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.

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies on Cooling Rack

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.

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!).

Ingredients for Peanut Butter  Cookies
  • 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
Stack of Peanut Butter Cookies

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.

Mixing Egg and Sugar in Bowl with Wooden Spoon

3

Add Peanut Butter.

Fold the peanut butter into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix until combined.

Adding Peanut Butter to Egg and Sugar Mixture in Bowl
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Fully Mixed in Bowl with Spoon

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.)

Forming Cookie Balls and Rolling in Sugar

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.

Cookie Balls on Prepared Baking Sheet

6

Press with a fork.

Press down on each cookie ball using a fork, leaving a criss-cross pattern, as shown below.

Marking Peanut Butter Cookies with Forks

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.

Peanut Butter Cookies on Baking Sheet

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.

Peanut Butter Cookies Cooked and Ready to Eat on White Counter

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.
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3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies on Cooling Rack

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

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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

Units Scale
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup peanut butter

*You’ll also need sugar to roll cookie dough in.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix the egg and sugar in a medium bowl.
  3. Add peanut butter and mix well until a dough forms.
  4. Measure a heaping tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball and then into sugar.
  5. Place on a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper. 
  6. Press each cookie with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool.
  9. 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. 
  • Author: Kelsey Restemayer
  • 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
Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

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.

Peanut Butter Cookies on Wire Cooling Rack

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!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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