3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet so satisfying. Whenever I want a quick, no-fuss treat that still feels homemade and delicious, this one’s my go-to. You only need three ingredients that I almost always have on hand, which means I can whip these up for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings with zero stress.

What makes this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe so special is the perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor and just enough sweetness from sugar, with the egg pulling it all together beautifully. Whether you’re baking with kids or just looking for a super easy cookie fix, you’ll find that these cookies come out soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth every single time—it’s really a recipe you’ll want to keep bookmarked!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These three ingredients work so perfectly together—each one playing its part to bring out the classic peanut butter cookie flavor without needing anything extra. When shopping, I recommend using a quality peanut butter because it really makes the difference in taste, whether you go creamy or chunky.

• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together and adds a lovely richness.
• Peanut Butter: Choose creamy for a smoother cookie or chunky if you want extra texture.
• White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the ideal cookie crispness on the outside.

Variations

I love how adaptable this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is; I’ve played around with it quite a bit, and you can really make it your own. Don’t be afraid to try different peanut butters or mix-ins— it’s all about what you enjoy most.

• Add Chocolate Chips: I like folding in a handful of mini chocolate chips before baking for an extra sweet surprise in every bite.
• Use Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with a natural sweetener for a softer, chewier cookie with a hint of caramel flavor.
• Sprinkle Sea Salt: Just a pinch on top before baking enhances the peanut butter taste and balances the sweetness.
• Make it Vegan: Swap the egg for a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use vegan peanut butter to keep it plant-based.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a large bowl and mix together the egg, peanut butter, and sugar using a wooden spoon. You’ll notice the dough gets pretty thick—that’s exactly what you want. The trick I discovered is to stir just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Step 2: Shape Your Cookies

Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out golf ball-sized portions of the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. I like to space them about 2 inches apart, since they won’t spread much during baking. Then, gently press down on each ball with a fork to flatten and create those classic crisscross marks. This step is half the fun and gives the cookies that familiar look.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when the edges just start to turn golden, they’re ready. My best tip is to let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes because they’re soft when hot but set perfectly as they cool. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, patience here pays off—you’ll get cookies that hold together without crumbling.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

When I want to add a little extra flair, I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a few mini chocolate chips on top of the cookies right before baking. It enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds a fun texture contrast. Sometimes, I drizzle melted dark chocolate after they’re cooled for a special treat.

Side Dishes

I often serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea for the perfect mid-afternoon combo. For a wholesome snack, pair them with some fresh fruit like apple slices or banana — the natural sweetness balances out the rich peanut butter flavor nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging these cookies in a pretty jar or tin lined with parchment paper and tied with a simple ribbon. Another idea is stacking them on a festive plate and topping with edible flowers or chopped nuts for a rustic look that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They remain delightfully soft and chewy as long as they’re sealed well. If I live in a humid climate, I place a slice of bread in the container to keep moisture balanced—it’s a little trick I picked up to avoid dryness.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When I want a quick treat, I just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and they taste just like fresh-baked.

Reheating

If you want to warm them up, I pop the cookies into a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. I find this revives the softness and brings out the peanut butter aroma beautifully without making them chewy or rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I used to struggle with complicated cookie recipes that required tons of ingredients until I stumbled on this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. It changed how I bake—quick, effortless, and always delicious cookies. I really encourage you to give this one a try; it’s a super friendly recipe that welcomes any baker, beginner or pro, and your family will thank you every time you pull these warm, nutty cookies fresh from the oven.

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