These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can whip up a batch of these classic cookies in no time. They’re perfect for a quick baking project, a last-minute dessert, or a fun activity to do with kids.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: These cookies are incredibly easy to make with only three ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of peanut butter and sugar creates a classic and comforting flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile: You can enjoy them plain or add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts, for a customized treat.

Ingredients
You only need three simple ingredients to make these delicious cookies:
- Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness. You can use granulated sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together. You can use a flax egg for an egg-free version.
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.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix with an electric mixer or by hand until well combined. The dough should be soft and easy to scoop.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form the dough into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to press down on each cookie ball in a criss-cross pattern, creating the classic peanut butter cookie design.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Do not overbake, as the cookies will continue to cook as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature ingredients will blend more easily into the dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): If the dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

- Simple Snack: These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious on their own as a simple and satisfying snack.
- With Milk or Coffee: Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee or tea.
- Dessert: Serve them as a simple yet satisfying dessert after a meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the cookies may be slightly more crumbly.
Can I add other ingredients to these cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other mix-ins to the dough.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can use vegan butter and a flax egg as an egg substitute.
How can I make these cookies crispier?
Bake them for a few minutes longer, or use a higher oven temperature.
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
Description
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are incredibly easy to make with just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute like stevia)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix with a paddle attachment or whisk until well combined. The dough should be soft and easy to scoop.
- Shape Cookies: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form the dough into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten Cookies: Use a fork to press down on each cookie ball, creating a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is recommended for the best texture.
- Sugar: You can use a granulated sugar substitute, but it may alter the texture and taste.
- Egg-Free: Use a flax egg as an egg substitute.
- Baking Time: Watch closely to prevent over-baking.
- Cooling: Cookies will firm up as they cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg