Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, these 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are perfect for peanut butter lovers and come together in just 15 minutes. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a game-changer for when a sweet craving strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It requires just three pantry staples: sugar, peanut butter, and an egg.
Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
These cookies are gluten-free and can be made in a single bowl with no special equipment.
Customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
They’re soft, chewy, and full of rich peanut butter flavor!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1large egg
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, peanut butter, and egg. Mix well until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated.
Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy them as a snack or pair them with a glass of milk for a comforting treat!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 cookies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 130 kcal per cookie
Variations
Add Chocolate Chips: Mix ¼ cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Drizzle with Chocolate: Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Use Different Nut Butters: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty treat.
Make Sandwich Cookies: Use two cookies to sandwich a layer of jam or Nutella.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: These cookies don’t require reheating, but you can warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds if you like them soft and gooey.
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FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to stir the peanut butter thoroughly before using it. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate, which might affect the dough’s consistency.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can try reducing the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it also contributes to the structure and texture of the cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Since the recipe doesn’t use flour, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily. Just make sure to bake in batches if your oven or baking sheet is too small.
Why are my cookies crumbling?
Overbaking can cause the cookies to become crumbly. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden.
Conclusion
These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that I love making whenever I need a quick dessert. They’re versatile, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just short on time, this recipe is a must-try.
📖 Recipe:
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3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies made with pantry staples! Perfectly soft, chewy, and gluten-free, these cookies come together in just 15 minutes, making them ideal for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, peanut butter, and egg. Mix until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly using a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These cookies are naturally gluten-free.
Customize with mix-ins like chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cookies
- Calories: 130 kcal
