Name: The Ultimate Guide to Making 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: Easy, Gluten-Free, and Irresistible!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling, optional); 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky); 1 large egg

The Ultimate Guide to Making 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: Easy, Gluten-Free, and Irresistible!

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious treat that requires minimal effort and ingredients, you’ve come to the right place. These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a game-changer for anyone who loves cookies but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in less than 20 minutes. Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these irresistible cookies, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for perfecting them every time. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Simplicity at Its Best: With just three ingredients—peanut butter, sugar, and an egg—you can whip up a batch of cookies in no time. No fancy equipment or complicated steps required!
Gluten-Free Goodness: These cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Quick and Convenient: From prep to plate, these cookies take less than 20 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, creating the ideal texture for peanut butter lovers.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping with this recipe because it’s so simple and fun to make. Plus, they get to enjoy the delicious results!

Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie texture.
1 cup peanut butter: Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference. Make sure it’s a good-quality brand for the best flavor.
1 egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookies.

That’s it! Just three pantry staples are all you need to create these delightful treats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 egg. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until the dough is smooth and well-combined. If you’re using crunchy peanut butter, you’ll notice small bits of peanuts in the dough, which add a nice texture.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough (about 3/4 inch in size) and roll them into balls. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can roll each dough ball in a small bowl of granulated sugar to coat the outside.

Step 4: Flatten the Cookies

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Use a fork to gently flatten each ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top. This not only gives the cookies their classic look but also helps them bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy!

The History of Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies have been a beloved treat for generations, but did you know their origins date back to the early 1900s? The invention of peanut butter itself is credited to Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, who patented a process for creating peanut butter in 1895. However, it wasn’t until the 1910s and 1920s that peanut butter became a household staple, thanks to brands like Skippy and Peter Pan.

The first recorded peanut butter cookie recipe appeared in a 1916 cookbook, which called for rolling the dough into balls and pressing them with a fork—a technique still used today. Over time, the recipe evolved, with bakers adding ingredients like flour, baking soda, and vanilla extract. However, the simplicity of the original recipe has always been its charm.

The 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies we know and love today are a modern twist on this classic treat. By eliminating unnecessary ingredients, this recipe highlights the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter while keeping the process quick and easy. Whether you’re a fan of traditional recipes or prefer minimalist baking, these cookies are a testament to the timeless appeal of peanut butter.

Interestingly, peanut butter cookies gained even more popularity during the Great Depression and World War II, when ingredients like flour and sugar were rationed. The simplicity of peanut butter cookies made them a practical and affordable option for families. Today, they remain a nostalgic favorite, evoking memories of childhood and home-baked goodness.

By making these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, you’re not just baking a treat—you’re continuing a tradition that spans over a century. So, the next time you enjoy one of these cookies, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this humble dessert.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Gluten-Free Diets

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, finding delicious and easy-to-make desserts can be a challenge. That’s where these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies shine. Unlike traditional cookie recipes that rely on flour as a base, these cookies use just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, making them naturally gluten-free.

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, avoiding gluten is essential for maintaining good health. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can cause digestive issues, inflammation, and other symptoms in sensitive individuals. Fortunately, these cookies are completely free of gluten-containing ingredients, making them a safe and satisfying option.

Another advantage of this recipe is its simplicity. Many gluten-free baked goods require special flours and binding agents, which can be expensive and hard to find. With just three pantry staples, these cookies are accessible to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Plus, they’re so delicious that even non-gluten-free eaters won’t be able to tell the difference!

If you’re new to gluten-free baking, these cookies are a great place to start. They’re foolproof, require no special equipment, and come together in under 20 minutes. You can also customize them to suit your taste by adding gluten-free mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Whether you’re baking for yourself or someone with dietary restrictions, these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a crowd-pleaser. They prove that gluten-free desserts don’t have to be complicated or bland—sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best.

Tips for Customizing Your 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

One of the best things about these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies is how versatile they are. While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some creative ideas to take your cookies to the next level:

Add Chocolate: Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven. Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
Go Crunchy: If you prefer a bit of texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. You can also mix in chopped peanuts or other nuts for added crunch.
Sweet and Salty: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is irresistible.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a unique twist. These spices complement the nutty flavor of the peanut butter beautifully.
Make Them Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
Roll in Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. This creates a slightly crisp exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft, chewy center.
Experiment with Nut Butters: While peanut butter is the classic choice, you can try almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.
Add Oats: For a heartier cookie, mix in a handful of gluten-free oats. This adds fiber and makes the cookies more filling.

Nutritional Information

These 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also relatively guilt-free. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cookie):

Calories: 98kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 7mg
Sodium: 52mg
Potassium: 72mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 10IU
Calcium: 6mg
Iron: 1mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. It will add a slightly richer, molasses-like flavor to the cookies.

2. Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make vegan 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

4. Can I use almond butter or another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Every Occasion

Holiday Baking: Need a quick cookie recipe for the holidays? These are a lifesaver!
After-School Snacks: Kids will love coming home to these freshly baked treats.
Potlucks and Parties: Whip up a batch to share with friends and family.
Gift Giving: Package these cookies in a cute box or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.