3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

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

These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a tiny triumph of simplicity. With just granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and a single egg you can whip up a tray of tender, slightly chewy cookies in under 30 minutes. Expect a warm, nutty aroma as they bake, a crisp edge giving way to a soft, peanut-buttery center, and a lightly cracked top that invites a quick crunch. They are perfect for last-minute dessert needs, baking with kids, or when you want a classic cookie without a long ingredient list. If you enjoy minimalist baking, you may also like a simple twist on sugar cookies found in this other recipe, which shares the same easy spirit: 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar — Provides sweetness and helps create the classic crackled top and slight crispness on the edges.
1 cup creamy peanut butter — Use smooth peanut butter for a uniform texture and rich peanut flavor.
1 large egg — Binds the dough and contributes to the cookie structure and tenderness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lining the sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until smooth and well combined. If the peanut butter is very stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. A small cookie scoop or two spoons works fine for consistent sizes.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread without running into each other.
Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top. Press once in one direction and then again at a right angle.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers tender.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This short rest allows them to firm up so they do not break when moved.
Serve and enjoy. For an idea of a peanut-butter style cookie with a frosting twist, see a related take on frosted peanut butter cookies here: Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies (1 tablespoon dough per cookie)
Calories: Approximately 100 kcal per cookie

For another peanut butter cookie variation that adds mix-ins and texture, you can compare styles with this bakery-style version: Bakery Peanut Butter Cookies.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tip: Measure the peanut butter by spooning it into the cup and leveling, rather than packing, for more consistent results.
Tip: If the dough is sticky, chill for 10 minutes to make rolling easier.
Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies arranged in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variation ideas using existing ingredients:
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture without adding any new ingredients.
- Swap in natural-style peanut butter if you prefer a more pronounced peanut oil flavor. Stir well to incorporate oil before mixing.
- Slightly reduce sugar by one to two tablespoons if you prefer a less sweet cookie, keeping the other ingredients the same.
  For an unrelated, simple three-ingredient recipe you might try in your meal rotation, see this light gelatin option: 3-Ingredient Gelatin Recipe.

FAQ

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, crunchy peanut butter works fine and adds pleasant texture.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
A: No, refrigeration is optional. Chill for 10 minutes only if the dough is too sticky to shape.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Keep dough portions consistent and allow space between cookies. Chilling can also help control spread.

Q: Can I make these without sugar?
A: This recipe requires sugar as listed. Do not remove ingredients.

Q: How do I know when they are done?
A: The edges should be set and the tops slightly cracked after 10 minutes in the oven.

Conclusion

These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are proof that simple baking can be deeply satisfying. They deliver a comforting peanut aroma, a slightly crisp edge, and a soft, chewy center with minimal effort. If you want to compare similar three-ingredient versions, take a look at this classic community-tested version on Allrecipes: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe – Allrecipes, or see another easy take with helpful notes and photos here: Super Easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Try the recipe, share your results, and enjoy a cozy batch with a glass of milk or coffee.