Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want a sweet treat but without the fuss. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe with you—it’s basically magic in cookie form. Just three simple ingredients, minimal effort, and bam! You’ve got soft, chewy peanut butter cookies that will make your kitchen smell irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it might become your new go-to for a last-minute dessert or snack.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These three ingredients work together perfectly to create the best peanut butter cookie. I love that you can customize it a bit based on what kind of peanut butter you have, but I’ll share all my tips below!

• Egg: Acts as the binder to keep your cookies from falling apart.
• Peanut Butter: Smooth or chunky works fine—chunky adds a nice little crunch and more texture.
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that classic cookie crunch on the outside.

Variations

One thing I love about this Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve tried adding little twists that keep things exciting and cater to different tastes in my family.

• Variation: Adding a handful of chocolate chips—because who can say no to melty chocolate in peanut butter cookies?
• Dietary Modification: Swap white sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile (though honey slightly changes the texture).
• Salted vs. Unsalted Peanut Butter: Using salted peanut butter gives a nice balance, but if yours is unsalted, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on top before baking.
• Texture Preference: Choose chunky peanut butter if you like a bit of crunch; creamy makes the cookies super smooth and soft.

How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). No need to grease your baking sheet—these cookies won’t stick much if you space them out properly. I usually line mine with parchment paper just to be safe and for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and toss in your peanut butter, sugar, and egg. I like using a sturdy wooden spoon to mix because it gives you good control, but a spatula or even a hand mixer works too. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth—don’t worry if it looks thick, that’s exactly what you want.

Step 3: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop out small golf-ball-sized balls of dough and place them evenly spaced on your ungreased baking sheet. I use a cookie scoop to keep the sizes consistent, but spoons work just fine. Then gently press them down with a fork, making the classic criss-cross pattern. This not only looks charming but helps the cookies bake more evenly.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. It’s tempting to leave them longer for a darker color, but I’ve found that 8 minutes gives you that perfect soft and chewy texture. Once out, let the cookies cool right on the baking sheet—they firm up as they cool and you’ll avoid breakage.

How to Serve Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep these cookies simple right out of the oven, but if you want to dress them up, sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking really amps up the flavor. Another fun idea I’ve tried is drizzling melted dark chocolate over them once cooled—adds a touch of elegance and richness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a fun twist, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert that feels special.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, arrange these cookies on a pretty platter with some parchment paper doilies, or stack them tied with a cute ribbon. I’ve also wrapped small batches in clear cellophane bags with a handwritten note—such a hit with neighbors and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for about 4 to 5 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long in your house!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop a few out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I like to heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or toss them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. Heating brings back that freshly-baked softness and melts the peanut butter just enough to make them irresistible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe turns out every single time. It’s been my lifesaver on busy days or when a sudden sweet craving hits. The simplicity means you can whip up cookies without special trips to the store or long prep times. Honestly, they have that homemade charm with almost zero effort—I’d recommend giving it a try even if you don’t consider yourself a baker. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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