Craving something sweet and simple? These three-ingredient peanut butter cookies are the perfect solution. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can whip up a batch of delicious, gluten-free cookies in no time. Perfect for a quick snack or a last-minute dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
All the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most households. However, if you don't have peanut butter on hand, make sure to grab a jar from the supermarket. Choose a smooth or creamy variety for the best texture. Sugar and an egg are pantry staples that you likely already have.

Ingredients For Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter: The star of the show, providing a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Choose smooth or creamy peanut butter for the best results.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a slightly crispy texture on the outside of the cookies.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding the cookies together and giving them structure.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the peanut butter, sugar, and egg, ensure that the peanut butter is at room temperature. This will make it easier to blend the ingredients smoothly and create a more uniform dough. If the peanut butter is too cold, it can be stiff and difficult to mix, which might result in uneven cookies.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for those with peanut allergies.
peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a nut-free option that mimics the consistency and taste of peanut butter, suitable for those with nut allergies.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, making it a healthier alternative to regular sugar.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that can replace sugar, though it may slightly alter the texture of the cookies.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) is a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients similarly to a regular egg.
egg - Substitute with chia egg: A chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) works as a binding agent and adds a slight crunch to the cookies.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze These Cookies
- To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to a week.
- If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will last for up to two weeks in the fridge.
- For those who love to plan ahead, these peanut butter cookies can be frozen. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- When you're ready to enjoy your cookies, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warm and soft.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, consider dipping the cookies in melted chocolate before freezing. This adds a delightful twist and makes them even more irresistible.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the peanut butter cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy on the edges.
Use a microwave-safe plate and arrange the cookies in a single layer. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue in 5-second intervals to avoid overheating.
For a toaster oven, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on the rack or a small baking tray. Heat for 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the cookies in a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the towel will help soften the cookies.
For a quick stovetop method, place a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add the cookies and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the required temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.
Baking sheet: Used to place the rolled cookie dough balls for baking.
Fork: Used to flatten the cookie dough balls and create the crisscross pattern.
Measuring cup: Used to measure out 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 cup of sugar.
Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.
Cooling rack: Used to let the cookies cool down after baking.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out peanut butter, sugar, and egg ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Batch preparation: Double the recipe and freeze extra dough balls for quick baking later.
Quick mixing: Use an electric mixer to combine ingredients faster and achieve a smoother dough.
Uniform shape: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
- Flatten with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
I suggest you try these favourites too!
- Apple Fritters Recipe25 Minutes
- Biscotti Recipe1 Hours
- Rhubarb Muffins Recipe40 Minutes
- Butter Cookies Recipe25 Minutes
- Brookies Brownie Cookies Recipe35 Minutes
- Maple Syrup Recipe35 Minutes
- Lemon Posset Recipe20 Minutes
- Black Raspberry Cobbler Recipe45 Minutes
- Flan Mexicano Recipe1 Hours 15 Minutes
- Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe1 Hours 20 Minutes
- Doughnuts Recipe35 Minutes
- Raspberry Pie Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
Leave a Reply