Three Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies (Simple & Delicious Guide)

Three ingredient chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate solution when you’re craving something sweet, fast, and homemade — no fuss, no fancy tools, just pure comfort in every bite.

Hi, I’m Firdaous — a proud Moroccan home cook and the heart behind Family Feast Recipes. My journey in the kitchen began with humble roots and a deep love for sharing simple, soul-warming dishes with family and friends. This recipe for three ingredient chocolate chip cookies is a perfect reflection of that: minimal ingredients, maximum joy.

Born from the idea that baking shouldn’t be complicated, this cookie recipe is one I’ve made again and again — especially when I need something sweet and satisfying in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re a beginner baker, a busy parent, or just craving an easy win, these cookies deliver every time.

Let’s dive into the easiest chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever make — and maybe your new favorite.

What Are Three Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies?

A Little Cookie, A Big Idea

There’s something quietly powerful about a recipe that calls for just three ingredients — especially one that delivers gooey, golden, chocolatey comfort. Three ingredient chocolate chip cookies may sound like a shortcut, but don’t let the simplicity fool you — these little cookies carry big magic.

For me, this recipe is more than just flour and chips. It’s a lifesaver on busy afternoons when my daughter’s asking for a treat, or when I want to surprise my husband with something sweet after a long day — and I don’t feel like pulling out half the pantry to do it. These cookies are a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.Especially when it’s a recipe like these three ingredient chocolate chip cookies that always come out just right. It just needs to be made with love.

The charm of this recipe lies in its accessibility. No fancy mixers. No hard-to-pronounce ingredients. No extra dishes. Just one bowl, three real ingredients, and a few minutes of your time. That’s it. And yet, somehow, the results always feel indulgent — buttery edges, soft centers, and those little melty pools of chocolate that never fail to make me smile.

Why Less Is So Much More

There’s beauty in simplicity. With three ingredient chocolate chip cookies, every item on your ingredient list has a clear purpose — and when they come together, the result is far more than the sum of its parts.

Your base, whether it’s creamy peanut butter, mashed banana, or soft butter, creates the structure and richness. The sweetener blends in to bring balance and softness. And the chocolate chips? They’re those tiny bursts of joy that make every bite irresistible.

As someone who grew up surrounded by complex, aromatic dishes, I used to believe great flavor meant long prep times and layered techniques. But over time — especially as a busy mom — I’ve come to appreciate recipes that let the ingredients shine without overcomplication.

These three ingredient chocolate chip cookies prove that a minimalist approach doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. In fact, it can be the secret to a cookie that’s effortlessly good.

Three Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

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• Author: FIRDAOUS
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 cookies 1x

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Description

These three ingredient chocolate chip cookies are quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy days, last-minute cravings, or fun baking moments with kids — all in under 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for softer cookies)

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark recommended)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter and sugar until smooth and combined.

3. Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to form dough balls. Place on baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.

5. Optionally, flatten with a fork for a crisscross pattern.

6. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden. Do not overbake.

7. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

8. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Use almond or sunflower butter for a nut-free version.

• Replace sugar with mashed banana or date paste for a no-added-sugar version.

• These cookies freeze well — either as dough balls or fully baked.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: ~160 kcal
• Sugar: ~13 g
• Sodium: ~80 mg
• Fat: ~10 g
• Saturated Fat: ~2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: ~14 g
• Fiber: ~1.5 g
• Protein: ~4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

The Basic Ingredients Explained

The Role of Each Ingredient in Simplicity

One of the most empowering things about three ingredient chocolate chip cookies is that they strip baking down to its essence. No fillers. No guesswork. Just a few honest ingredients doing exactly what they’re meant to do.

Let’s take a closer look at the three stars of this recipe— and why they work so beautifully together:

Each plays a key role in what makes three ingredient chocolate chip cookies a go-to treat for busy bakers.

1. The Base (Butter, Peanut Butter, Banana, or Almond Butter)
This is the foundation — the body and soul of your cookie.

• Peanut butter brings richness, natural oils, and a chewy bite.
• Mashed banana adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a soft texture.
• Butter gives classic cookie vibes with crisp edges and a tender crumb.
• Almond butter? Smooth, subtle, and perfect for gluten-free or dairy-free versions.

Depending on what you use, your cookie’s personality changes — and that’s the beauty of it. Even with three ingredients, you’ve got room to make it your own.

2. The Sweetener (Sugar, Maple Syrup, Honey, or Coconut Sugar)
This isn’t just about sweetness — it’s about chemistry. The right sweetener helps bind the dough, adds moisture, and balances the richness of the base.

• Granulated sugar gives structure and light crispness.
• Brown sugar makes them soft and chewy.
• Maple syrup or honey bring natural depth and that caramel-like note.
• Coconut sugar is a favorite of mine when I want something less processed but still warm and indulgent.

3. Chocolate Chips (Milk, Dark, Vegan, Mini or Chunks)
Here’s where the magic lands. I always say: don’t skimp on the chocolate — it’s the heart of the cookie.

• Dark chocolate chips melt into rich puddles.
• Milk chocolate brings that classic, nostalgic flavor.
• Vegan chips are perfect for plant-based bakers.
• Mini chips or chunks let you customize how melty or bitey you want it.

You can use semi-sweet chips from the store or chop up your favorite bar — this part’s all yours.

Alternatives for Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, or Vegan Options

I get so many messages from readers asking, “Can I make this without eggs, flour, or butter?” The answer? Yes, yes, and yes. That’s the beauty of three ingredient chocolate chip cookies — they’re naturally versatile.

Here’s how to adapt the basics to your lifestyle:

Whether you’re baking for allergies, preferences, or pantry limitations, this recipe bends to your needs — without breaking the flavor.

These are cookies for real life. For quiet afternoons, for messy kitchens, for when you just want something warm and sweet without stressing the small stuff.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Classic 3-Ingredient Cookies

Ingredients You Need (With Exact Measurements)

When I say these cookies are simple, I mean grab-a-bowl-and-go simple. No fancy mixers, no dough chilling — just three pantry-ready ingredients that come together in minutes. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic, foolproof batch:

Classic Three Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies: Peanut Butter Version (makes 12 cookies):

Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or a pinch of salt for added depth — but that would make it four ingredients!

This version is my personal go-to — the one I make when I’m short on time but still want something sweet and satisfying that hits the spot every single time.

Other Popular Base Alternatives:

• 1 ripe mashed banana + 1/2 cup oats + 1/2 cup chocolate chips (great for toddlers!)
• 1 cup almond butter + 3/4 cup coconut sugar + 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

You can always swap ingredients depending on what’s in your pantry or what dietary needs you’re working with.

Instructions with Easy-to-Follow Process

This recipe is so forgiving and beginner-friendly that you really can’t mess it up — and that’s exactly what I love about it.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Stir with a spoon or spatula until smooth and fully combined — it’ll look like a soft dough. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.

Tip: If you’re using natural peanut butter, give it a good stir first to mix in the oils — this helps with consistency.

Step 3: Scoop and shape

Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to form dough balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. You can flatten them slightly with the back of a fork for the classic crisscross look, or leave them round for a puffier texture.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes — just until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool and enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set without falling apart.
This is one of the reasons I always recommend three ingredient chocolate chip cookies for beginner bakers—they’re almost impossible to mess up.

Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt while they’re warm for that irresistible sweet-salty combo. Even this small touch elevates your three ingredient chocolate chip cookies into something extra special.

And that’s it. From bowl to bite in under 20 minutes — no stress, no special skills required. These three ingredient chocolate chip cookies are a staple in my home for a reason: they’re reliable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable.

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FAQS:Three Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

Final Thoughts: Sweet Simplicity That Stays With You

Final Thoughts: Why Three Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies Will Always Have a Place in Your Kitchen

In a world overflowing with overcomplicated recipes and mile-long grocery lists, three ingredient chocolate chip cookies remind us that some of the best things in life are beautifully simple. This easy cookie recipe doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—it brings joy, comfort, and that warm-from-the-oven feeling without any stress.

Whether you’re baking a quick batch after school, whipping them up while dinner finishes, or making a tradition out of Sunday afternoon treats, three ingredient chocolate chip cookies never disappoint. They’re the kind of homemade cookie you can always count on—no flour, no eggs, no problem.

From my Moroccan kitchen to yours, I hope these three ingredient chocolate chip cookies become part of your family’s traditions too. Because sometimes, less really is more—especially when it’s sweet, simple, and shared with people you love.