3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

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Three-ingredient peanut butter cookies are a game-changer for any home baker. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you’ll have a batch of perfectly sweet, chewy cookies ready in less than half an hour. Whether you’re baking for an after-school snack, a spontaneous sweet craving, or looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe delivers consistent results with pantry staples.

Why These Cookies Work

Peanut butter cookies traditionally call for flour, butter, and other leavening agents. But this flourless version proves that simplicity can produce remarkable results. Thanks to the peanut butter’s rich, creamy texture and binding qualities, you achieve cookies that are soft in the middle, crisp around the edges, and loaded with nutty flavor.

These cookies offer more than convenience. They’re also naturally gluten-free, making them accessible to more people without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients Overview

You only need three basic ingredients:

1. Peanut Butter

• Smooth and creamy peanut butter is key. Select a brand with a robust, roasted flavor—Jif and Skippy work perfectly.
• Avoid natural varieties with separated oil or unsweetened blends, as these can yield greasy or crumbly cookies.
• Crunchy peanut butter brings unexpected texture, but can make the cookies unstable.

2. Granulated Sugar

• White sugar provides the classic sweetness and a slight crunch.
• You can experiment with light brown sugar for a caramel note and softer texture.

3. Egg

• One large egg binds everything together, helping the cookies rise and set.
• Ensure your egg is at room temperature to blend seamlessly.

Table: Basic Ingredient Breakdown

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Using an oven thermometer ensures even, reliable results.

2. Prepare the Dough

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and the egg.
• Use a hand mixer or sturdy fork to blend until a smooth dough forms. Dough will be glossy and thick.
• Avoid overmixing—just blend until the streaks disappear.

3. Shape the Cookies

• Pinch off portions of dough using a spoon or small cookie scoop—aim for about 1 tablespoon per cookie.
• Roll each portion into a smooth ball with your palms.
• Arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.

4. Create the Signature Criss-Cross

• Dip the tines of a fork in water or sugar.
• Press gently into the top of each dough ball horizontally, then vertically, forming the iconic criss-cross pattern. This flattens the cookies and aids even baking.

5. Bake

• Place the tray in the oven’s center rack.
• Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges look set. The centers will appear soft.
• Cookies may seem slightly undercooked; that’s ideal for a chewy interior.

6. Cool and Serve

• Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up.
• Use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool fully.

Make It Your Own: Easy Variations

Small tweaks can transform this humble recipe into something special for any occasion.

Nut Butter Alternatives

• Almond butter yields a lighter flavor and slightly softer bite.
• Cashew butter creates a creamy cookie with a mild, buttery undertone.
• Sunflower seed butter gives a nut-free option; taste will be earthier.

Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

• Chocolate chips: Press a few chips atop each dough ball before baking.
• Chopped peanuts: Stir into the dough or sprinkle on top.
• Dried fruit: Mix in a handful of raisins or cranberries for a twist.

Flavor Boosts

• A splash of vanilla extract brings warmth.
• A pinch of sea salt sprinkled after baking boosts the nutty depth.
• For a spiced spin, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg directly to the dough.

Healthier Swaps

• Substitute coconut sugar for a deep, toasty sweetness.
• Use a sugar substitute like stevia for fewer calories, but follow manufacturer guidelines for measurements.

Baking Tips From Experience

Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few tweaks and techniques.

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: The egg blends best if it’s not cold—set it out 30 minutes before starting.
• Avoid Natural Peanut Butter: The oils can separate, making the dough greasy and unstable.
• Don’t Overbake: Slight softness in the center means a moist, chewy cookie once cooled.
• Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake at the same rate.
• Sugary Crust: Roll balls in sugar for sparkle and a faint, crunchy shell.
• Prevent Sticking: For a clean fork pattern, dip the fork in water or sugar between cookies.

Storage and Freezing

Freshly baked cookies tend to disappear fast. If you do have leftovers, here’s how to keep them at their best.

At Room Temperature

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Place a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
• They stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Refrigeration

• Extend shelf life to 2 weeks by storing in the fridge.
• Let cookies warm slightly before enjoying for best texture.

Freezing

• Lay cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag with excess air pressed out.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Bonus—Freeze the Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze unbaked. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Why are my cookies crumbly or falling apart?
They may be overbaked or the peanut butter used may have been too oily or dry. Stick to standard creamy peanut butter for best results.

Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
Peanut butter dough is denser and spreads less than traditional dough. Flattening and scoring helps them bake evenly and creates the signature look.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Try substituting the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg”: mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes, then use as you would a regular egg.

How do I make cookies extra chewy?
Bake for only 8 minutes and let cookies finish setting on the tray outside the oven.

The Joy of Simplicity

Three-ingredient peanut butter cookies are proof that delicious things don’t have to be complicated. Relying on pantry staples makes them accessible, and their taste never disappoints. Whether you keep them classic or add your own creative spin, these cookies are a testament to culinary minimalism.

Set aside a few minutes, gather your three ingredients, and bake a batch—you’ll find this recipe becomes a go-to for its ease and crowd-pleasing flavor.

Related Recipes

For peanut butter lovers, there’s a whole world beyond the classic cookie:

• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Flourless Peanut Butter Brownies
• Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Bars

Explore and experiment—simplicity is just the beginning.