If you’re looking for a truly simple yet irresistibly delicious treat, this 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. With just sugar, peanut butter, and an egg, you can whip up soft, chewy cookies that burst with rich flavor and perfect texture. These cookies are comfort food at its easiest, perfect for when you want a quick homemade dessert that tastes like you spent hours baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Despite having only three ingredients, each one plays a vital role in the success of these peanut butter cookies. They come together effortlessly and create a cookie that’s sweet, creamy, and endlessly satisfying.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge on the cookies.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers rich flavor and moisture for that soft, chewy bite.
- 1 large egg (at room temperature): Binds everything together and gives structure to the dough without complicating the recipe.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making clean-up effortless and your cookies picture perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, creamy peanut butter, and the egg. Stir together until you have a smooth, uniform dough with no streaks of sugar or egg white. The dough will be thick but easy to scoop.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it gently into a ball. Place these evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet, about two inches apart to give them room to spread slightly while baking.
Step 4: Create a Classic Crisscross Pattern
Take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball, creating a grid-like crisscross pattern on the top. This iconic look not only adds charm but helps the cookies bake evenly through their thickness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges to set and the cookie tops to develop slight cracks—they’re a telltale sign that your cookies are perfectly baked.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for five minutes. This cooling time allows them to firm up a bit, so they don’t break apart when transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or press a few chocolate chips or sea salt flakes on top before baking for an extra special touch. Garnishes enhance the flavor and elevate the homemade look.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or creamy vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the peanut butter complements both beverages and desserts beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of chocolate spread or marshmallow fluff. Or, arrange them on a festive plate with fresh fruit or nuts to turn a simple snack into a delightful dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover peanut butter cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed tight preserves their soft, chewy texture so they remain just as delightful as when freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies even longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They freeze beautifully and can be kept for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm cookie, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will revive their softness and make them taste freshly baked all over again without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture with peanut bits in every bite, making your 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe even more interesting.
Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?
Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the dough, ensuring a smooth mixture and even baking. If your eggs are cold, you can warm them by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before using.
Can I substitute sugar with a sugar alternative?
Yes, but keep in mind that different sweeteners can affect texture and sweetness levels. Granulated sugar gives the best classic cookie texture, so experimenting might require some adjustments.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for set edges and slightly cracked tops, usually after 10 minutes of baking. The cookies will still be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Doubling the ingredients works perfectly, just make sure to bake the cookies in batches so they have enough space on the baking sheet for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to make something delicious. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for anyone craving a sweet peanut butter treat. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a beloved go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
Delicious, easy-to-make peanut butter cookies with just three simple ingredients: granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and an egg. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and peanut flavor with a soft, chewy texture. Ready in just 15 minutes, they are an ideal quick treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookies 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 to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and the room temperature egg. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined, forming a uniform dough.
- Form dough balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it gently into a ball. Place each dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Create crisscross pattern: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create a classic crisscross pattern on top of the cookies.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges appear set and the tops show slight cracking, indicating doneness.
- Cool on baking sheet: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents breaking when transferring.
- Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy these simple and satisfying peanut butter cookies!
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a smoother dough texture.
- For a crunchier texture, bake a minute or two longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter for a more authentic peanut flavor, but the texture may vary.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free treat, ensure your peanut butter and sugar are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
