3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Got a sudden cookie craving? These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are as easy as desserts get! You’ll only need peanut butter, sugar, and an egg—no flour, no hassle! They’re naturally gluten-free, come together in under 20 minutes, and they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in no time. Whether it’s a last-minute treat or a weekend baking project, this recipe is here to save the day.

Table of content

About The 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing like craving something sweet and realizing you don’t want to make a mess in the kitchen. That’s where these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies come to the rescue. Whether you’re 9 or 99, pretty much anyone can whip these up! Believe it or not, this recipe has been around for decades—it’s a classic because of how simple and versatile it is. It’s like the little black dress of desserts: timeless, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser. What makes these cookies even cooler? You don’t need any flour at all, so they’re perfect for gluten-free eaters or when you just want to keep things light. You can even put your spin on them—try drizzling some melted chocolate on top or mixing in a handful of mini chocolate chips. No matter how you bake them, these cookies are guaranteed to become a household favorite. At BellRecipes, we’re all about keeping things simple, and these cookies fit the bill BIG time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Only 3 ingredients are required—easy and budget-friendly.
  • Naturally gluten-free with no added flour.
  • Bakes in under 20 minutes.
  • Perfect for beginner bakers or cooking with kids.
  • Makes a dessert that’s sweet and chewy on the inside but slightly crisp on the outside.
  • Customizable with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or your favorite topping.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Peanut Butter: Use your favorite brand! Creamy peanut butter gives the best texture, but chunky works if you love a little crunch.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar is the go-to, but you can try brown sugar or a mix for a deeper flavor.
  • Egg: This binds everything together. If you’re vegan, you can try using a flax egg, but results may vary.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. No parchment? A non-stick spray works, too!
  • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 egg. Stir until the dough is smooth and everything’s mixed evenly.
  • Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
  • Using a fork, press down on each ball to create the classic crisscross pattern on top.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Careful not to overbake! You want them nice and soft.
  • Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you try to move them too soon, they might fall apart.

Expert Tips for Success

Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor!
Don’t skip the fork press! It makes the cookies look more authentic and helps them bake evenly.
Don’t overbake!!! These cookies will harden as they cool, so pull them out when they look just set.
To prevent sticking, dip your fork in sugar before pressing down on the cookie dough.

Variations and Customizations

Want to mix it up? Try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks to the dough before baking. For a festive touch, roll the cookie dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before pressing them with the fork. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top of each cookie before baking—it’s a game-changer!

Nutritional Information

These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are 100% worth it for a treat! At approximately 120 calories per cookie (assuming you make 12), they pack about 6g of fat, 10g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. With no flour, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, but sugar does add its sweetness. Feel free to experiment with smaller portions or natural sugar substitutes if you’re cutting back!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—if they last that long! You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. No reheating is really necessary since these cookies are best enjoyed as-is, but you could warm them in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Recipe Card of 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

5 from 1 vote
Alicia Smith
Get a taste of simple elegance with these peanut butter delights! With just three ingredients, this recipe brings out a naturally gluten-free goodness, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions. Picture a cookie with just the right hint of sweetness and a charm that's ready in under 30 minutes, using your kitchen staples.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 98 kcal

Ingredients list
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • First, gather your ingredients and get the oven warming to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 
  • In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. 
  • Roll the mixture into balls of about 1 inch and arrange them an inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. 
  • Press each down with a fork in a criss-cross pattern. Bake in the oven until edges are firm, roughly 10 minutes. Allow them to cool on the sheet before moving to a rack to finish cooling completely. 
  • Now, enjoy these irresistible, peanut buttery treats! 

Notes

For an added twist, try using crunchy peanut butter, or add some chocolate chips to the mix. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe!

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9g
Keyword 3-ingredient, cookies, peanut butter
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

All Your Questions About This Recipe

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter can make the dough a little oilier and more crumbly. Make sure to stir it well before using.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in batches. More cookies, less stress!

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can try swapping the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) or a similar substitute, but the texture may change slightly.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Not at all! These cookies were made to save time, so no chilling is necessary.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

No worries! You can use non-stick spray or even a silicone baking mat instead.

1 thought on “3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies”

  1. 5 stars
    Wow, I just tried these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, and they’re amazing! I love how simple and quick this recipe is—perfect for busy days. I’m thinking of adding a handful of chocolate chips next time for an extra indulgent twist. Thanks for sharing such a gem!

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

Leave a Recipe Comment

Recipe Rating