Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe – Quick and Easy

March 29, 2025

You can make delicious three-ingredient peanut butter cookies in no time. Mix 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 egg in a bowl until smooth. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Press them flat with a fork to make a classic criss-cross pattern. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. It's a quick and easy recipe that will have you craving more as you discover additional tips and tricks.

Key Components: Peanut Butter, Sugar, Egg

peanut butter cookie ingredients

Creating the perfect peanut butter cookie starts with understanding its key components: peanut butter, sugar, and egg.

These three simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that's both delicious and incredibly easy to make.

Here's how each component contributes to your cookie's success:

1. Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show, providing richness and flavor.

It's important to choose a type that complements the sweetness of the sugar.

2. Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that classic crunchy texture.

The type of sugar you use can alter the cookie's texture.

3. Egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding everything together.

It guarantees your cookies don't crumble apart as they bake.

Master these basics, and you'll bake cookies everyone will love!

Use Creamy Peanut Butter

When you're making peanut butter cookies, opting for creamy peanut butter guarantees a smooth texture that everyone will love.

To achieve the ideal consistency, make certain to use a fresh jar and mix thoroughly before adding it to your batter. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives your cookies that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Smooth Texture Benefits

Opt for creamy peanut butter to achieve that coveted smooth texture in your cookies. When you use creamy peanut butter, you'll notice how effortlessly it blends with the other ingredients, ensuring that each bite is soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The smooth consistency of the peanut butter eliminates any unwanted lumps or grit, offering a uniform texture throughout your cookies. This choice also helps maintain a pleasant mouthfeel, making each cookie not just tasty but also enjoyable to eat.

Unlike its crunchy counterpart, creamy peanut butter won't introduce hard bits, which can disrupt the overall texture. You'll appreciate how this simple choice elevates your baking, resulting in cookies that are velvety and delightful, ensuring they're a hit at any gathering.

Ideal Consistency Tips

To achieve the perfect cookie, mastering the ideal consistency with creamy peanut butter is key. Start by making sure your peanut butter is at room temperature. Cold peanut butter can be too stiff, making it difficult to mix evenly with the other ingredients.

Stir it well before measuring to eliminate any oil separation, which guarantees a smooth blend and prevents dry patches in your dough.

When measuring, use the back of a spoon to press the peanut butter firmly into your measuring cup. This reduces air pockets, giving you an accurate measurement.

Incorporate the peanut butter thoroughly with the sugar and egg until the mixture is homogenous. This step is essential for creating cookies with a uniform texture, enhancing your baking success with every batch.

Flavor Enhancement Techniques

Enhancing the flavor of your peanut butter cookies requires a few strategic choices.

Start by choosing creamy peanut butter. It's smoother and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with that rich, nutty flavor you love. Avoid chunky varieties, as they can disrupt the texture and may not distribute the peanut flavor as evenly.

Next, consider using a peanut butter that's slightly salted. The salt acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing sweetness and intensifying the nutty taste. If your favorite brand is unsalted, just add a pinch of salt to the mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions

guided process explanation

Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    • Description: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee it reaches the correct temperature by the time your cookie dough is ready.
    • Tools Needed: Oven.
    • Tip: Make sure your oven is clean to avoid any smoke or unwanted flavors.
  2. Gather Ingredients
    • Description: Assemble all the necessary ingredients on your countertop for easy access.
    • Ingredients Needed: 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
    • Tip: Use smooth peanut butter for a classic texture, but crunchy can add an interesting twist.
  3. Mix Ingredients
    • Description: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well mixed.
    • Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, spoon or electric mixer.
    • Tip: Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
  4. Form Cookie Dough Balls
    • Description: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
    • Tools Needed: Cookie scoop or hands, baking sheet.
    • Tip: To guarantee uniform baking, try to make all the dough balls the same size.
  5. Create the Signature Criss-Cross Pattern
    • Description: Flatten each dough ball slightly with a fork, pressing down in a criss-cross pattern.
    • Tools Needed: Fork.
    • Tip: Dip the fork in sugar to prevent sticking and add a sweet touch to the cookie tops.
  6. Bake the Cookies
    • Description: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
    • Tip: Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
  7. Cool the Cookies
    • Description: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Tools Needed: Wire rack.
    • Tip: Be gentle when transferring; the cookies will firm up as they cool.
  8. Serve and Enjoy
    • Description: Once the cookies are fully cooled, serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container.
    • Tip: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

Gather Necessary Kitchen Tools

Before you plunge into baking peanut butter cookies, make sure you've got all the kitchen tools you need at arm's reach.

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients. You'll also need a sturdy wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to mix everything smoothly.

Next, verify you've got a baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper, to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. A measuring cup and measuring spoons are essential to accurately portion the peanut butter, sugar, and egg.

Don't forget a fork for making those classic crisscross patterns on top of the cookies before baking.

Bake at 350°F

Now that your kitchen tools are ready, it's time to transform those ingredients into delicious peanut butter cookies.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it's warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of peanut butter, one cup of sugar, and one large egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.

Once your oven reaches 350°F, place the baking sheet inside and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they're done when the edges turn golden brown.

Calorie Count Per Cookie

Each peanut butter cookie in this recipe contains approximately 120 calories, making it a delightful yet mindful treat. You can enjoy the rich, nutty flavor while keeping track of your intake. It's all about balance, and these cookies offer a sweet solution without breaking your calorie bank. Here's a quick breakdown to put things in perspective:

Cookie Count Total Calories
1 Cookie 120 Calories
2 Cookies 240 Calories
3 Cookies 360 Calories

When you're craving something sweet, these cookies let you indulge responsibly. Remember, moderation is key! Whether you're sharing with friends or savoring solo, understanding the calorie count helps you enjoy them without guilt. So go ahead, treat yourself to these simple pleasures and cherish every bite.

Conclusion

As you savor these three-ingredient peanut butter cookies, imagine each bite as a warm embrace. The creamy peanut butter symbolizes comfort, wrapping you in nostalgia, while the sweetness of sugar whispers tales of simple joys. The egg, binding it all, represents unity and balance. With just three ingredients, you've crafted a masterpiece, turning everyday elements into a delicious symphony. Each cookie, a small sun, brings light to your day, reminding you of the beauty in simplicity. Enjoy!