory notes with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together and gives the cookies their tender structure.

Variations for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Feel free to tweak this basic 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs—it’s incredibly forgiving and flexible!

• Chocolate chips: Stir in a handful of chips for a classic peanut butter and chocolate combo.
• Honey or maple syrup: Swap sugar with natural sweeteners for a different sweetness profile and slight chewiness.
• Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter to accommodate allergies.
• Added texture: Mix in chopped nuts or coconut flakes for a delightful crunch.
• Spices: Sprinkle in cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt to elevate the flavor complexity.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready by the time your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients

Combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 3: Shape the cookies

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into small balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Optionally, press each ball with a fork to create a classic crisscross pattern.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack slightly. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Step 5: Cool and enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without losing softness inside.

Pro Tips for Making 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

• Use natural peanut butter: For a more authentic peanut flavor, opt for peanut butter made with just peanuts and minimal salt or sugar.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the ingredients until just combined to keep your cookies tender.
• Uniform cookie sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even baking and consistent cookie size.
• Check baking times closely: Cookies can go from perfect to dry quickly, so monitor the oven closely after the 10-minute mark.
• Freeze dough balls: Freeze individual dough balls for quick baking anytime you crave fresh cookies.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before baking to enhance the sweet and salty contrast that makes these peanut butter cookies irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy hot chocolate for classic comfort, or serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or peanut butter frosting and drizzle with melted chocolate to transform these simple cookies into an elegant dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven to restore softness and bring out that fresh-baked aroma before serving.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds delightful little bits of texture and a more pronounced nutty flavor, enhancing the cookie experience.

Is there a substitute for eggs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer to make these cookies vegan or egg-free, though the texture may vary slightly.

How do I make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies less sweet?

Simply reduce the sugar amount or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to control sweetness without compromising taste.

Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Definitely. Portion the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a sealed container so you can bake fresh cookies anytime you want.

Are these cookies healthy?

While they contain simpler ingredients and no flour, these cookies are still a treat but provide protein and healthy fats from peanut butter, making them a better option than many processed snacks.

Final Thoughts

Making 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies is one of those joyful kitchen adventures where simplicity meets deliciousness. Whether you’re baking for kids, guests, or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this recipe is a total winner. So grab those three easy ingredients, get baking, and enjoy fresh, chewy, peanut buttery goodness in no time!

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