If you are on the lookout for a quick, effortless, and utterly delicious treat, the 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies bring together just three simple ingredients to create a perfectly chewy, sweet, and nutty delight that satisfies any cookie craving in no time. Perfect for those busy days or when you want a homemade dessert without the fuss, this recipe is a wonder of simplicity and flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three essential ingredients are all you need to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies. Each one plays a crucial role: sugar provides sweetness and structure, peanut butter delivers rich flavor and creamy texture, and the egg binds everything together to form the perfect cookie consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that slightly crisp edge on the cookies.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, offering a rich, nutty taste and moist texture.
- 1 large egg (at room temperature): Binds the dough together and gives the cookies their chewy, tender crumb.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and keeps your cookies from sticking, setting the stage for perfectly shaped treats.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and room temperature egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This simple blend comes together quickly and promises a cookie dough that’s easy to handle.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball with your hands. Place the dough balls spaced about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to give them room to bake without merging.
Step 4: Create the Classic Crisscross
Take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball, making a crisscross pattern. Not only is this a signature look for peanut butter cookies, but it also helps flatten the dough for even baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the tops develop slight cracks, signaling that chewy, delightful texture inside.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. This rest period helps them firm up a little before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they are all set to be enjoyed!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sophisticated salty-sweet contrast, or dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar to give them a charming, bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate dessert time with a creamy, melting complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, sandwich two cookies with chocolate ganache or peanut butter cream in between to create a luscious cookie sandwich. Alternatively, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let them set for an irresistible snack that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy a quick sweet bite whenever you want.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring these cookies back to that fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave them for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Warm cookies taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookies, giving them a nice little crunch in every bite. It’s a fun variation to try if you enjoy a bit of extra nutty goodness.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No need to chill this dough! Since the recipe is so simple and quick, you can bake the cookies right after mixing. This makes the 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
Can I substitute the sugar for brown sugar or a sugar alternative?
Brown sugar can add a deeper caramel flavor and slightly more moisture, which is delicious. Just keep in mind the texture might be a bit softer. Sugar alternatives might affect sweetness and texture, so use them cautiously.
Will these cookies be crunchy or soft?
These cookies strike a beautiful balance—they’re soft and chewy in the center with a little crisp edge. The sugar and peanut butter combination creates that classic peanut butter cookie texture that’s simply irresistible.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Doubling the ingredients is straightforward and perfect for when you want to bake more to share with friends or save some for later. Just be sure to adjust your baking sheets accordingly to avoid overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is pure magic in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and fuss, you can create a scrumptious batch of cookies that feel homemade and special every time. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and warm hearts. Give this recipe a try today—you’re going to love how easy and rewarding it is!
Print
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy treat that requires just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. With a soft, chewy texture and sweet peanut butter flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying your cookie cravings with minimal effort and ingredients.
Ingredients
Main 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. This ensures a non-stick surface and even baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, peanut butter, and egg. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and fully blended into a uniform dough.
- Shape Dough: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, making a classic crisscross pattern on top of the cookies which also flattens them slightly for even cooking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops show slight cracks, indicating the cookies are cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set further before handling.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies!
Notes
- For best texture, use creamy peanut butter without added oil.
- Make sure the egg is at room temperature to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
- You can add vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance flavor, though it’s optional.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
