3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever craved something sweet but didn’t want to dig through a long ingredient list, these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the answer. They’re soft, chewy, and made with simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand—peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. That’s it!
What I love most about these cookies is how beginner-friendly they are. No mixer required, no fancy steps—just stir, scoop, and bake. They’re naturally flourless, which makes them gluten-free, and they’re perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or those moments when you just need a cookie.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, helpful variations, and storage tips so your batch of peanut butter cookies turns out perfectly every single time.
Simple Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
The beauty of 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies is in their simplicity. You don’t need flour, butter, or baking powder—just three everyday staples that create a soft, chewy cookie in minutes.
- Peanut butter – Smooth or crunchy both work.
- Sugar – White sugar for crispier cookies or brown sugar for a softer bite.
- Egg – Helps bind the dough and keeps the cookies chewy.
That’s it! With only three ingredients, you can whip up a batch of easy peanut butter cookies without any fuss. These cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for almost anyone to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have warm, chewy cookies in under 20 minutes.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg.
- Stir with a spoon until everything is smooth and well blended.
- The dough for these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies will be thick but easy to scoop.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Roll into balls and place them on your baking sheet.
- Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once cooled, your batch of 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies is ready to enjoy—soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter goodness!
You May Also Like
- Christmas Crack Recipe – An easy, addictive holiday treat made with crackers, chocolate, and toffee.
- Strawberry Mochi Cake Recipe – A soft, chewy, and fruity dessert that’s just as simple and fun.
- Zucchini Bread Recipe – A simple, moist bread that’s perfect for snacking or breakfast.
Tips & Variations
One of the best parts about 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies is how flexible the recipe is. With just a few tweaks, you can make them crunchier, softer, or even keto-friendly.
- For chewy cookies – Use brown sugar instead of white. It gives these flourless peanut butter cookies a softer texture and a richer flavor.
- For crispier cookies – Stick with white sugar and bake an extra minute or two.
- Add chocolate – Mix in chocolate chips, drizzle melted chocolate, or dip half the cookie for a sweet upgrade.
- Go nutty – Swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you need a peanut-free option.
- Make it keto-friendly – Replace sugar with monk fruit or erythritol for low-carb quick peanut butter cookies that still taste amazing.
- Double the batch – This recipe is so easy you’ll want to bake extra and freeze some for later.
| Ingredient | Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| White sugar | Brown sugar | Softer, chewier cookies |
| Peanut butter | Almond butter | Nutty twist |
| Regular sugar | Monk fruit/erythritol | Keto-friendly version |
With these simple swaps, you can take your batch of 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies in so many directions while keeping the recipe just as quick and easy.
Storage & Freezing Guide
Once your 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are baked, you’ll want to keep them fresh as long as possible. Luckily, they store beautifully and freeze well too.
- Room Temperature: Place cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread in the container to help prevent them from drying out.
- Refrigerator: If your kitchen runs warm, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for 2–3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop and shape the dough into balls, then freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a bag and bake directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two of baking time.
Whether you want a cookie fix today or a stash for later, 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies keep their flavor and texture perfectly when stored right.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even though 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are one of the easiest desserts you can make, sometimes little baking hiccups happen. Here are quick fixes for the most common problems:
- Why are my cookies crumbly?
This usually happens if you use natural peanut butter with too much oil separation. For sturdier 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies, make sure to stir well or use a no-stir variety. - Why are my cookies too soft?
If your cookies feel underbaked, leave them in the oven for another minute or two. Remember, 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. - Why did my cookies spread too much?
Warm dough or oily peanut butter can cause extra spreading. Try chilling the dough for 10 minutes before baking. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to mix thoroughly so the egg is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
These little tips will help ensure every batch of 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies comes out perfectly soft, chewy, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with peanut butter cookies—here are just a few:
- Super simple – No flour, no butter, no fancy equipment. Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Quick to make – From bowl to oven in less than 10 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Gluten-free – Since these are naturally flourless peanut butter cookies, they’re ideal for anyone avoiding gluten.
- Budget-friendly – You only need three pantry staples, and the results taste like a bakery treat.
- Kid-approved – These cookies are fun to make with kids and delicious for after-school snacks.
- Customizable – Dress them up with chocolate chips, drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Once you try these This cookies, you’ll understand why they’re a classic recipe that never goes out of style.
When to Serve These Cookies
The beauty of peanut butter cookies is that they fit into almost any occasion. They’re not just a quick snack—you’ll find yourself making them for so many reasons:
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up – Perfect with coffee or tea when you need a sweet bite.
- After-School Treats – Kids love them, and you’ll love how fast they come together.
- Potlucks & Parties – These quick peanut butter cookies travel well and are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Holiday Baking – Add them to a Christmas cookie platter for an easy gluten-free option.
- Midnight Cravings – Because sometimes you just need warm cookies now.
No matter the occasion, these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the kind of treat that makes everyone smile. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
While peanut butter cookies are delicious all on their own, you can make them even more fun by pairing them with other treats:
- Classic & Simple – Enjoy warm cookies with a cold glass of milk.
- With Ice Cream – Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a quick dessert.
- Coffee Break – Dunk these flourless peanut butter cookies into your morning coffee or afternoon latte.
- Party Platters – Add them to a mix of brownies, truffles, or sugar cookies for an easy dessert spread.
- Fruity Twist – Serve with fresh strawberries or bananas for a sweet-and-salty combo.
- Chocolate Lovers – Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies or dip them halfway for a bakery-style finish.
These easy serving ideas take your batch of 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies from a simple snack to a share-worthy dessert.
Nutrition Facts & Serving Info
Yield: 18 cookies
Serving Size: 1 cookie
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cookie, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimates only and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies without sugar?
Yes! You can swap the sugar for alternatives like monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol. Just keep in mind that texture may change slightly, but your 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies will still be chewy and delicious.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Since there’s no flour in this recipe, peanut butter cookies are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain any hidden additives.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be runnier, which can make the dough softer. If using it, stir well before measuring and consider chilling the dough for 10 minutes before baking.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Your flourless peanut butter cookies are ready when the edges are slightly golden and the center looks set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly so the egg is evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
What are the ingredients for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
The ingredients are simple: peanut butter, sugar, and one egg. That’s all you need to make soft, chewy cookies in minutes.
Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?
If your cookies are crumbly, it’s usually because of the peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can separate and make the dough too oily. For sturdier cookies, use a no-stir peanut butter or chill the dough before baking.
What are the basic ingredients for peanut butter cookies?
Traditionally, peanut butter cookies require flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and baking soda. But this recipe skips the extras—you only need three staples to make perfect flourless peanut butter cookies.
What can I bake with three ingredients?
Besides 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies, you can make treats like Nutella brownies (Nutella, eggs, flour), banana pancakes (banana, eggs, oats), or shortbread (butter, sugar, flour). Three-ingredient desserts are quick, simple, and budget-friendly.
Recipe
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup sugar (white or brown)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into balls, and place on baking sheet.
- Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are set.
- Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, use brown sugar. For crispier cookies, use white sugar.
- If using natural peanut butter, stir well before measuring and chill the dough if it feels too soft.
- Add chocolate chips, drizzle melted chocolate, or sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor.
- To freeze: store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months, or freeze dough balls and bake straight from frozen (add 1–2 minutes baking time).
- These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are naturally flourless and gluten-free.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1 cookieAmount Per Serving:Calories: 120Total Fat: 8gCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 4g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
And there you have it—the easiest, most foolproof batch of 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies you’ll ever make. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can whip up a warm, chewy treat in under 20 minutes. No mixers, no fancy ingredients, just simple baking that works every single time.
These cookies are versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a quick afternoon snack, a holiday platter, or a late-night craving. Plus, with endless variations and easy storage, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
If you try these peanut butter cookies, I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Drop a comment below with your favorite twist, or snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram @QuickWhiskRecipes so I can see your creations.
