The Easiest Cookie Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for an easy cookie recipe that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or time, look no further. The 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie is perfect for anyone, from busy bakers to beginners in the kitchen. In just 15 minutes, you can make these soft, chewy, and delicious cookies that everyone will love. Whether you’re craving a snack or need a quick dessert for a family gathering, these peanut butter cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without a long list of ingredients or complicated steps.

Why This Is the Easiest Cookie Recipe

When it comes to easy cookie recipes, simplicity is key. The 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe is the epitome of simplicity and convenience. You don’t need any fancy kitchen tools, and you don’t need to worry about measuring out a lot of ingredients. What you need is just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. That’s it! This minimalistic approach not only saves time but also results in a cookie that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.

Here’s why this is one of the easiest cookie recipes around:

• Minimal ingredients: You only need three ingredients, and there’s no flour, baking soda, or butter to worry about.

• Quick prep time: From start to finish, you can have these cookies ready in just about 15 minutes.

• No special equipment: You don’t need a mixer, rolling pin, or cookie cutters. Just a spoon, bowl, and a baking sheet.

• Perfect for beginners: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for novice bakers and those in need of a quick treat.

Ingredients for the Easiest Cookie Recipe

The best part about these peanut butter cookies is that they require only three simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 1 cup peanut butter: The star of this recipe! You can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your preference. Peanut butter adds a rich flavor and texture that makes the cookie both soft and chewy.

2. 1 cup sugar: This can be white sugar or brown sugar, depending on your taste. Brown sugar will give your cookies a slightly richer flavor and more chewiness.

3. 1 egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and helps create a soft texture. It also adds a touch of richness to the cookies.

That’s it! No need for additional ingredients like flour or baking soda. These three simple ingredients work together to make an easy cookie that packs a lot of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Easiest Cookie Recipe

Now, let’s go over how to make these delicious 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies in just a few simple steps. Follow this easy guide to bake your cookies to perfection.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you start mixing your ingredients, it’s important to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures that the cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect golden-brown exterior. While the oven is warming up, you’ll have time to mix your ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter, Sugar, and Egg

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Use a spoon or a whisk to stir everything together until the dough is smooth and fully combined. You’ll notice that the dough will be thick and slightly sticky due to the peanut butter, but that’s what makes these cookies so chewy and delicious.

Step 3: Shape the Cookie Dough

Once your dough is well-mixed, it’s time to shape the cookies. Take a tablespoon-sized portion of the dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. If you prefer smaller cookies, you can use a teaspoon to scoop the dough instead.

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Leave a little space between each ball to allow for spreading while baking.

Step 4: Flatten the Cookies

After placing the dough balls on the baking sheet, gently flatten each one with the back of a fork. You can make a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie for a classic touch. This will not only make your cookies look great but will also help them bake evenly. You can flatten them as much as you like, but remember that thinner cookies will be crispier, while thicker ones will be chewier.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them because baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your cookies. You want the edges of the cookies to be golden brown, while the center should still be soft.

Once the cookies are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the cookies to set and makes them easier to handle.

Step 6: Enjoy!

After your peanut butter cookies have cooled, it’s time to dig in! These cookies are sweet, nutty, and the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. You can enjoy them on their own, with a glass of milk, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips and Variations for the Easiest Cookie Recipe

While this 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe is already incredibly simple, here are a few tips and variations to customize it to your taste:

• Add-ins: You can stir in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even raisins to add some extra texture and flavor to your cookies.

• Use almond butter or cashew butter: If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different nut butter, you can easily substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a unique twist on this recipe.

• Make them gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t require any flour. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you’re making peanut butter oatmeal cookies with add-ins.

• Adjust sweetness: You can use less sugar if you prefer a less sweet cookie, or substitute stevia or honey for a different sweetness profile.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

These peanut butter cookies are perfect for just about any occasion:

• Quick dessert: They’re perfect for a last-minute dessert when you have unexpected guests.

• Snack: These cookies make a great energy-boosting snack, especially with their high protein content from the peanut butter and egg.

• Baking with kids: This is an excellent recipe to make with young bakers. It’s simple, quick, and fun to shape the cookies and create the fork patterns.

• Holiday treat: Add some red and green sprinkles during the holiday season to make these cookies festive for Christmas or any other celebration.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie):

• Calories: 120-130

• Fat: 8g

• Protein: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Sugar: 8g

• Fiber: 1g

These cookies are a great source of protein from the peanut butter and egg, and they offer a delightful mix of healthy fats and sugar. They are perfect for a quick energy boost without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

The easiest cookie recipe you’ll ever need is here, and it’s made with just three ingredients. These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are perfect for beginner bakers, busy individuals, or anyone looking for a quick, tasty treat. With minimal ingredients, simple steps, and a short baking time, these cookies are the ultimate solution for satisfying your sweet cravings in no time.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the complicated recipes and whip up these peanut butter cookies. You won’t regret it! Enjoy!