If you’ve ever craved something sweet but didn’t want to pull out half your pantry, these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are about to become your new best friend. With just creamy peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can create soft, chewy, perfectly sweet cookies in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
Yes—three ingredients. No flour. No butter. No complicated steps.
These cookies are proof that simple recipes can deliver big flavor. They’re naturally gluten-free (as long as your peanut butter is certified gluten-free), incredibly satisfying, and ideal for beginner bakers or busy home cooks who want a quick homemade treat.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these foolproof peanut butter cookies perfectly every single time.
Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
There’s a reason this recipe has stood the test of time. It’s simple, reliable, and downright delicious.
Here’s why they’re so popular:
- Only three pantry ingredients
- Ready in about 15–20 minutes
- Naturally flourless
- Soft, chewy texture
- Perfect for kids and beginner bakers
- Easy to customize
These cookies are ideal for last-minute dessert cravings, after-school snacks, bake sales, or even edible holiday gifts. They’re also a fantastic recipe to make with children because the steps are straightforward and safe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need:
- Creamy peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
That’s it. No flour, no baking soda, no salt.
Each ingredient plays an essential role:
Creamy Peanut Butter
This provides structure, flavor, and richness. The natural oils and protein in peanut butter replace the need for butter and flour.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and helps create that slightly crisp exterior with a chewy center.
Large Egg
The egg binds everything together and gives the cookies structure while baking.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. Gather:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cup
- Tablespoon or cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork (for the classic crisscross pattern)
- Wire cooling rack
Minimal tools mean minimal cleanup—a major win.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Stir until fully combined and smooth.
The dough will be thick but soft and easy to scoop.
Pro Tip: If your peanut butter has separated, stir it thoroughly before measuring to ensure consistent texture.
3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls using your hands.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating the classic crisscross pattern. This not only gives the cookies their signature look but also helps them bake evenly.
4. Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
Do not overbake. The centers may look slightly soft—that’s perfect. They’ll firm up as they cool.
5. Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
They are delicate when hot, so patience is key.
Once cooled, they’ll have a soft, chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
Even though this recipe is simple, a few expert tips can elevate your results.
Use Regular Creamy Peanut Butter
Traditional shelf-stable peanut butter (like classic creamy varieties) works best. Natural peanut butter can sometimes produce a more crumbly texture because of varying oil content.
If using natural peanut butter, stir thoroughly and expect a slightly softer cookie.
Don’t Overbake
The number one mistake with these cookies is overbaking. They may look underdone at 8 minutes, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
Flatten Gently
Press just enough to flatten. If you press too hard, the cookies may become thin and overly crisp.
Add a Pinch of Salt (Optional)
If your peanut butter is unsalted, adding a small pinch of salt can enhance the flavor beautifully.
Texture and Flavor Profile
These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies have a unique texture compared to traditional flour-based cookies.
- Soft and chewy center
- Slightly crisp edges
- Rich peanut butter flavor
- Balanced sweetness
Because there’s no flour, they have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that peanut butter lovers adore.
Variations and Add-Ins
Once you master the base recipe, you can easily customize it.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
Peanut Butter Blossom Style
Press a chocolate candy into the center immediately after baking.
Brown Sugar Version
Swap half the granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Crunchy Peanut Butter
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Keto-Friendly Option
Replace granulated sugar with a keto-friendly granulated sweetener.
Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free
These cookies are naturally dairy-free and flourless. Just verify your peanut butter and sugar meet your dietary needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong. Here’s how to avoid common issues:
Cookies Spreading Too Much
This can happen if the dough is too warm. Chill it for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Dry or Crumbly Texture
Usually caused by overbaking or using too little peanut butter.
Overly Sweet Flavor
Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar to balance sweetness.
How to Store Peanut Butter Cookies
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator
They can be refrigerated for up to a week, though it’s not necessary.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
These cookies are perfect for prepping ahead:
- Make dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze portioned dough balls for quick fresh-baked cookies anytime.
- Double the recipe for parties or gifting.
Because they’re so quick to bake, they’re perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
Who These Cookies Are Perfect For
These cookies are ideal for:
- Busy parents
- College students
- Beginner bakers
- Anyone with limited pantry ingredients
- Gluten-free households
- Peanut butter lovers
They’re also an excellent recipe for teaching kids basic baking skills—measuring, mixing, shaping, and baking.
Serving Suggestions
While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can elevate them even further.
With Milk
Classic and comforting.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
Crumbled Over Yogurt
Adds crunch and sweetness.
With Coffee
The rich peanut butter flavor pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee.
Nutritional Insight
Because these cookies are flourless, they’re higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than traditional cookies. Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, making them more satisfying than typical sugar cookies.
Keep in mind, they are still a sweet treat—portion control is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir it thoroughly before measuring. The cookies may be slightly softer or more crumbly.
Why do these cookies not require flour?
Peanut butter contains enough fat and protein to provide structure when combined with egg and sugar.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce it slightly, but too much reduction may affect texture. Try reducing by 2–3 tablespoons first.
Why do you press with a fork?
Peanut butter cookie dough is dense. Flattening ensures even baking and gives the signature crisscross design.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles beautifully.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your peanut butter and sugar are certified gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in balance.
The peanut butter provides structure and richness. The sugar sweetens and helps create crisp edges. The egg binds everything together and gives lift.
Without flour, the flavors shine more intensely, making these cookies deeply peanut buttery and satisfying.
It’s minimalism at its finest.
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies prove that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With just a bowl, a spoon, and three simple ingredients, you can create a warm batch of homemade cookies in less time than it takes to drive to the store.
Whether you’re baking with kids, satisfying a late-night craving, or whipping up a last-minute dessert, this recipe delivers every time.
If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family and subscribe to the blog for more easy, delicious recipes made with simple ingredients. Happy baking!
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies recipe
