The Easiest 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Name: 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1 cup peanut butter; 1 egg

These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are ridiculously easy—just mix, scoop, and bake for warm, chewy perfection!

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Growing up in France, where peanut butter is practically nonexistent, I never understood the obsession.

When I moved to the U.S., I ignored it for years—until one day, for some unexplained reason, a PB&J sandwich sounded too good to resist.

One bite, and I was hooked!

Now, peanut butter is a staple in my kitchen, (Banana and PB= super yum) and these easy peanut butter cookies are one of my favorite go-to treats and the kids love it too 😋.

With just sugar, peanut butter, and an egg, this easy peanut butter cookie recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

No flour, no butter, no fuss.

Just mix, scoop, and bake for warm, chewy peanut butter cookies with the perfect criss-cross pattern on top.

Plus, they store beautifully for later snacking.

Let’s get baking—you won’t believe how fast these come together!

A close-up of a 3 ingredient peanut butter cookie leaning against a small bowl filled with peanuts. In the background, more of these simple cookies are arranged on a wooden tray. The scene is set on a white cloth.

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time: 10 minutes

Bake time: 8 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients

Using white sugar gives these 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies a crispier texture, while brown sugar adds a touch of moisture, making them extra chewy cookies with a hint of caramel flavor.

Both work beautifully, so pick your favorite—or do a mix for the best peanut butter cookies with the perfect balance of crunch and chew!

As far as which peanut butter to choose, I prefer a more natural peanut butter, one with just peanuts and salt but any brand will do.

You can use crunchy peanut butter but it might make the dough a little drier, so if it seems too crumbly, you can add an extra egg or a drizzle of maple syrup to help bind everything together. 😊

A top view showcases three bowls on a marble surface, perfectly poised to create 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies: one brimming with creamy peanut butter, another filled with granulated sugar, and the last cradling a whole egg.

1 cup sugar (White for crispier cookies, brown for chewier ones)
1 cup peanut butter (Creamy works best)
1 large egg

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Directions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2️⃣ Mix the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the cup of sugar and the cup of peanut butter. Mix until smooth. Add the large egg and mix well, scraping down the sides for even blending.

A metal mixing bowl on a marbled surface holds the beginnings of 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, with a dollop of peanut butter and a pile of sugar nestled side by side.

A mixing bowl with cookie dough and a raw egg on top rests on a marbled countertop. The light brown hue suggests a blend of sugar and butter, perfect for crafting 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies. The intact yolk waits to be blended in, promising delicious simplicity.

3️⃣ Scoop & Shape
Use a cookie scoop to portion balls of dough, about ping-pong ball size, onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Twelve perfectly spaced 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies rest on a sheet of parchment paper, ready for baking.

4️⃣ Criss-Cross Pattern
Press the back of a fork into each cookie to create the classic criss-cross pattern.

Twelve unbaked 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet, each showcasing a signature crisscross pattern. The scene is set against a light beige marble background, adding an elegant touch to this simple delight.

5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and just set.

Freshly baked 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies with crisscross fork patterns cool on a metal wire rack placed on a marble surface.

6️⃣ Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cookie jar (or straight to your mouth—no judgment!).

A wooden board holds a dozen delightful 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies on parchment paper. Neatly arranged, each cookie displays a crisscross fork pattern. Peanuts are scattered around the board, complemented by a small bowl of peanuts to the side.

Storage Tips

📌 Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
📌 Freeze for Later: Keep in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container—they freeze beautifully!

A close-up view of freshly baked 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies, one poised upright on a wooden board amid others lying flat. The cookies boast distinctive fork marks and a soft, crumbly texture. A white bowl of peanuts is visible in the background.

Make It Your Own!

✨ Crunchy Peanut Butter? Yes! It adds extra texture and a nutty crunch. If the dough seems dry, add an extra egg or a drizzle of maple syrup to help bind it together.
✨ Want it egg-free? Swap in a flax egg for a vegan version.
✨ Love chocolate? Stir in chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
✨ Go nutty! Try almond butter or cashew butter for a fun twist.

This is seriously the easiest cookie recipe you’ll ever make, and these cookies deliver big peanut butter flavor in every bite.

Whether it’s your first time making them or they’re already one of your favorite peanut butter cookie recipes, you’re in for a treat.

Freshly baked 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies with a classic criss-cross pattern on top are arranged on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. A bowl of peanuts is visible in the background, adding to the cozy homemade vibe.

More Low Ingredients Delicious Treats

If you love the simplicity of these 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies, you’ll want to try these other low-ingredient desserts!

Perfect for when you need a quick homemade treat without a mile-long shopping list. Less effort, more deliciousness!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and little bits of peanuts throughout. If your dough seems too dry, mix in an extra egg or a drizzle of maple syrup to help bind it together.

Why do peanut butter cookies have a criss-cross pattern?

The back of a fork trick isn’t just for looks—it helps these cookies bake evenly! Since peanut butter cookie dough is denser than other cookie doughs, flattening them slightly ensures they bake up perfectly.

How do I keep these cookies fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want to save some for later? Pop them in a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just double all the ingredients, and you’ll have a bigger batch of these cookies to share… or not. We understand. Some days are like that.

Can I Use Other Nut Butters?

Yes! You can swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option. Each one brings a slightly different flavor and texture:

Can I add chocolate chips?

Uh, yes. Always yes. Stir in chocolate chips for an extra indulgent, peanut butter lover’s dream.

My cookies disappeared overnight. What happened?

You either have a very sneaky family member, a peanut butter-obsessed pet (watch that dog!), or your future self time-traveled back for a midnight snack. Science can’t explain it, but we’ve all been there. 🍪😂

A close-up of a 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie with a crisscross pattern rests against a white bowl filled with peanuts. The background features a blurred kitchen setting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Servings 24 cookies

Author Nathalie Brown

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet(s) with parchment and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar and peanut butter. Mix until smooth.
Add in the egg and mix thoroughly. Scrape down the sides and mix again.
Portion out the dough in about ping pong ball size balls and place on the baking sheets with about 2 inches between each cookie.
Using the prongs of a fork, press gently into the cookie to flatten and then turn to cross the lines.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or just until set.
Allow to cool.