There’s something timeless and comforting about a warm batch of homemade cookies, and when those cookies are made with peanut butter, they become even more irresistible. If you’re in the mood for a quick and easy dessert that requires only a few pantry staples, these three-ingredient peanut butter cookies are the perfect answer.
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days, late-night cravings, or when you simply want to whip up something delicious without pulling out every ingredient in your kitchen. Soft and fudgy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, these cookies highlight the nutty richness of peanut butter while keeping the process simple and mess-free. And the best part? They’re egg-free, dairy-free, and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Minimal ingredients: Only three main ingredients are needed, and you probably already have them at home.
- No eggs required: Perfect for anyone with egg allergies or for those moments when you’ve run out of eggs but still crave cookies.
- Quick and easy: With just a few steps, you can have warm cookies on the table in under half an hour.
- Delicious texture: Crispy edges, soft centers, and that classic crisscross fork pattern make them as beautiful as they are tasty.
- Perfect for dessert: Serve them on their own, pair them with coffee or milk, or add them to a dessert platter.
Ingredients
For this simple recipe, you only need:
- Peanut butter (creamy works best for a smooth dough, but crunchy adds extra texture if you like the bite of peanut pieces)
- Sugar (white sugar for light sweetness and crisp edges, or brown sugar for a chewier texture and a hint of caramel flavor)
- All-purpose flour (helps bind everything together and gives the cookies structure)
- Water (just a splash if needed to moisten the dough)
That’s it! With such a short ingredient list, these cookies are not only easy but also budget-friendly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the peanut butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with sugar. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. This step creates the base of your cookie dough and ensures that every bite has that irresistible nutty sweetness.
Step 2: Add flour and chill
Mix in the flour until the dough comes together. It will become thicker and firmer, perfect for rolling into balls. At this stage, you can fold in extras like chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for variation. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle and to help the cookies bake up thick.
Step 3: Shape the cookies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop out small portions of dough—about a tablespoon each—and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared tray, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 4: Make the crisscross pattern
Press each dough ball lightly with a fork in one direction, then again in the opposite direction to form the traditional crisscross design that peanut butter cookies are famous for. To prevent sticking, lightly grease the fork with a bit of oil or cooking spray.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges look lightly golden. The centers may seem soft, but don’t worry—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 30 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for getting the right texture. Once cooled, bite into the perfect balance of crisp and fudgy goodness.
Tips for Success
- For chewier cookies, swap white sugar for brown sugar.
- Always chill the dough—it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Don’t overbake! Peanut butter cookies can dry out quickly. Remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for a firmer bite.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips before baking.
- Nutty Cookies: Add chopped peanuts, cashews, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before flattening with a fork.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with almond flour for a naturally gluten-free dessert.
Serving Ideas
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also shine as part of a dessert spread. Serve them warm with a glass of milk, stack them on a cookie platter for gatherings, or sandwich two cookies together with a layer of chocolate or frosting for an indulgent treat.
Final Thoughts
With their rich peanut butter flavor and soft, fudgy texture, these cookies are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a get-together, this three-ingredient recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Quick, easy, and downright delicious—these peanut butter cookies are the ultimate simple dessert.
