Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you love simple, no-fuss baking projects, then this Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is going to become your absolute go-to. Seriously, I was amazed the first time I whipped these up — just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, and you’ve got soft, chewy cookies that feel like a total treat but come together in a snap. Stick with me here, because I’ll also share some tips and tricks so your cookies always come out perfect.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Picking just three ingredients means each one really matters here. I recommend using a good-quality peanut butter, whether you prefer creamy or chunky, because it totally impacts the flavor and texture. Also, using fresh eggs and regular granulated sugar is key for that classic cookie taste.

• Egg: Acts as the binder here; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
• Peanut Butter: Choose your favorite brand—creamy will yield smoother cookies, chunky adds a nice crunch.
• White Sugar: Provides that classic sweetness and helps with the chewy texture; I stick to regular granulated sugar for this one.

Variations

I’m all for customizing recipes to fit your mood or what’s in your pantry, so I love tossing in a few extras sometimes. You can easily make these your own by adding mix-ins or trying out a few tweaks I’ve discovered along the way.

• Adding Chocolate Chips: I sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra gooey bites, and my family absolutely loves it.
• Using Honey Instead of Sugar: For a different sweetness, I sometimes swap sugar for honey—but keep in mind the cookies will be softer and spread more.
• Sprinkle of Sea Salt: Adding a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking really amps up the flavor contrast.
• Peanut Butter with No Sugar Added: If you want a healthier version, try natural peanut butter without added sugar, though cookies will be less sweet.

How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Workspace

Start by heating your oven up to 350°F (175°C). This is important because you want it fully preheated before the cookies go in so they bake evenly. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or just leave it ungreased like I do – these cookies don’t stick much, which is a nice bonus.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Gently but Thoroughly

In a large bowl, add your peanut butter, sugar, and egg. I usually use a wooden spoon to mix because it gives you better control — you want everything fully combined but you don’t need to overwork it. The dough will be sticky but manageable. This is where the magic starts to happen.

Step 3: Form the Dough Balls and Create the Signature Fork Pattern

Grab a spoon and drop golf-ball sized spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them — give each cookie about two inches of space. Then gently press each ball down just a little bit, and use a fork to make those classic crisscross marks on top. This isn’t just for looks; it helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that homey vibe.

Step 4: Bake and Cool with Patience

Pop them in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—once the edges start to turn golden, they’re done. They’ll look a bit soft in the center when you take them out, but don’t worry, they firm up as they cool. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet so they set perfectly before diving in.

How to Serve Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with these cookies, but sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top right after baking. It adds just the right savory contrast to the sweet peanut butter flavor. For a festive touch, you might dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top – fancy but still super easy.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a cold glass of milk, naturally. If you want something extra, I like serving them with fresh fruit or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a nice snack next to a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I’ve arranged these cookies on a platter with colorful sprinkles or crushed peanuts around the edges. You could also stack a few with a layer of chocolate ganache between for a cookie sandwich twist – people always ask for seconds when I do that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and chewy for about four days. Just make sure the container is sealed tight to keep the moisture in.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe. I lay the formed dough balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes — just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If I have leftover cookies that got a bit firm, I gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. That brings back the soft, chewy texture perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe gives you delicious, satisfying cookies with hardly any fuss or planning — it feels like a small victory every time I bake them. Whether you’re a beginner or just need a quick treat, these cookies won’t disappoint. Try them out next time you want something sweet and simple; I promise they’ll become one of those recipes you reach for over and over.

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