Make easy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies with just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. These soft, chewy cookies come together in minutes and are perfect for quick desserts, snacks, or beginner baking.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: Simple, Quick, and Delicious
When you want homemade cookies without a complicated recipe or long ingredient list, 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are the perfect solution. These cookies are naturally gluten-free, require no flour, no butter, and no baking powder, yet they still deliver a rich, nutty flavor and soft, chewy texture.
This classic recipe is ideal for beginner bakers, busy days, or sudden cookie cravings. With just a few pantry staples, you can have warm, homemade cookies ready in under 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 basic ingredients
- No flour required
- Quick and easy to make
- Soft and chewy texture
- Perfect for beginners
- Ready in under 20 minutes
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
- Yield: 12–18 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
That’s it—just three simple ingredients.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Peanut butter
- Sugar
- Egg
Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each).
Roll them into balls using your hands.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 4: Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern
Use a fork to gently press down each cookie.
Then press again in the opposite direction to create a crisscross pattern.
This helps flatten the cookies and gives them their signature look.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the oven.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
The centers may look slightly soft—that’s normal.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
They will firm up as they cool.
Tips for Best Results
Do Not Overbake
These cookies continue to set after baking, so remove them while slightly soft in the center.
Use Room Temperature Egg
This helps the dough mix more evenly.
Choose Creamy Peanut Butter for Soft Cookies
Crunchy peanut butter adds texture but may make cookies slightly more crumbly.
Adjust Sweetness if Needed
If you prefer less sweetness, you can slightly reduce the sugar.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough.
Double Peanut Butter Cookies
Drizzle melted peanut butter on top after baking.
Salted Peanut Butter Cookies
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt before baking for contrast.
Peanut Butter Oat Cookies
Add a small amount of oats for extra texture (note: no longer strictly 3 ingredients).
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies prove that simple baking can still be incredibly satisfying. With minimal effort and basic pantry ingredients, you can create soft, chewy cookies that are full of rich peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re baking with kids, short on time, or just want a quick homemade treat, this recipe is a reliable favorite you’ll return to again and again.