Incredibly Easy, Naturally Gluten-Free & Perfectly Chewy
Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are proof that great baking doesn’t need to be complicated. With just three pantry staples, you can make cookies that are rich, chewy, lightly crisp on the edges, and full of classic peanut butter flavor.
This recipe is a favorite for busy bakers, beginner cooks, and anyone craving homemade cookies without measuring flour, chilling dough, or washing extra bowls.
Why Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Are So Popular
These cookies have earned cult status for good reason:
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Only 3 ingredients
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No flour, butter, or oil
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Naturally gluten-free
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Ready in under 20 minutes
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Soft centers with classic crisscross tops
They’re simple, reliable, and endlessly adaptable.
The Science Behind the Recipe (Why It Works)
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Peanut butter provides fat, structure, and flavor
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Sugar sweetens and creates crisp edges
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Egg binds everything together
When baked, the sugars caramelize while the peanut butter firms up, creating a cookie that holds its shape without flour.
Classic Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
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1 cup (260 g) creamy peanut butter
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1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, stir peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth and fully combined.
The dough will be thick but scoopable.
3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop dough into 1½-tablespoon balls and place on baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Flatten slightly and press a fork across the top in a crisscross pattern.
4. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops are lightly cracked.
Cookies will look soft—this is correct.
5. Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
They firm up as they cool.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
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Use regular creamy peanut butter, not dry natural styles
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Do not overbake—soft centers equal chewy cookies
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For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt on top before baking
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Slightly underbaked cookies taste best once cooled
Delicious Variations (Still Easy!)
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Press a chocolate kiss into the center right after baking.
Brown Sugar Version
Replace half the sugar with brown sugar for a softer cookie.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Storage & Freezing
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Store at room temperature for 4–5 days
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Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months
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Freeze dough balls and bake directly from frozen (add 1–2 minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes—no flour required.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce slightly, but sugar is essential for structure.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
Dry peanut butter or overbaking can cause crumbling.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir extremely well and expect a softer cookie.
Final Thoughts
Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are one of the most reliable, beginner-friendly cookie recipes ever created. Simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying, they’re perfect for weeknight treats, last-minute baking, or whenever a peanut butter craving hits.
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
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