Jump to Recipe
As easy as 1-2-3, these peanut butter cookies are so delicious and simple to make. You won’t believe this recipe uses only three ingredients and no flour.
Introducing the easiest peanut butter cookie recipe ever—only 3 ingredients and no flour necessary. You’ll be amazed at the delicious peanut butter flavor and texture of these cookies using only egg, sugar, and peanut butter.
Find What You’re Looking for:
This easy cookie recipe is perfect for the busy holiday season. It’s also an excellent option for baking with kids. The short ingredient list, small batch, and baking time are ideal for littles’ attention spans.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies
All you need are these simple ingredients (bonus: you likely have them on hand all the time!).
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of peanut butter
Note: you’ll need additional sugar to roll the cookie dough balls in before baking.
Supplies & Favorite Tools for Baking Cookies
- Medium mixing bowl and spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheet
- Cookie scoop – we use a small scoop that holds 4 teaspoons
- Small bowl for extra sugar
- Fork for the criss-cross pattern
- Cooling rack
- Serving platter or storage container
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies
Follow this step-by-step guide to make these easy peanut butter cookies.
1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Give the oven time to warm up and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Mix Egg and Sugar.
Add the egg and white sugar to a medium-sized bowl and cream together.
3
Add Peanut Butter.
Fold the peanut butter into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix until combined.
4
Measure dough, form, and roll in sugar.
Scoop a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Then, roll it in granulated sugar. (We like to use a small cookie scoop to make the cookies as even in size as possible.)
Note: When you first mix the dough, you may think there is no way to roll it into balls, but it rolls easily, even if it looks too sticky!
5
Place on baking sheet.
Arrange the sugared cookie dough balls on a prepared baking sheet. Leave room between the cookies to press them down in the next step.
6
Press with a fork.
Press down on each cookie ball using a fork, leaving a criss-cross pattern, as shown below.
7
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. We get about 14 to 16 cookies with this recipe, but it will depend on the size of your cookie scoop.
8
Cool and enjoy.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet or a cooling rack. Now they’re ready to enjoy, store for later, or package to give as gifts.
Variation Ideas
This cookie recipe is tasty all on its own, but you can jazz it up if you prefer. Here are some yummy ideas.
- Press a chocolate kiss in the middle to make a super simple peanut butter blossom cookie.
- Top with melted peanut butter chips and sprinkle with finely chopped nuts (after the cookies have cooled).
- Top with coarse sugar before baking for a fancier look.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or add chocolate chips.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
As easy as 1-2-3, these peanut butter cookies are so delicious and simple to make. Perfect for the holidays and making with kids.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 14 to 16 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
*You’ll also need sugar to roll cookie dough in.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix the egg and sugar in a medium bowl.
- Add peanut butter and mix well until a dough forms.
- Measure a heaping tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball and then into sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper.
- Press each cookie with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool.
- Enjoy or store for later!
Notes
- Cookie measuring tip: use a small cookie scoop. The size we use is 4 teaspoons.
- How to store: store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Store in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 149
- Sugar: 14.2 g
- Sodium: 73.3 mg
- Fat: 8.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 11.6 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about peanut butter cookies.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter for these cookies?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer creamy peanut butter or the added crunch of chunky peanut butter, both work well in this recipe.
Can I make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for later?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Prepare the cookie dough, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out, let it warm up at room temperature a bit, and then follow the baking instructions.
Can I substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar in this peanut butter cookie recipe?
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar if you prefer a slightly richer flavor. Keep in mind that the texture may be a bit different.
Final Notes
Embrace simplicity and make these easy peanut butter cookies. Whether you want a quick treat or an easy baking activity with kids, this recipe is a great choice. We hope you enjoy!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have You Tried This Recipe? Please rate it in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
More Cookie Recipes
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- S’mores Cookies
- Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies
- One Cup Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pin for later
Save This Recipe
We’ll email you a link to this recipe and add you to our email list for new recipes and updates!
(You can save a recipe on our site once per 24 hours.)