3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

When you’re on the hunt for a treat that promises both rich peanut butter flavor and unbeatable ease, look no further than these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a batch of sweet, chewy cookies coming out of the oven in mere minutes! These cookies have the perfect balance of soft, gooey centers and lightly crisp edges, making them a winning choice for busy days, quick celebrations, or whenever a craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these three humble ingredients come together to create such a satisfying cookie. Each one plays a crucial role—nothing extra, nothing missing!

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Go for a good-quality, creamy peanut butter for the silkiest texture and the deepest peanut flavor in every bite.
• Light Brown Sugar, packed: Brown sugar brings a lovely caramel note and just the right touch of moisture to make your cookies extra chewy.
• Large Egg: The egg magically binds everything together, creating a soft yet stable cookie that holds up with every delectable bite.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and slip right off the pan with no fuss!

Step 2: Cream Together Peanut Butter and Sugar

Add your creamy peanut butter and packed brown sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat these together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. Creaming not only combines the ingredients but also starts building that soft, tender crumb we love in these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Crack your large egg into the bowl and beat on low until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage. You want the mixture to come together without becoming dense, keeping your cookies light and chewy inside.

Step 4: Shape the Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Give them enough room to spread. For that classic crisscross design, lightly grease a fork and gently press it onto each dough ball in one direction, then the other to form a cross-hatch pattern.

Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Enjoy

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 7 minutes, or just until the edges start to brown. Don’t be tempted to overbake—the cookies should look puffy and just-set, as they finish setting while cooling. Let them rest on the pan for one to two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Now all that’s left is to enjoy your batch of 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies warm or cool—you really can’t go wrong!

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can dress them up with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right as they come out of the oven for a delightful salty-sweet finish. For extra decadence, try drizzling a touch of melted dark chocolate or dusting with powdered sugar. Even a handful of mini chocolate chips pressed into the tops before baking adds a fun twist!

Side Dishes

Serve your 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat. If you’re making dessert platters for a gathering, these cookies pair perfectly with fresh fruit, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or even your favorite cup of hot coffee or tea.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies love a little creative presentation! Stack and tie them with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a playful ice cream sandwich. You can even crumble them over yogurt or sundaes for a peanut butter cookie crumble topping. The simple ingredient list means these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies can star in all sorts of fun desserts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, pop your cookies into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and soft at room temperature for three to four days—if they last that long! If you notice they’re losing some chewiness, tuck a slice of bread in the container to help keep them moist.

Freezing

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies freeze like a dream, whether you’re storing baked cookies or raw dough balls. Place baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper. For dough, shape and crisscross as usual, freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a bag for instant cookies whenever you crave them. Both options last up to three months.

Reheating

To refresh cookies from storage, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave revives that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and softness. For frozen dough, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time, and enjoy cookies that taste just baked!

FAQs

Do I have to use creamy peanut butter?

Creamy peanut butter ensures a smoother texture and better binding. While crunchy peanut butter can be used for more texture, the results may be a little drier—but still delicious!

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

White sugar does work, but you’ll lose some of the rich, caramel notes and chewy texture that brown sugar brings. Brown sugar is highly recommended if you want the classic taste and feel of these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies.

Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Absolutely! Just grab a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon and some elbow grease. The dough is easy to stir together by hand, especially with softened peanut butter.

Why do my cookies fall apart?

If the cookies are especially crumbly, they may have been overbaked or not allowed to cool fully on the pan. Letting them set briefly after baking helps them firm up for that perfect bite.

Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?

Of course! While the beauty of these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies is their simplicity, a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can make them your own. Just don’t overload with mix-ins, or you might change the cookie’s structure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, fuss-free dessert that delivers on both flavor and comfort, these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies truly hit the spot. They come together in a snap and are guaranteed to disappear just as quickly! Go ahead, whip up a batch and see how effortlessly homemade cookies can bring a smile to your day.

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