As the afternoon sun casts its golden glow through my kitchen window, I find myself reaching for three familiar companions: creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and a single egg. These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies have been my quiet ritual for over two decades—a recipe I discovered in a tiny Tuscan village where simplicity reigned supreme. The aroma of roasted peanuts and caramelized sugar transforms any ordinary day into something worth savoring.

What Makes These Simple Peanut Butter Cookies Special

What I adore about these easy peanut butter cookies is their honest simplicity. Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, they require no flour, no baking soda, and no complicated steps. The magic happens when peanut butter’s natural oils meld with sugar, creating a tender crumb that shatters delicately against the palate. Each bite carries the deep, nutty fragrance of perfectly roasted peanuts—a scent that invariably draws my family into the kitchen within minutes.

Ingredients for Perfect 3-Ingredient Cookies

You’ll need just three components to create these wonders. First, choose a creamy peanut butter with a single grind—nothing too oily or overly processed. The sugar should be fine-grained to dissolve seamlessly into the dough. Finally, a fresh egg binds everything together while adding subtle richness. That’s all. No hidden ingredients, no last-minute supermarket runs.

How to Make Your 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine one cup of creamy peanut butter, half a cup of granulated sugar, and one large egg. Stir vigorously until the mixture transforms into a cohesive dough—this takes about two minutes of dedicated mixing. The dough should pull away from the sides cleanly.

Roll tablespoon-sized portions into smooth balls and arrange them two inches apart on your prepared sheet. Using a fork, press down gently to create that classic criss-cross pattern. This not lends the cookies their signature look but helps them bake evenly. Slide them into the oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

My Favorite Ways to Customize This Recipe

While these quick peanut butter cookies shine in their pure form, I sometimes add a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty contrast. For a festive twist, press a chocolate kiss into the center right after baking—much like my peanut butter bars but in cookie form. You could also roll the dough balls in coarse sugar for extra crunch.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Results

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period lets them firm up without becoming crumbly. If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15 minutes—this makes shaping much easier. Remember that these cookies continue to set as they cool, so don’t be tempted to overbake them.

Storing Your Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, I freeze the baked cookies between layers of parchment paper—they thaw perfectly in about thirty minutes. The dough also freezes well; simply portion it into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag.

Answers to Common 3-Ingredient Cookie Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?

I recommend using conventional creamy peanut butter rather than natural varieties. The stabilized consistency helps maintain the cookie structure without separation.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens if your peanut butter was particularly oily. Next time, try blotting the peanut butter with a paper towel to absorb excess oil before mixing.

Can I make these without eggs?

While I haven’t tested egg substitutes for this specific recipe, a flax egg might work for binding. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try

• Flourless Chocolate Cookies
• Brown Butter Chocolate Cookies
• Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
• Chewy Lemon Cookies
• Churro Saltine Toffee

Why These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Become Tradition

With their perfect balance of nutty richness and subtle sweetness, these cookies have become a weekly tradition in my home. They’re ideal for spontaneous baking sessions, lunchbox treats, or those moments when you need comfort in cookie form. I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine.