3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

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Making cookies from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, simplicity wins. With only three ingredients, you can create rich, chewy, flourless peanut butter cookies in minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or stepping into the kitchen for the first time, this recipe removes the barriers. Grab your peanut butter, sugar, and egg—the basics—and discover just how easy a satisfying treat can be.

Why These Cookies Work

Ask any home baker: the classic pairing of peanut butter and sugar is unbeatable. Add egg, and you unlock the texture and structure needed for a traditional cookie without flour, baking soda, or butter. This recipe is grounded in basic kitchen science. The peanut butter acts as both fat and flavor base, sugar brings sweetness and structure, while egg binds everything together. The result? Crackly edges, soft centers, and bold, nutty flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

Choosing the right ingredients elevates these cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Peanut Butter

• Type matters: Choose a creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter, which contains only peanuts and salt, tends to separate and can produce oily or dry cookies.
• No need for crunchy: Creamy creates the desired smooth texture, while crunchy bits might make the dough crumbly.

Sugar

• Granulated white sugar is standard for this recipe and gives a crisp edge and tender bite.
• You can try swapping in brown sugar for extra moisture and a mild toffee flavor. Avoid powdered sugar, as it changes the dough’s binding ability.

Egg

• A large, room-temperature egg mixes easily. Cold eggs can cause the dough to seize and not come together smoothly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set yourself up for cookie success by following this straightforward method. Each step plays a role in creating the perfect cookie.

1. Gather and Prep

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Tools:
• Mixing bowl
• Fork or electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

2. Preheat Your Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the cookies puff, set, and achieve a golden exterior.
• Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

3. Mix the Dough

• Combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl.
• Stir with a fork or beat at low speed with a mixer until the mixture forms a uniform dough. It should be thick and glossy.

4. Shape the Cookies

• Scoop out walnut-sized portions (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the baking tray.
• With a fork, press a crisscross pattern onto each ball. This flattens the cookies and allows for even baking.

5. Bake

• Bake for 9-11 minutes. They should look just set with a hint of golden color around the edges.
• Don’t overbake: They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

6. Cool and Serve

• Let the cookies rest on the tray for 2 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes.
• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Baking should be enjoyable—not stressful. Here are common pitfalls and fixes:

Dough Won’t Come Together

• Problem: Ingredients are not mixing smoothly.
• Solution: Use a room-temperature egg and ensure the peanut butter isn’t separated. Stir peanut butter well before measuring.

Cookies Crack or Crumble

• Problem: Cookies fall apart after baking.
• Solution: Don’t overbake. Slightly underbaked cookies firm up as they cool. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately.

Oily or Dry Texture

• Problem: Cookies feel too greasy or too dry.
• Solution: Avoid natural peanut butter for this recipe; shelf-stable options provide a better balance of fats and solids.

Example Table: Troubleshooting at a Glance

Recipe Variations

You’re not limited to the classic trio. A few small tweaks can take these cookies in new directions:

Chocolate Lovers

• Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over finished cookies for extra flair.

Nutty Crunch

• Mix in chopped roasted peanuts or swap peanut butter for almond butter.
• Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top for contrast.

Spice Things Up

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• Grate in orange zest for a citrusy scent.

Lower Sugar Options

• Substitute half the sugar with coconut sugar or a stevia blend (adjust for sweetness as needed).

Savory-Sweet Mashups

• Stir in a handful of crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
• Bake with a sprinkle of smoked salt to enhance the nutty notes.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Enjoy these cookies fresh, but don’t worry if you have extras.

Staying Fresh

• Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

Freezing

• Freeze baked cookies: Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. Store up to 3 months.
• To thaw: Let cookies stand at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

Make-Ahead Dough

• Freeze dough balls before baking, unbaked, then bake straight from the freezer with a minute or two of extra baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?

Shelf-stable creamy peanut butter is best here. Natural varieties may result in greasy or dry cookies due to the separation of oils. If you’re set on using natural peanut butter, stir it thoroughly and be prepared for a slightly different texture.

Are These Gluten-Free?

Yes, this classic recipe contains no wheat or flour, making it naturally gluten-free. Always check the peanut butter and other ingredients to ensure no cross-contamination.

Can I Make Them Vegan?

Try swapping the egg for a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2½ tablespoons water, let thicken for 5 minutes). The texture will be a little softer but still delicious.

How Can I Make Them Chewier?

Bake for just 8 minutes, then leave the cookies on the baking tray for a few extra minutes to set before moving to a rack.

Nutrition Snapshot

Here’s a general breakdown per cookie (assuming a batch of 18 small cookies):

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 9g

Numbers may vary depending on brands and optional add-ins.

More Peanut Butter Treats

If you love these cookies, why not branch out? Try making:

• Peanut butter rice krispie bars
• Classic peanut butter fudge
• No-bake peanut butter oat bites

Each treat delivers big flavor and comes together in a flash—just like these cookies.

Three-ingredient peanut butter cookies prove that a handful of pantry staples can go a long way. With just a bowl, a spoon, and a bit of time, you can bring warm, homemade cookies to the table. Try the base recipe, explore a variation, and enjoy sharing this simple pleasure with others.