What are the three ingredients for peanut butter cookies?

The classic recipe for three ingredient peanut butter cookies uses only: Peanut butter Sugar Egg That’s it. No flour, no butter, no baking powder—just these three pantry staples. Combined, they create a chewy, rich, and satisfying cookie that’s naturally gluten-free and incredibly easy to make. Most bakers have these ingredients on hand, which is why this recipe is a go-to for last-minute baking.

Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?

If your three ingredient peanut butter cookies are falling apart, there are a few common causes: Overbaking : These cookies bake quickly. Leaving them in too long dries them out and makes them crumbly. Not letting them cool : Let the cookies rest on the baking tray for 5–7 minutes before moving them. They firm up as they cool. Natural peanut butter : Some brands with oil separation can make the dough unstable. Stick to creamy, no-stir peanut butter for best results. Low sugar : Reducing sugar too much weakens the cookie’s structure. Following the exact ratios in the original recipe for three ingredient peanut butter cookies helps ensure your cookies hold together beautifully.

What are the basic ingredients for peanut butter cookies?

Traditionally, peanut butter cookie recipes use flour, butter, sugar, eggs , and baking soda . However, the basic ingredients in the simplified three ingredient peanut butter cookies recipe strip things down to: Peanut butter (as fat and flavor) Sugar (for sweetness and binding) Egg (to hold everything together) This version keeps it minimal without sacrificing taste, making it ideal for beginner bakers and those with dietary restrictions.

How to make butter cookies with three ingredients?

A standard 3-ingredient butter cookie recipe includes: Butter Flour Sugar Mix softened butter with sugar until creamy, then add flour to form a dough. Scoop, shape, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. While they’re not part of the recipe for three ingredient peanut butter cookies , butter cookies are also a minimalist dessert option. However, they typically require more precision and aren’t gluten-free by default.

Recipe for Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies – The Best Quick Treat with Only 3 Ingredients -2025

Name: Recipe for Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies – The Best Quick Treat with Only 3 Ingredients
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy); 1 cup sugar (white or brown); 1 large egg

Description

This recipe for three ingredient peanut butter cookies is the ultimate quick-fix dessert—perfectly chewy, naturally gluten-free, and made in just 15 minutes with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. With no flour, no butter, and no chill time required, it’s a beginner-friendly favorite that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or curbing a late-night craving, these cookies are your go-to for simplicity, speed, and peanut buttery goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 cup sugar (white or brown)

1 large egg

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth and fully combined.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Place on baking sheet. Flatten each with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days!

Notes

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on brands and substitutions.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert / Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on 20 cookies total)
Calories: ~115 kcal
Sugar: ~9 g
Sodium: ~90 mg
Fat: ~7.5 g
Saturated Fat: ~1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: ~5.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: ~10 g
Fiber: ~1 g
Protein: ~3 g
Cholesterol: ~10 mg