Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy, and utterly delicious cookie that practically melts in your mouth. Now imagine making it with just three simple ingredients in minutes! These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the ultimate easy treat, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings or involving little helpers in the kitchen. Get ready to bake a batch of pure joy without any fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
These incredible 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are a true game-changer for any home baker, especially beginners or busy parents.
- Ultimate Simplicity: You only need three common pantry staples.
- Super Fast: Prep time is minimal, and they bake in under 10 minutes.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally friendly for those avoiding gluten.
- Satisfies Peanut Butter Cravings Instantly: Enjoy rich, nutty flavor without the wait.
- Kid-Friendly Baking Project: It is so easy, kids can confidently help with every step.
- No Special Equipment: Basic kitchen tools are all you need to get started.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your perfect batch of 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right ingredients ensures the best results for these simple cookies.
- Peanut Butter: For the classic texture and taste, use traditional processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. These brands contain stabilizers that help the cookies hold their shape beautifully. Research on food science indicates that stabilizers in peanut butter, such as hydrogenated oils, prevent oil separation and maintain a consistent texture. Natural peanut butter, with its oil separation, can result in a drier or more crumbly cookie. Both creamy and chunky varieties work well; choose based on your texture preference.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar gives these cookies their signature crisp edges and soft centers. For a chewier cookie with a hint of molasses flavor, you can try using light brown sugar instead. When considering sugar substitutes like Splenda or coconut sugar, be aware that they may alter the final texture, sometimes leading to a slightly drier result.
- Egg: The egg is crucial here; it acts as the primary binder, holding all the ingredients together. If you need a vegan alternative, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, left to thicken for 5 minutes) or a chia egg can work. Be mindful that vegan substitutions might slightly change the cookie’s texture and spread.
Equipment
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for these easy cookies. Here’s what to grab:
- Large mixing bowl
- Sturdy spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (highly recommended for easy cleanup)
- Fork (for that classic crosshatch pattern)
Instructions
Making these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you have it; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine all three ingredients: the large egg, the cup of peanut butter, and the cup of granulated white sugar. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or a spatula to mix everything together thoroughly. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a cohesive dough that is uniform in color and texture. Avoid overmixing; just combine until smooth.
Once your dough is ready, spoon out small, golf-ball sized portions. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form neat, uniform balls. This helps ensure even baking. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.
Now, take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball to create the classic crosshatch pattern. Press in one direction, then rotate the fork 90 degrees and press again. This distinctive pattern is not just for looks; it helps the cookies bake evenly.
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Look for edges that are lightly golden brown and centers that still appear slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry.
Finally, allow your super easy three ingredient peanut butter cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them. They will be quite delicate when warm and firm up as they cool, ensuring they don’t crumble. Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!
Pro Tips for Perfect 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Achieving the best results with these simple cookies is easy with a few expert tips.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your oven. For chewier cookies, bake for 8 minutes. If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, extend baking to 10-11 minutes.
- Cooling Process: Always let the cookies cool fully on the baking sheet. They are very delicate straight from the oven and will firm up significantly as they cool, preventing them from crumbling.
- Peanut Butter Choice: Stick with traditional, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Its stable consistency is key to the perfect texture for these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until all ingredients are combined and no streaks of sugar or egg remain. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Evenly Spaced: Arrange your dough balls with enough space on the baking sheet. This ensures air circulates properly and prevents cookies from merging into one giant cookie.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
These versatile cookies are perfect for many occasions.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a warm cookie with a tall, cold glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise or grab one for a quick snack.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store your cooled 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They remain wonderfully fresh and soft.
- Freezer (Baked): Once completely cooled, place baked cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freezer (Dough): Roll raw dough into balls, then freeze them on a tray until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Flavor Variations
- Add a splash of vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon) to the dough for enhanced flavor.
- Include a small pinch of sea salt (1/4 teaspoon) to beautifully balance and enhance the peanut butter.
- Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or mini M&Ms for a delightful texture and taste.
- Experiment with different sugars, as discussed, for varying chewiness and flavor notes.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a cozy, aromatic twist.
- For a vegan option, use a suitable egg replacer, keeping in mind potential texture changes.
Nutrition Information
Please note that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Per 1 cookie serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 3 g |
| Calories | 146 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 12 mg |
| Sodium | 74 mg |
| Potassium | 104 mg |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 15 IU |
| Calcium | 8 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg |
Conclusion
You now have the simplest, most delicious recipe for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies at your fingertips. This incredibly easy method proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complex steps to create a truly satisfying homemade treat. From quick cravings to last-minute gatherings, these cookies are a dependable winner. Go ahead, bake a batch today! We encourage you to try this recipe, share your creations, and let us know what you think by rating it!
Looking for a classic bakery-style cookie? These 3-ingredient cookies are naturally flourless. If you prefer a traditional cookie texture with crispy edges and a fluffy center using gluten-free flour, check out our Best Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the ingredients in 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
They usually include peanut butter, one egg, and white sugar. These three items form a soft dough that bakes into sweet, chewy cookies.
How to make butter cookies with 3 ingredients?
Mix soft butter, sugar, and flour in a bowl until a smooth dough forms. Shape the dough into small balls, press gently, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the edges turn light gold.
What can I bake with three ingredients?
You can bake peanut butter cookies, butter cookies, banana oatmeal cookies, shortbread, or Nutella cookies. Many treats need only a base ingredient plus a sweetener and a binder.
What’s the trick to chewy peanut butter cookies?
Pull the cookies from the oven while the centers still look soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet so they finish setting without drying out.
What are common peanut butter cookie mistakes?
Some frequent issues include:
Baking too long, which causes dry cookies
Using natural peanut butter, which can cause crumbly texture
Mixing the dough too much
Skipping the cooling step, which leads to breakage1
What is the healthiest cookie you can eat?
A simple 3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookie is often considered healthier. It uses mashed bananas, oats, and optional mix-ins like raisins, keeping the sugar low and the ingredients clean.
Easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: The Simplest Recipe Ever!
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Cookie sheet
- Fork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or chunky
- 1 cup white sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, peanut butter, and sugar, mixing well with a wooden spoon.
- Scoop golf-ball sized portions of dough and place them onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Gently flatten each dough ball with a fork, creating a cross-hatch pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheet before serving.