Easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (Kid-Approved Recipe)

Picture this: the aroma of warm, freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen, all in a matter of minutes. If you’ve got a sweet tooth but not a lot of time, these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are your best bet. No matter what kind of eating plan you follow, these cookies can be tailored to your tastes. 

Why You’ll Love It

I love me some peanut butter cookies. They are one of my favorites and my original Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe and Easy Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies, or for a twist Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies.

These cookies are great for a simple version of a beloved classic.

• Quick and Easy
• Few Ingredients
• Deliciously Flavor
• Perfect for Any Occasion
• Kid-Friendly Recipe

Ingredients Breakdown for Perfect 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

• Peanut Butter– This recipe will work creamy peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is healthier and can be bought with no sugar added. 
• Sugar- This can be whatever type of sweetener that you enjoy. White sugar is a classic choice but brown sugar will give a richer taste and make the cookies chewier. If you want to make these cookies sugar-free, use Stevia or Splenda. 
• Egg

How to Make 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Making 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies is easier than you’d think. This easy recipe is perfect for those days when your sweet tooth just won’t stop nagging you. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up delicious cookies in no time. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe and get baking!

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

First things first, let’s talk about the main ingredients: creamy peanut butter, a cup of sugar, and a large egg. 

• Grab a large bowl and toss in a cup of peanut butter. Whether you choose natural peanut butter or the commercial kind, make sure it’s at room temperature.
• Add a cup of your favorite sweetener. White sugar gives that classic sweet taste, but coconut sugar or maple syrup can switch things up too!
• Crack in a large egg. Vegan? Swap it with flax eggs for a 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies vegan twist.

Mix it all with a good stir until everything looks well-combined and the dough thickens. If you prefer, use an electric mixer for even less effort!

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

• Scoop a tablespoon of dough and roll it into perfect little cookie dough balls. Want crunchy peanut butter? Here’s where you can add some chocolate chips or nuts for extra crunch.

• Place them on a prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget that sheet of parchment paper—it’s a lifesaver for easy cleanup.
• Use the back of a fork to press down gently, creating a signature criss-cross pattern on top of the cookies. This step is non-negotiable for that traditional peanut butter cookies look.

Step 3: Bake

• Set the oven to 350°F. While the oven works its magic, you can dream of the chewy peanut butter cookies you’re about to enjoy.
• Pop the cookie sheet into the oven and let it bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye out for that golden brown hue. Remember, every oven is a bit different, so check your batch of these cookies to ensure you get the best results.
• Once they’re done, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool.

There you go! Store your baked cookies in an airtight container or even a freezer-safe container if you plan to enjoy them for a long time. These best cookies truly capture the essence of a simple ingredients recipe, satisfying your craving with minimal effort. Whether you prefer almond butter or cashew butter, there’s a flavor for every cookie lover out there. Enjoy baking and munching on these easy peanut butter cookies that rank among your favorite peanut butter cookie recipes!

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Without Eggs

Baking cookies without eggs might sound like an impossible task. But with the right substitutes, you can whip up a batch of delicious peanut butter cookies that are just as tasty as the original recipe. This section explores simple swaps to turn your favorite peanut butter cookie recipes into tasty, 3-ingredient eggless wonders.

Substitutes for Eggs

When you’re crafting 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies without eggs, the key is finding the right egg alternative to maintain that perfect texture. Here are some of the best substitutes:

• Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of one egg. It adds moisture, and a bit of sweetness, and keeps the cookies chewy.
• Flaxseed Meal: Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken—voila, flax eggs! These work wonders for binding the dough.
• Mashed Banana: Swap out the egg with 1/4 cup of mashed banana. It gives the cookies a tender texture and a hint of fruity sweetness.
• Yogurt: You’ll need about 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. This will help keep the cookies moist and adds a subtle tang.

Using any of these substitutes allows you to make 3 ingredient eggless peanut butter cookies that retain their charm without the egg.

Adjusting Texture

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy for a smoother consistency. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Sweetener Choices: Choose between brown sugar and white sugar for the sweetness level you desire. Brown sugar adds moisture, resulting in chewy peanut butter cookies.
• Baking Time: Don’t over-bake. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden brown. They might appear soft when you pull them out—let them cool on a wire rack for the right texture.
• Add-Ins: Consider folding in chocolate chips or a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile. Almond flour or seed butter can also be used to alter texture if desired.

Tips and Tricks

Making 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies is as easy as pie—or should we say cookies? But even the simplest recipes can surprise us with a hiccup or two. Let’s make sure your cookies come out just right with these helpful tips and tricks.

Storage Tips: How to Store Cookies for Maximum Freshness

• Airtight Container: The cookies should be kept in an airtight container. This stops them from going stale.
• Layer with Parchment Paper: If you’re planning to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Room Temperature: Keep them at room temperature for up to a week. That’s if they last that long. Ours never do. 
• Freezer-Safe Storage: Want to savor them for later? Put them in a freezer-safe container. They can chill in there for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a tasty treat.

Troubleshooting: Address Common Issues Like Cookies Spreading or Being Too Dry

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your easy peanut butter cookies didn’t turn out like grandma’s famous ones, here’s the lowdown on fixing those common cookie conundrums:

• Cookies Spreading Too Much:
  • Use Proper Ingredients: Ensure you’re using the right type of peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can cause spreading due to oil content, while creamy peanut butter or even almond butter gives a better hold.
  • Chill the Dough: If cookies spread like a puddle instead of keeping their shape, try chilling the dough balls for about 15 minutes before baking.
• Cookies Too Dry:
  • Check Your Ratios: Double check the ingredients. 
  • Decrease Baking Time: Be careful not to overbake the cookies. This will make them dry and hard. 

Variations and Substitutions

Do you love experimenting in the kitchen? These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are a canvas for creativity. You can keep it classic or go wild with different flavors and textures. Whether you’re jonesing for a keto version or craving something vegan, this recipe can adapt. Let’s explore some tasty variations and substitutions that will take these cookies to the next level.

Add-Ins: Ideas for Adding Chocolate Chips, Nuts, or Dried Fruit

Why settle for plain when you can add a little pizazz? Think of your cookie dough like a blank canvas ready to be jazzed up with some fun add-ins. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Chips: A sprinkle of chocolate chips can transform your cookies into a rich, indulgent treat. Make sure they are at room temperature to melt evenly in the dough. For an extra twist, try white or dark chocolate chips.
• Nuts: Add chopped peanuts, almonds, or even walnuts for a crunchy bite that complements the creamy peanut butter. You could also use crunchy peanut butter if you’re short on whole nuts.
• Dried Fruit: Bits of dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins can add a chewy, sweet surprise. They mix well into the dough and pair beautifully with the peanut butter flavor.

Flavor Variations: Suggestions for Using Different Nut Butters

Let’s shake things up! Peanut butter is awesome, but have you ever tried other nut butters in your cookie mix? Here’s how to give your cookies a fresh twist:

• Almond Butter: Want a mildly sweet touch? Swap out peanut butter for almond butter. It creates chewy peanut butter cookies with a nuttier taste.
• Cashew Butter: Creamy and slightly sweeter, cashew butter will take your cookies in a different direction. These cookies will be a hit with anyone looking for a lighter, buttery texture.
• Seed Butter: If you or your guests are allergic to nuts, seed butter, like sunflower or tahini, can be a lifesaver and yet still deliver delicious ingredient cookies.

FAQs About 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

How do I make them gluten-free?

Turning this easy peanut butter cookie recipe gluten-free is a breeze. The great thing is, our traditional peanut butter cookies are already on their way because they have no flour in the original recipe! For extra assurance or to experiment with texture, you can use almond flour or coconut flour.

Steps to make gluten-free cookies:

1. Substitute Sugar: Opt for coconut sugar or use a mix of white and brown sugar to complement gluten-free alternatives.
2. Binder: Add a pinch of salt and a smidge more binding agent if needed. You can use an extra-large egg or a flax egg for that purpose.
3. Extras: Feel free to mix in almond butter or cashew butter if you’re feeling adventurous.
4. Use Parchment Paper: Line your prepared baking sheet to prevent sticking and to ensure a smooth release for those delectable cookies.
5. Baking Time Adjustments: These ingredient cookies may need a little adjustment for baking time. Keep an eye on them; aim for golden brown perfection!

Will Almond Butter Work?

Almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower butter can all be used in place of peanut butter. This is perfect for someone will a peanut allergy.

More Cookie Recipes

• Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
• Oatmeal Cake Mix Cookies – A Heart Healthy Cookies Recipe!