3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Some of the best recipes are the simplest, and these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are proof of that. 

With just peanut butter, sugar (or a healthier substitute), and an egg, you can whip up cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of nutty flavor. They take minutes to mix, don’t require any fancy equipment, and taste just as good as the ones that take twice the effort.

I remember the first time I made these cookies, it was because I was craving something sweet but didn’t have much in the pantry. These little cookies saved the day, and they’ve been a go-to recipe ever since. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar (for a less refined option)
• 1 large egg

Why Only Three Ingredients Work

It’s hard to believe such a short ingredient list creates cookies with so much flavor, but it works beautifully. Peanut butter brings fat and protein, giving the cookies structure. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with crisp edges. The egg binds everything together. That’s all you need.

If you want a healthier alternative to white sugar, coconut sugar is an excellent substitute. It has a lower glycemic index and adds a subtle caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter. The texture stays chewy, and the cookies bake up just as beautifully.

Mixing the Dough

Start by stirring the peanut butter and sugar (or coconut sugar) together in a bowl until smooth. Add the egg and mix until everything is well combined. The dough will be thick but easy to scoop.

If you’re using coconut sugar, the dough may look slightly grainier, but that’s normal — it bakes into a soft, chewy texture with a deeper flavor.

For a different take, you could also try a mix of half white sugar and half coconut sugar, which balances classic texture with a richer taste.

Shaping the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. These cookies don’t spread too much, so you’ll want to flatten them slightly before baking.

The classic peanut butter cookie look comes from pressing the dough balls with the tines of a fork in a crisscross pattern. Not only does it look nice, but it also helps the cookies bake evenly.

Baking the Cookies

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling step keeps them from falling apart while still warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are perfect for busy days, last-minute bake sales, or when the sweet craving hits and you don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen. The healthier coconut sugar option also makes them a little easier to enjoy without guilt, and nobody will notice the difference in flavor — it actually enhances it.

Serving and Storing

Serve with a glass of milk, pack into lunchboxes, or enjoy as an afternoon treat. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage — just thaw before serving.

Warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you want that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

A Cookie That Always Delivers

There’s a reason these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are so loved. They’re easy, delicious, and versatile.

Whether you stick to the classic sugar version or try the healthier coconut sugar twist, these cookies prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.