3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

I still remember the first time my neighbor Mrs. Henderson knocked on our door with a plate of warm cookies, their edges golden and that unmistakable criss-cross pattern pressed into each one. “These are my emergency cookies,” she said with a wink. “When you need something sweet but only have three things in your pantry.” That was my introduction to 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies the recipe that’s saved countless afternoons when unexpected guests dropped by or when my kids needed something special for a school event.

There’s something magical about a recipe so simple that you probably have everything you need right now. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment just three humble ingredients that transform into something absolutely wonderful. This one’s close to my heart because it proves that the best recipes aren’t always the most complicated ones.

Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These simple 3 ingredient cookies are everything you need when life gets busy but you still want something homemade. First, they’re incredibly easy peanut butter cookies even if you’re brand new to baking, you can make these successfully. I promise.

What I love most is how they taste like pure peanut butter joy. Without flour or butter competing for attention, the peanut butter flavor really shines through. They’re also naturally gluten-free, which means everyone at your table can enjoy them together.

Most importantly, these cookies are ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish. When my grandkids visit and we suddenly need a baking project, these are my go-to. The dough comes together so quickly that little hands can help with every step.

What You’ll Need

The beauty of this 3 ingredient cookies lies in its simplicity. You only need three ingredients, and I bet you have them all right now:

• Creamy peanut butter – This is your star ingredient, so choose one you love eating straight from the jar. I always reach for a natural peanut butter without too much added oil. The consistency should be smooth and spreadable, not separated or too thick.
• Granulated sugar – Regular white sugar works perfectly here. It sweetens the cookies and helps create that lovely golden exterior. Don’t substitute with brown sugar – it changes the texture completely.
• One large egg – This acts as your binder, holding everything together and giving the cookies their tender texture. Room temperature eggs mix more easily, but don’t worry if you forget to take it out ahead of time.

That’s it! No flour, no butter, no baking powder. Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most satisfying results.

Let’s Make Them Together

Making these homemade 3 ingredient cookies feels more like mixing than actual baking, and that’s exactly why I love them:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Trust me on the parchment – these cookies can be a bit sticky when warm.
2. Mix everything in one bowl using either an electric mixer or just a sturdy spoon. Combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until the mixture is creamy and smooth. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like thick frosting and pulls away from the sides of the bowl cleanly.
3. Scoop and shape the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Here’s the fun part – flatten each ball with the back of a fork, making that classic criss-cross pattern. These cookies don’t spread much, so you can place them fairly close together.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just slightly golden. Don’t overbake – they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after you remove them. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

The whole process takes about 15 minutes, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing.

Serving Suggestions

These 3 ingredient cookies are perfect on their own with a cold glass of milk, but they’re also wonderful for creating special moments. I love serving them warm with vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies for an instant dessert that feels fancy.

During the holidays, I’ll drizzle them with melted chocolate or press a chocolate chip into the center before baking. For summer picnics, they travel beautifully and don’t require refrigeration like some delicate cookies do.

They’re also perfect for quick desserts when you’re hosting. Stack them on a simple plate, and everyone thinks you spent hours in the kitchen.

Make It Your Own

While I love the classic version, these cookies are wonderful for experimenting:

• Add mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking
• Try different nut butters – almond butter or cashew butter work beautifully with the same measurements
• Make them smaller for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or lunch boxes
• Roll in cinnamon sugar before flattening for a sweet, spiced coating

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

I’ve made these 3 ingredient cookies countless times, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. First, don’t overmix the dough once everything comes together, stop. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of tender.

If your dough seems too sticky to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This makes scooping much easier and gives you more control over the shape.

The biggest mistake I see people make is overbaking. These cookies look almost underdone when they’re perfect. They’ll firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to leave them in longer.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These no flour 3 ingredient cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. I like to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, they freeze wonderfully for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

You can also make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for easier scooping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies remind me that some of the best things in life are beautifully simple. They’re proof that you don’t need a pantry full of ingredients to create something special that brings people together.

Every time I make these, I think of Mrs. Henderson and her generous spirit. She taught me that the best recipes aren’t just about the food they’re about the moments we create when we share them with others.

So go ahead, make a batch today. Your kitchen will smell like home, and you’ll have something wonderful to share. Cook with feeling, not just timing, and trust that these simple ingredients will create something magical.

Thanks for being in my kitchen today. I hope these cookies bring as much joy to your home as they’ve brought to mine.

Explore More Flavors Cookies

• Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Carrot Cake Cookies recipe
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Cookies
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
• Classic Sugar Cookies

Print