Name: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487788H20M48S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter (240 g); ½ cup sugar (100 g); 1 egg

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If you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect solution. Simple, fast, and utterly delicious, these cookies require only three pantry staples but deliver big on flavor. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a quick dessert, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is as easy as it gets. With just three ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of cookies in no time. The peanut butter gives these cookies a rich, creamy texture, while the sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness. The egg binds everything together, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family. Plus, the criss-cross pattern adds a charming touch to each cookie!

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (240 g)
½ cup sugar (100 g)
1 egg

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix well until the dough is smooth and fully combined.
Scoop out a spoonful of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the cookie balls onto a nonstick baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
For added decoration and to help them cook more evenly, flatten each cookie ball by pressing a fork down on top of it, then press the fork down again at a 90º angle to create a criss-cross pattern.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
Remove from the baking sheet and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy your freshly baked peanut butter cookies!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 25 cookies
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate: For a richer taste, mix in some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Make them vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly option.
Different nut butters: You can swap the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter for a twist on the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you’d like to warm them up, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 300ºF (150ºC) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will work well in this recipe, giving your cookies a bit more texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be golden brown at the bottom, and the tops will be slightly set but still soft. Let them cool completely before handling to prevent them from breaking apart.

Can I add other ingredients to the dough?

Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your cookies to your taste.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling into balls and baking.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.

Can I substitute the sugar for a sugar alternative?

You can substitute the sugar with alternatives like stevia or monk fruit, but keep in mind that this may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies.

How do I make these cookies softer?

For softer cookies, try baking them for a shorter time, around 8 minutes. You can also increase the amount of peanut butter slightly.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

No, you don’t need to refrigerate the dough before baking. However, if you prefer a firmer dough, you can chill it for 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough balls are not too large, and use a nonstick baking sheet to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Flattening them with a fork also helps them bake more evenly.

Conclusion

These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a breeze to make and offer the perfect balance of rich, nutty flavor and sweetness. They’re a great option for anyone looking for a quick and delicious treat without needing a ton of ingredients. Whether you’re baking for yourself or a group, these cookies will surely satisfy your cravings in just minutes!