If you are craving a sweet treat that comes together faster than you can say cookie, you have to try this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness, using just peanut butter, sugar, and egg to create irresistibly soft and chewy cookies bursting with rich peanut flavor. Whether you’re an expert baker or just need a quick dessert fix, these cookies deliver big taste with almost no fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three simple ingredients are the heart and soul of this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in the final texture and flavor—you’ll love how they come together in perfect harmony.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness and helps give the cookies a slightly crisp edge.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings rich, nutty flavor and moisture to every bite.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and giving the cookies a tender texture.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and the large egg. Stir everything thoroughly until smooth and well blended—this simple step forms the base of those rich, chewy cookies.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it gently into a ball. Place each ball on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread as they bake.
Step 4: Create the Classic Crisscross
Press down lightly on each dough ball with a fork, making the signature crisscross pattern. This not only gives the cookies their classic look but also ensures even baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges and have a slightly cracked surface on top—this means they’re just right.
Step 6: Cool on the Sheet
Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This gentle cooling helps them firm up while staying soft in the middle.
Step 7: Transfer and Enjoy
Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed—whether as a quick snack or a delightful dessert shared with friends and family.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can elevate the peanut butter flavor wonderfully. For a fun twist, you might drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or scatter mini chocolate chips across the tops before baking.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting treat. They also make a fantastic companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for a quick dessert parfait. You could even sandwich a dollop of your favorite jam or nut butter between two cookies, creating a delightful bite-sized sandwich that’s perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your peanut butter cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, they freeze beautifully. Simply place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen cookies back to life, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will restore their soft, chewy texture and release that wonderful peanut butter aroma.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well too and adds a delightful texture with bits of peanuts in every bite. Just keep in mind that it may alter how smooth your cookie dough feels before baking.
Is there a substitute for granulated sugar?
You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor and moisture level. However, granulated sugar helps achieve the classic crisp edges on these cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! The great news is this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour, making it a wonderful option for those avoiding gluten.
How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your peanut butter is not overly oily, and chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies. Also, spacing them properly on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales up easily. Just mix larger batches of the ingredients and bake in batches to keep the cookies evenly baked and maintain their perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a simple cookie made with just a handful of ingredients that tastes so incredibly good. I hope this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe inspires you to whip up a batch anytime you want a quick, satisfying treat. Happy baking, and enjoy every peanut buttery bite!
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 combine creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and a single egg to create soft, chewy treats with minimal effort and fuss. Perfect for a quick homemade dessert or snack, these cookies require only basic pantry staples and are ready in just 15 minutes.
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.
- 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 a dough.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly and create a classic crisscross pattern on the top of each cookie.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops develop slight cracks, indicating doneness.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet to firm up before transferring.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set fully and achieve the best texture. Serve and enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies!
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to help the dough combine smoothly.
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture; chunky peanut butter will alter the cookie consistency.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy rather than hard and crunchy.
- You can roll the dough balls in additional sugar before baking for extra sweetness and a slight crust.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
