3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

As a busy parent and self-proclaimed cookie enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. Let me tell you, these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are an absolute game-changer! From the moment I stumbled upon this recipe, it has become a staple in our household. My kids adore them, and honestly, so do I! The simplicity is astounding – just three ingredients magically transform into chewy, flavorful cookies that satisfy any sweet craving. Whether it’s a last-minute dessert for unexpected guests, a fun baking project with the little ones, or just a simple treat for a cozy evening, these cookies are always a hit. They are unbelievably quick to whip up, require minimal cleanup, and the taste? Pure peanut butter bliss! If you’re searching for an effortless yet incredibly rewarding cookie recipe, look no further. These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy, your choice! Opt for a no-stir variety for best results and consistent texture. Natural peanut butter can also be used, but ensure it’s well-stirred and might require slight adjustments to the sugar depending on its sweetness.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: White granulated sugar provides the perfect sweetness and helps create that classic cookie texture. You can also experiment with brown sugar for a slightly chewier and molasses-like flavor.
• 1 Large Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the cookies. Make sure your egg is at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother dough.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking these cookies to ensure they cook through without burning on the edges. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup, while a silicone mat is reusable and provides even heat distribution. Setting up your baking sheet beforehand streamlines the process once the dough is ready.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 large egg. It’s important to use a bowl that’s large enough to comfortably mix the ingredients without spillage. You can use either a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to combine these ingredients. If using a hand mixer, start on low speed to prevent sugar from flying out, then gradually increase speed as the mixture comes together. If mixing by hand, ensure you thoroughly combine everything until a smooth, uniform dough forms. Initially, the mixture might seem dry or crumbly, but as you continue to mix, the egg will emulsify the peanut butter and sugar, creating a cohesive dough. Don’t be afraid to use your hands towards the end to really bring it all together if needed.
3. Mix Until Dough Forms: Continue mixing the ingredients until a smooth and slightly sticky dough forms. This step is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture. The dough should be easy to handle and hold its shape when rolled into balls. If the dough seems too dry, it’s likely due to the type of peanut butter used. Natural peanut butters, especially those with less oil, can sometimes result in a drier dough. If this happens, you can add a teaspoon of water or milk to the dough to help bring it together. Conversely, if the dough seems too wet, it could be due to a larger egg or a very oily peanut butter. In this case, you can add a tablespoon of flour to help absorb some of the excess moisture, although this will technically make it a 4-ingredient cookie. The ideal dough consistency is soft, pliable, and slightly tacky to the touch.
4. Roll Dough into Balls: Once the dough is ready, take tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop helps ensure uniform cookie sizes, which is important for even baking. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round balls. If you find the dough sticking to your hands, you can lightly dampen your hands with water or dust them with a tiny bit of flour. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
5. Press with a Fork in a Criss-Cross Pattern: This is the classic peanut butter cookie step! Take a fork and gently press down on each dough ball, first in one direction and then again perpendicular to the first lines, creating a criss-cross pattern. This not only flattens the cookies to the desired thickness but also creates those signature grooves that are characteristic of peanut butter cookies. The fork pressing also helps the cookies bake more evenly. You can dip the fork in a little sugar between pressings if you find it sticking to the dough, although this is usually not necessary. Press down firmly enough to flatten the cookies to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness.
6. Bake in Preheated Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookies, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. You’re looking for the cookies to be just set and lightly golden brown around the edges. The centers will still be slightly soft, which is perfectly fine – they will continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cookies dry and crumbly. For chewier cookies, aim for the shorter end of the baking time. For slightly crispier cookies, you can bake for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to burn them.
7. Cool on Baking Sheet and Transfer to Wire Rack: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit more before handling. After a few minutes, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottoms of the cookies from getting soggy and allows air to circulate around them, which helps them cool down faster and maintain their texture. Resist the temptation to eat them right away – although they are incredibly tempting warm, they are even better once they have fully cooled and set.
8. Enjoy! Once completely cooled, your 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, a scoop of ice cream, or even a cup of coffee. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving – approximately 1 cookie, recipe makes about 24 cookies, nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used)

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Around 100-120 calories
  • Provides a moderate energy source, perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
• Fat: 6-8 grams
  • Primarily from peanut butter, includes both healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Sugar: 8-10 grams
  • From the granulated sugar, provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
• Protein: 3-4 grams
  • Contributed by the peanut butter and egg, important for satiety and muscle building.
• Sodium: 50-70 mg
  • Naturally occurring sodium in peanut butter, relatively low in sodium compared to many processed snacks.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Extremely quick to prepare, perfect for spontaneous baking and busy schedules.
• Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Fast baking time ensures you can have freshly baked cookies in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Total Time: 18-20 minutes
  • From gathering ingredients to enjoying warm cookies, this recipe is incredibly efficient and satisfying.

How to Serve

These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience:

• Classic with Milk:
  • The quintessential pairing! A cold glass of milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor perfectly. Ideal for an afternoon snack or a comforting treat before bedtime.
• Warm with Ice Cream:
  • Elevate dessert time by serving a warm cookie alongside a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or even peanut butter ice cream. The contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream is simply divine.
• Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches:
  • Take two cooled cookies and sandwich them together with a filling of your choice. Consider peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a simple marshmallow fluff for an extra indulgent treat.
• Dipped in Chocolate:
  • Melt your favorite chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and dip half or all of the cooled cookie into the melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set for a decadent and elegant touch. Sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
• Alongside Coffee or Tea:
  • Enjoy a cookie with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The peanut butter flavor pairs beautifully with the warmth and slight bitterness of these beverages, making for a delightful break.
• Party Platter Addition:
  • These cookies are fantastic for parties and gatherings. Arrange them on a dessert platter alongside other treats for a crowd-pleasing spread. Their simplicity and universal appeal make them a guaranteed hit.
• Packed in Lunchboxes:
  • A homemade and wholesome treat to include in lunchboxes. They are a satisfying and delicious alternative to store-bought cookies, bringing a touch of home-baked goodness to any lunch.
• Gift Giving:
  • Bake a batch of these cookies and package them in a decorative tin or bag to give as a thoughtful homemade gift. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just to show someone you care.

Additional Tips for Perfect 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Use Quality Peanut Butter: The flavor of these cookies heavily relies on the peanut butter, so choose a good quality brand that you enjoy. Creamy peanut butter will result in smoother cookies, while crunchy will add texture. For the best texture and to avoid overly oily cookies, opt for “no-stir” peanut butter varieties.
2. Room Temperature Egg is Key: Using a room temperature egg helps it incorporate more evenly into the dough. If you forgot to take your egg out of the fridge, you can quickly warm it by placing it in a bowl of lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined and a dough forms. Overmixing can develop the gluten (even though there’s no flour), resulting in tougher cookies. Mix until just combined for the best tender texture.
4. Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: If you prefer less sweet cookies, you can reduce the sugar slightly, down to ¾ cup. Alternatively, for a richer, molasses-like flavor, try using light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or a mix of both.
5. Experiment with Extracts: While technically still 3-ingredients, adding a ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile and add a touch of warmth. Other extracts like almond or even a hint of maple extract can also be delicious additions.
6. Chill the Dough for Firmer Cookies: If you prefer cookies that spread less and are slightly thicker, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls and baking. Chilling firms up the peanut butter and helps prevent excessive spreading.
7. Customize with Toppings: Before baking, you can add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie for a sweet and salty contrast. Other delicious toppings include chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, or even a drizzle of honey after baking.
8. Proper Storage is Crucial: Store your baked and cooled peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQ Section: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?

A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may affect the texture. Natural peanut butter tends to be runnier and less sweet than processed peanut butter. Ensure your natural peanut butter is well-stirred before measuring. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of flour if the dough is too wet, or slightly adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of your natural peanut butter.

Q2: What if my dough is too dry or too wet?

A: If your dough is too dry and crumbly, it’s likely due to the peanut butter being drier. Add a teaspoon of water or milk to the dough and mix again until it comes together. If your dough is too wet and sticky, it could be from a larger egg or oily peanut butter. Add a tablespoon of flour to absorb excess moisture. Start with a tablespoon and add more if needed, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough reaches the right consistency.

Q3: Can I make these cookies vegan?

A: Making these cookies vegan is a bit tricky since the egg acts as a binder. However, you can try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) as an egg substitute. The texture might be slightly different, and they may be a bit more crumbly, but it’s a viable vegan option to explore.

Q4: How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

A: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is the best way to prevent sticking. If you don’t have either, you can grease the baking sheet lightly with cooking spray or butter, but parchment or a silicone mat is more reliable and ensures easy cleanup.

Q5: Can I double or triple this recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Simply double or triple all the ingredient quantities proportionally to make a larger batch. Just ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl and baking sheets to accommodate the increased dough. Baking time should remain roughly the same, but keep an eye on them as larger batches may require a minute or two extra.

Q6: Why are my cookies crumbly and not chewy?

A: Crumbly cookies can be a result of overbaking or using too much flour (if you added extra to adjust dough consistency). Make sure not to overbake the cookies – they should be just set and lightly golden around the edges. Also, ensure you are measuring ingredients accurately, especially the peanut butter and sugar. Too much sugar can sometimes lead to a drier cookie.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

A: Yes, definitely! Chocolate chips are a fantastic addition. You can fold in about ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) into the dough before rolling into balls. This adds a delicious chocolatey element to the peanut butter flavor.

Q8: How long do these cookies last and how should I store them?

A: These cookies will stay fresh and chewy for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Freezing is a great way to have cookies on hand whenever a craving strikes!

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