Super Easy Peanut Butter Cookies: Just 3 Ingredients!

Craving a delicious and satisfying treat but short on time and ingredients? Look no further! These super easy peanut butter cookies are the answer. Made with just three ingredients, they’re incredibly simple to whip up and require minimal effort. Perfect for a quick dessert, a last-minute snack, or a fun baking activity with kids, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to indulge in the chewy, peanut buttery goodness!

Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

• Unbelievably Easy: Seriously, these are the easiest cookies you’ll ever make.
• Minimal Ingredients: Just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg!
• Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes.
• Deliciously Chewy: The texture is perfectly chewy and melts in your mouth.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: A great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping to make (and eat!) these cookies.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or sea salt for extra flavor.

The Secret to the Perfect 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

While the recipe is incredibly simple, a few key things will help you achieve the best results:

• Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is essential for a smooth and consistent cookie dough. Natural peanut butter can be used, but ensure it’s well-mixed and doesn’t separate. If it’s too oily, the cookies may spread too much.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Overbaking will result in dry and crumbly cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• The Fork Trick: Pressing the cookies with a fork not only creates a classic peanut butter cookie look but also helps to flatten them, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them to firm up and prevents them from breaking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter: Use your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter. Avoid using chunky peanut butter for this recipe.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps the cookies to spread slightly.
• 1 Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together and adding moisture.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet will work perfectly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl is needed to combine the ingredients.
• Fork: To press the cookies and create the classic peanut butter cookie pattern.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your own batch of delicious 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix well until a smooth and consistent dough forms. It may take a minute or two for the ingredients to fully incorporate.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 4: Flatten with a Fork

Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball in a criss-cross pattern. This flattens the cookies and creates the classic peanut butter cookie design. Dip the fork in sugar between pressing each cookie to prevent it from sticking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still be slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg will incorporate more easily into the dough.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Add Vanilla Extract: For an extra touch of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
• Make Them Chocolatey: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for chocolate peanut butter cookies.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies adds a delicious salty-sweet contrast.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize your peanut butter cookies:

• Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the dough for a classic chocolate peanut butter combination.
• Sprinkles: Decorate the cookies with sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkle the cookies with sea salt after baking for a salty-sweet flavor.
• Oats: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a chewier texture.
• M&Ms: Press M&Ms into the tops of the cookies before baking.
• Peanut Butter Chips: Add peanut butter chips to the dough for an extra peanut butter boost.
• Cinnamon: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
• Nutella Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of Nutella on top of each cookie before baking.
• Jelly Thumbprints: After pressing the cookies with a fork, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with your favorite jelly or jam.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that’s always a winner.
• With Ice Cream: Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• In an Ice Cream Sandwich: Use the cookies as the base for an ice cream sandwich.
• With Coffee or Tea: A perfect accompaniment to your morning or afternoon beverage.
• As a Snack: Pack them in your lunchbox or enjoy them as a quick and easy snack.
• As a Gift: Package them in a pretty box or bag and give them as a homemade gift.

Troubleshooting

• Cookies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking. Make sure to bake the cookies for the recommended time and don’t overbake them.
• Cookies are too crumbly: This could be due to using too much flour or not enough egg. Follow the recipe carefully and make sure to use the correct measurements.
• Cookies are spreading too much: This could be due to using too much sugar or not chilling the dough before baking. Make sure to use the correct amount of sugar and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Cookies are sticking to the baking sheet: Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Protein: 5-7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?

A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it’s well-mixed and doesn’t separate. If it’s too oily, the cookies may spread too much. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough to help bind it together.

Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

A: Yes, you can use brown sugar for a chewier and more molasses-like flavor. The cookies will also be slightly softer.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. The dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply bake the frozen dough balls as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I make these cookies vegan?

A: Yes, you can make these cookies vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Q: How do I prevent the fork from sticking to the dough?

A: Dip the fork in sugar between pressing each cookie. This will prevent the fork from sticking to the dough.

Q: Can I add other extracts besides vanilla?

A: Absolutely! Almond extract, maple extract, or even a hint of peppermint extract can add a unique flavor dimension to your cookies.

Q: What if my dough is too sticky?

A: If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and become easier to handle. You can also add a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough.

Conclusion

These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are a lifesaver for those times when you need a quick and easy dessert. They’re incredibly simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, chewy, and delicious peanut butter cookies. Happy baking!

Recipe Card

Super Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

Total Time: 13-15 minutes

Yield: About 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Large Egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix well.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
4. Press each ball with a fork in a criss-cross pattern.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
6. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Enjoy!

Notes:

• For best results, use creamy peanut butter.
• Don’t overbake the cookies.
• Dip the fork in sugar to prevent sticking.

Enjoy your homemade peanut butter cookies!