Sometimes, you just crave something sweet, but the idea of baking sounds like a hassle. Don’t worry—these 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are here to save the day! With only a handful of common ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Let’s dive into the easiest cookie recipe you’ll ever bake.
Ingredients:
1 cup of peanut butter: You can use creamy or crunchy, depending on your texture preference.
1 cup of sugar: Granulated white sugar works best for this recipe, but brown sugar can add a caramel-like flavor.
1 egg: This is the binding agent that holds everything together.
That’s it! Just three ingredients—no flour, no butter, no baking powder, and no fuss!
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough. You can mix by hand with a spoon or use a hand mixer for convenience.
Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about the size of a tablespoon) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a fork, creating the classic crisscross pattern on top.
Bake: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they’ll set quickly. They should be golden brown around the edges when they’re ready.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies:
Crunchy vs. Creamy: If you like a bit of texture in your cookies, go for crunchy peanut butter. Otherwise, creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother finish.
Add a Twist: Want to get creative? Toss in a handful of chocolate chips or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for an extra treat.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are a fantastic go-to for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re gluten-free, quick to make, and perfect for those moments when you want to whip up something fast and satisfying. Plus, they’re so simple that they’re a great recipe to make with kids.
Whether you need a last-minute dessert or just want to indulge in a homemade treat without the fuss, this recipe will not disappoint!
This quick and easy recipe is sure to be a hit on your food blog! You can include some variations or even create a step-by-step video to go along with it for more engagement. Let me know if you’d like help with that!
Add Some Fun Variations
While the classic 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are delicious on their own, you can easily customize them with some fun and simple variations. Here are a few ideas to elevate your cookie game:
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
Once the cookies are baked and cooled, melt some chocolate (either milk or dark) and dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to set. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a winner!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Before baking, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb and fill it with a dollop of your favorite jam or jelly. Bake as usual, and you’ve got yourself peanut butter and jelly cookies—like a portable PB&J sandwich!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add a handful (about 1/2 cup) of chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking for a classic flavor combination. The chocolate chips melt perfectly in the peanut butter base, creating pockets of gooey chocolate.
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top of the cookies after baking for a sweet and salty twist. The balance of flavors is irresistible.
Healthier Substitutions
If you’re looking to make these cookies a bit healthier or cater to different dietary needs, here are a few substitution ideas:
Sugar Substitute: Swap the regular sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-sugar option. Keep in mind this might change the texture slightly.
Natural Peanut Butter: Use all-natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils for a more wholesome cookie. The consistency may be a bit different, but the taste will still be great!
Egg-Free Version: If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are incredibly versatile, making them great for a variety of occasions:
Quick Snacks: Whip up a batch for an afternoon snack or a post-dinner treat.
Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a cute box or jar for an easy, homemade gift. Add a note with the recipe for an extra personal touch.
Baking with Kids: Since this recipe only has three ingredients, it’s perfect for little ones who are just starting to learn how to bake.
These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are proof that simple can be delicious. Whether you keep them classic or jazz them up with fun add-ins, they’re a crowd-pleaser that anyone can make. Plus, with no flour involved, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them accessible for friends or family with dietary restrictions.
Next time you have a craving for something sweet but don’t want to deal with complicated recipes or a long ingredient list, give these cookies a try. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so tasty!
