Imagine this: It’s 3 p.m., your stomach growls, and your kids are chanting, “Snack now!” Enter 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies—your golden ticket to buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with centers so soft they’ll make you forget store-bought treats ever existed. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, this recipe is faster than assembling a LEGO set and twice as satisfying.
Fun fact: Peanut butter cookies became a U.S. staple during the Great Depression because they were cheap, filling, and delicious. Think of these as the laid-back cousin of our 3-Ingredient Chocolate Lava Cake—equally simple but with a cozy, nostalgic twist. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a busy parent, these cookies are your secret weapon. Ready to bake magic? Let’s roll!
What is 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?
Three ingredients? Seriously? No flour, no vanilla, no waiting? Yep—this recipe is as straightforward as its name. But why “peanut butter cookies”? Because smashing that fork into the dough isn’t just fun—it’s tradition! Legend says a home cook once ran out of flour mid-bake, threw in extra peanut butter, and accidentally created a classic. (We’re guessing they also got promoted to Family MVP.)
As the old saying goes, “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.” These cookies? They’re a direct GPS route. Ready to win hearts (and snack time)? Let’s get squishing!
Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

- Pillowy Soft Centers: Achieve bakery-level texture with 6 simple hacks (no PhD in baking required).
- Budget-Friendly Bliss: Skip the $6 bakery box! Homemade costs less than a fancy coffee.
- Endless Customization: Add chocolate chips, sea salt, or a drizzle of honey for gourmet flair.
Love our 5-Minute Chocolate Mousse? These cookies are its crunchy, crumbly soulmate. Save time, skip the stress, and let peanut butter reign.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Quick Overview
Prep Time: 10 mins | Bake Time: 12 mins | Total Time: 22 mins | Difficulty: Easy
Key Features: Chewy edges, soft centers, no mixer needed.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (not natural*)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
*Natural peanut butter can make dough too oily. Stick with regular for best results!

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix: Combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
- Chill: Refrigerate dough 30 mins (trust us—this prevents spreading!).
- Shape: Roll into 1-inch balls; place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flatten: Crisscross with a fork for that classic look.
- Bake: 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 mins. Let cool 5 mins—they firm up as they sit!
What to Serve With 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

- Cold Milk: Dunking is mandatory.
- Jam Dip: For PB&J vibes.
- Coffee or Chai: Balance sweetness with a warm sip.
Top Tips for Perfectly Soft Centers
- Chill the Dough: 30 mins = no flat cookies.
- Underbake Slightly: Pull them out when edges are golden but centers look soft.
- Sugar Swap: Use ½ brown sugar for extra chew.
- Egg Hack: Out of eggs? Use ¼ cup applesauce.
- Press Gently: Don’t smash dough too thin.
- Cool Completely: They firm up as they cool—patience pays!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze Dough: Roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then bag for 3 months. Bake frozen—add 2 mins.
- Revive Stale Cookies: Microwave 5 seconds or pop in the toaster oven.
Ready to become the undisputed snack-time hero? These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are your golden ticket to crispy edges, pillowy centers, and a kitchen filled with the warm, nutty aroma of homemade goodness. Whether you’re battling after-school hunger, prepping for a cozy movie night, or just craving a bite of nostalgia, this recipe is your secret weapon. Master the 6 simple tricks—like chilling the dough and underbaking just enough—and watch your cookies transform into soft, melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.
Snap a pic of your peanut butter triumphs, tag us with #waverecipes, and we’ll showcase your cookie artistry to the world. Imagine your creation featured alongside fellow bakers who’ve cracked the code to chewy, golden perfection. (Bonus points if you catch a kid mid-cookie-monster face!) So grab that jar of peanut butter, rally your inner baker, and let’s turn simple ingredients into standing ovations. Your fans—and taste buds—are waiting. 🥜🍪✨