3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Combining creamy or chunky peanut butter with just sugar and an egg, this recipe is both convenient and incredibly tasty. Not only are these cookies perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings, but they’re also ideal for beginners in baking or busy home cooks.

This comprehensive guide covers everything—from choosing your ingredients to perfectly baking and storing your cookies—ensuring exceptional results every time.

Ingredients

To create these easy and delicious peanut butter cookies, you’ll only need three pantry staples:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg (room temperature recommended)

Ingredient Notes:

• Peanut Butter: Choose your favorite brand. Creamy peanut butter results in smoother, softer cookies, whereas chunky peanut butter provides a delightful crunch and extra texture.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar is recommended, but you can substitute brown sugar for cookies with a softer, chewier texture and a slightly caramelized flavor.

• Egg: The egg acts as a binding agent and gives the cookies structure. Using a room-temperature egg ensures better mixing and consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a straightforward yet thorough method to baking perfect 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies every time:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg.

• Mix using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the dough comes together smoothly and all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3: Shape and Decorate

• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.

• Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

• Use a fork to gently press down each ball, creating a crisscross pattern.

Pro Tip: Dip the fork lightly in sugar before pressing to prevent sticking and add a delightful crunchy texture on top.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching closely. Cookies are done when edges start to brown slightly, but centers remain soft.

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

Tips for Perfect Results

Follow these tips to ensure consistently perfect peanut butter cookies every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs to help ingredients combine more smoothly.

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies.

• Uniform Size: Keeping dough balls uniform in size helps cookies bake evenly.

• Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven. Remove them when edges are lightly browned but centers still seem slightly soft.

Serving Suggestions

While these cookies are delightful straight from the oven, consider these serving ideas to elevate your treat:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich your favorite vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible dessert.

• Chocolate Dip: Dip cookies halfway into melted chocolate and let them set for an elegant upgrade.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or sea salt flakes on top before baking for an added crunch and flavor contrast.

• Warm Delight: Warm slightly and serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage maintains the freshness, taste, and texture of your cookies. Here’s how to store them effectively:

At Room Temperature:

• Allow cookies to cool completely.

• Place cookies in an airtight container, ideally separated by parchment paper layers.

• For extended freshness, place a small piece of bread in the container to absorb moisture, keeping cookies soft.

• Shelf Life: Up to one week.

Freezing Instructions:

• After cooling completely, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for about 1 hour or until firm.

• Transfer frozen cookies into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air before sealing.

• Label with date before freezing.

• Shelf Life: Up to 3 months.

• Thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

To ensure consistent perfection, address these common baking concerns:

• Too Crumbly: If dough seems too crumbly, add a teaspoon of peanut butter to achieve better consistency.

• Spreading Too Much: Chill dough for about 15–20 minutes before baking if cookies spread excessively during baking.

• Overly Sweet: Reduce sugar slightly or substitute a portion with brown sugar or coconut sugar to adjust sweetness without sacrificing texture.

Final Thoughts

These easy, delicious 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies showcase how simplicity can lead to perfection. This recipe requires minimal effort yet produces outstanding results, ideal for spontaneous cravings, quick snacks, or even thoughtful homemade gifts.

By paying attention to simple details like ingredient quality, mixing technique, and baking times, you can confidently create cookies that delight every time. Experiment with serving options or added toppings to create personalized treats that everyone will love. Happy baking!