Name: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup white sugar; 1 large egg

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 85 reviews

If you’re anything like me and crave quick, no-fuss treats, then this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s wonderfully simple, satisfying, and perfect for those moments when you want fresh-baked cookies without a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen. I love this recipe because it delivers rich, peanut buttery goodness with a sweet crunch — and you probably already have everything you need in your pantry!

What’s genuinely special about this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how versatile and forgiving it is. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find these cookies come together effortlessly, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime you want a homemade treat. Plus, it’s great for busy days when you want something quick and delicious without all the fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity: Only three ingredients and a super fast prep time makes it perfect for busy schedules.
Delicious Flavor: The peanut butter shines through with just the right touch of sweetness.
Kid-Friendly: My kids love helping me roll the dough and make the classic fork print!
Minimal Cleanup: Less mess, fewer dishes, and a happy kitchen—what’s not to love?

The image shows a close-up of a round peanut butter cookie with a light brown color and a textured pattern of crisscross lines pressed on top. The cookie looks slightly crumbly and thick. Behind it, there is a white plate holding several more cookies with the same look, partially visible. The surface beneath the cookies is a white marbled texture with a few cookie crumbs scattered around. The overall scene is bright and clear, highlighting the rough texture and warm color of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but work perfectly together. When you combine creamy peanut butter, sugar, and egg, the magic happens, creating cookies that are chewy yet slightly crisp on the edges. Grab a good-quality peanut butter for best flavor – I always reach for one with no added oils for a cleaner taste.

Peanut Butter: Creamy works best here to give your cookies that smooth texture.
White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form that slightly crunchy exterior.
Egg: Acts as your binder to hold everything together and add that perfect chew.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all for giving recipes your own spin, and the 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is no exception. Sometimes I toss in a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to amp up the flavor, but you can get really creative here. Whether you want gluten-free or sugar-free versions, it’s easy to tweak without losing that classic peanut butter vibe.

Variation: Adding a handful of chocolate chips mixed in gives a melty, delightful surprise in every bite—I swear my family can’t get enough of this twist.
Variation: Swap regular sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly caramel-y flavor that’s less sweet but equally delicious.
Variation: If you prefer crunchy texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy; the results are wonderfully nutty.
Variation: For a plant-based version, try a flax egg instead of a regular egg and monitor the texture before baking.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix It Up Until Smooth

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a bowl, combine your peanut butter, sugar, and egg. I use an electric mixer because it makes the process effortless and helps create a creamy, smooth dough, but you can mix by hand if you want — just make sure it’s well combined with no lumps. The dough might feel sticky, but don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want.

Step 2: Roll and Press for Perfect Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Then comes the fun part: use a fork to gently press down on each ball, making the classic criss-cross pattern. It’s not only charming but also helps the cookies bake evenly. Just be gentle to avoid squishing them too flat at this stage.

Step 3: Bake Until Edges Are Firm

Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Watch closely toward the end; you want the edges to look set and slightly golden while the centers stay a bit soft—this ensures that chewy texture we love. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack. It’s tempting to dive in right away, but a little cooling helps them hold their shape better.

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Pro Tips for Making 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Don’t Skip Preheating: An oven that’s hot enough helps the cookies bake properly without spreading too much.
Size Matters: Rolling the balls too big or too small will change baking time, so stick to 1-inch balls for consistent results.
Leave Space: Give each cookie enough room to expand—crowding can cause them to merge into one giant cookie.
Cool Before Moving: Patience pays off—wait a few minutes before transferring to a rack to keep their perfect shape.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

A group of round peanut butter cookies is arranged in two rows on a white marbled surface, partially covered by a white cloth with red stripes in the background. Each cookie is light brown with a slightly crumbly texture and features a crisscross fork pattern pressed into the top. The cookies overlap slightly, showing their even thickness and soft edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with these cookies, but sometimes I sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top right after flattening for a salty-sweet combo that’s irresistible. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate after baking adds a lovely touch. Honestly, these little extras make a big difference when you’re sharing with friends or bringing them to a party.

Side Dishes

These peanut butter cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit like apple slices, which adds a refreshing contrast. They’re perfect as a quick snack or a dessert after a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these cookies in a pretty jar layered with mini marshmallows or alongside homemade fudge for a festive treat box. Another fun idea is to sandwich two cookies with a smear of jelly or chocolate spread for a surprise twist. These little presentation touches always get compliments and make your simple 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and chewy for about 3-4 days. To keep them from getting dry, I add a slice of bread inside the container—the moisture helps keep the cookies soft. It’s a simple trick that’s saved me more than once from disappointing crumbly cookies.

Freezing

If I want to keep these cookies longer, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cookies keep well for up to 3 months. When it’s cookie time, I just thaw them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, and they taste just as fresh.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I pop leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This makes them nicely soft and gooey, just like they just came out of the oven. It’s my go-to when I want a quick treat fix!

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works fine, but because it tends to have some oil separation, you’ll want to stir it well before measuring. Sometimes it makes the dough a bit oilier, so you might need to refrigerate it briefly before rolling to make handling easier.
Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Since this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe contains no flour, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

You can swap brown sugar for white sugar, though the flavor and texture will change slightly. Brown sugar adds moisture and a mild molasses taste, creating softer cookies, which I personally enjoy.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your dough is chilled or at least not too warm before baking, and keep the cookie balls spaced well apart. Also, using creamy peanut butter instead of oily natural types helps maintain shape better.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe enough if you want something fast, tasty, and comforting. Every time I make these, I’m reminded that simple ingredients and a little love go a long way. Whether it’s a last-minute snack or a weekend baking project, this recipe never disappoints — I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do.