Name: 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature)

Soft and chewy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are a busy parent’s dream! Incredibly simple to make, these flourless cookies are ready in 15 minutes for the perfect quick treat.

Hand lifting a 3 ingredient peanut butter cookie from a tray of cookies.

At my house, dessert emergencies are a real thing. Maybe guests pop in unexpectedly, or maybe it’s just one of those nights when something sweet has to happen.

That’s where these cookies come in. They’re my go-to for quick treats with zero fuss—and somehow, they still feel homemade and nostalgic.

Stack of 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies with a bite taken from the top one.

If you’re a peanut butter cookie fan, don’t miss my old-fashioned peanut butter cookies for a classic version or try my cake mix peanut butter cookies for another easy shortcut with big flavor.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Just 3 simple ingredients!
They’re sweet and chewy, with plenty of peanut butter flavor.
Quick and easy: ready in about 15 minutes.
Naturally gluten-free.
Great for beginner bakers or baking with kids.
Freezer-friendly, so make a double batch!

Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

A jar of Peter Pan creamy peanut butter, a glass container of granulated sugar, and a single white egg in a ceramic egg holder.

Creamy peanut butter – Use a creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and doesn’t hold the dough together well.
Granulated sugar – White sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies set without excess moisture.
A large egg – Just one large egg helps bind the dough. Room temperature is best for smooth mixing and even baking.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together until just combined. You can use an electric mixer or a simple wooden spoon.

Side-by-side images showing ingredients for peanut butter cookies before and after mixing.

Step 2: Scoop out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Gently press down on the cookie dough balls balls to flatten them to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a fork to make the criss-cross pattern on top, the signature of any good peanut butter cook!

Three image collage showing unbaked peanut butter cookie dough balls spaced on a parchment-lined baking tray, a gold fork pressing a crisscross-pattern on the cookie dough balls , and the dough after having been pressed with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.

Step 4: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set and lightly browned. Let them cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Freshly baked peanut butter cookies arranged in rows on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Each cookie has the typical fork-pressed pattern on top.

Pro Tip:

For a cleaner criss-cross pattern and less spreading, chill the dough balls for 15–20 minutes before pressing and baking.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer (Baked): Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. Keeps for up to 3 months. Use parchment between layers if stacking.

Freezer (Unbaked): Freeze dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Hand dipping a peanut butter cookie into a glass of milk.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

Use a regular commercial peanut butter like Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan—natural or low fat peanut butter won’t work as well.
If desired, you can decrease the sugar to 3/4 cup. No more than that, otherwise, the cookies won’t hold their shape.
1 tsp vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can be added for extra flavor
Add a pinch of flaky salt for sweet-salty contrast.

More 3-Ingredient Dessert Recipes

If you like this 3 ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe you will also love these easy recipes:

Hand holding a peanut butter cookie over a cooling rack.

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