3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Save RecipeHi Bold Bakers!
If you’re like me, you’re also an avid peanut butter lover! One of my favorite ways to enjoy peanut butter’s nutty flavor and creamy texture is with some classic peanut butter cookies. Who doesn’t have happy childhood memories of making or eating peanut butter cookies, with that cross hatch patter on top, chewy texture and nutty sweet taste!
This recipe is truly as easy as 1, 2, 3, meaning you can whip up some happiness on any old day. This recipe is pretty much magic, made of just 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 egg. The 1 to 1 ratio really makes this recipe easy to remember.
This has become one of my go-to cookie recipes. After mixing all 3 ingredients together in a bowl, you roll the dough into balls and press them down and flatten them with the back of a fork. This gives them them the peanut butter cookie look we all know and love. They then bake for 15 minutes into impressively thick and decadent cookies. While this recipe really cuts down on prep time, none of the flavor or texture is lost in the process.
While these are perfection all on their own, I love the idea of these being filled with my creamy 2 Ingredient Ice Cream to make some homemade ice cream sandwiches. You could absolutely cover them in rich Chocolate Frosting, or dip them in melted chocolate! All you Bold Bakers must give these a try. I promise you, they will be an instant hit!
Get more 3 Ingredient Cookies including Coconut Macarons and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- 1 cup (8oz/240g) sugar
- 1 cup (8oz/240g) peanut butter
- 1 egg
- Preheat your oven to 350oF (180Oc) and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl stir all three ingredients together until smooth.
- Using a tablespoon measure scoop out 2 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll into a smooth ball.
- Place pre-rolled cookies on your cookie sheet about one inch apart, no need to worry about these spreading.
- Press down with the back of a fork and then press again from the opposite direction to form that classic criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on the tray for 1-2 minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Store in an air tight container for up to 3 days.
TRY MY CRAZY COOKIE DOUGH TO MAKE ANY COOKIE YOU WANT!
Meet Gemma
Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, and I’m passionate about sharing my years of experience to show you how to make game-changing baking recipes with over-the-top results! Join more than 1 Million other Bold Bakers in the community for new video recipes every week!
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Gemma,
I know you are busy with your trip to Ireland. been watching it. I wanted to thank you for your recipes, I have made the crazy cookies (use chocolate and dried cherries) was a great for my husband, and grandson. also I used the pizza idea too , another hit for us…..I hope you will do Ireland recipes soon. By the way….do you have a cookbook with your recipes? Well , enjoy your trip and be safe always.
Hi Diane,
Sadly, or not, I am back in California! Working away again, but refreshed after our trip, we did enjoy it.
No cook book yet, apart from the ebook, but I am working on it right now, and will get there!
I am happy that you are getting on well with this recipe, it is good that you are with us,
Gemma 🙂
I cant seem to figure out why my cookies arent turning out like the recipe shows. It spreads even after leaving the mixture to sit, can you explain what I am doing wrong, or what I can add to fix it?
Hi Lisa,
Where are you leaving it to sit!
If you refrigerate the dough, it will set it up. Flour in different places absorbs liquids in different ways, so you may need a little extra flour.
Do not give up, try again,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma!
I love following you! These cookies are simply amazing! I live in Florida & my cookies spread everywhere! Any suggestions for the humid baker?
Thank you!!
Hi Ruth,
Sorry if this is a repeated response, Website was being maintained, and some comments disappeared.
I would make sure to refrigerate the dough after mixing. Use real butter, spreads are wetter, and softer, and will give a different result.
Add a touch more flour! this will stabilize the mix, and stop it spreading, 1/4 cup should do it. you should feel the dough coming together in a nice clean ball, this will tell you it is right!
I do hope this helps you in Sunny Florida, love it there!
Gemma 🙂
Thanks Gemma!
I’m a massive fan & have already tried these again resting them in the refrigerator! They are fabulous!!!
Going to try them with the flour. I’ll let you know how they turn out!!
Ruth
Can I use Nutella instead of peanut butter? Please reply because I really want to make these 🙂
Hi there,
(https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/3-ingredient-nutella-cookies/) use this recipe, it is always worth searching on the website!
Gemma 🙂
I love this recipe! They are moist and yummy. The people at my dad’s office really love these cookies, as do my mom, sister, and I. Alas, my dad is allergic to peanuts so he cannot enjoy them.
Hi there,
Ah! poor dad! you will have to bake a different one just for him. (https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/3-ingredient-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies/) he may enjoy this one, you can leave out the chocolate if you wish. I am happy that you are baking and enjoying the recipes, thank you for being here with us,
Gemma 🙂
These are hands down the best P.B. Cookies I’ve ever made. I know what I’m making and passing out for my neighbors this coming Christmas. What’s so nice is that it is so easy to make. Thank you so very much for sharing your delish recipe.
Signed.,
Very grateful from The ATL., ?
Hi Corrina,
I am really happy to hear this. Cookies in particular do not need to be complicated to be good, it is all about the ingredients!
Delighted that you are enjoying, and sharing, the spoils!
Gemma 🙂
Can i add chocolate chips
Hi there,
Sure you can, it will b good,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma,
Massive fan of yours!!!
This is going to be my first baking attempt at anything from your site (first of many I hope)
Can I use Brown sugar for this? If yes dark/light/soft brown sugar? Which is better?
Also would it be the same measurements?
Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Sherrell,
good that you are with us, and thank you for being in touch.
Use a light/medium brown sugar, and the measurements will be the same.
Delighted that you are starting to use these recipes,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma, just baked peanut cookies. Taste fantastic!!! However they spread a bit but all good.
Hi there,
I am happy to hear this. did you rest the dough for a time before making the cookies? This will help. you can also add a touch more flour next time if you wish, it will keep them in shape for you,
Gemma 🙂
Thanks for reply. No I didn’t rest the mix. But have to say the results of my efforts flew of the plate when I took them to work. I’m a support worker for learning disabilities and both residents and colleagues absolutely loved them. As you say, YUMMY!!!!
Ah! good, and brilliant work that you do too, i am not sure I could do this job, mine is easy by comparison!
I am in awe!
Gemma 🙂
Can i use brown sugar and instant oatmeal grains
Hi there,
You can try the instant grains, but I prefer rolled oats.
Brown sugar is perfectly fine for this,
Gemma 🙂
Okay well I’m making a double batch and they came out very sticky not able to make them into a ball… what should I do? do I need more egg, sugar or peanut butter?
Ah! this is to do with being accurate when measuring a double batch. I suggest you add a touch more peanut butter, then use a teaspoon to place on the baking tray, I think all will be well,
Gemma 🙂
This recipe is keeping me VERY busy in the kitchen. I’ve made this according to the instructions once and loved it. But it only yielded about 14 cookies. So, I tripled the recipe and made it this way twice. AND IT WAS AMAZING. Something to note: In America, the jars that I use are 16.8 ounces, which is a little over 2 cups. I add 1 more cup of peanut butter since everything is tripled. I also use half white sugar and half brown sugar. In another episode by Gemma, she said that salt is crucial to baking. Remembering that, I decided to add 1/8 tsp of salt, (making this a 4-ingredient cookie). IT WAS PERFECT. My oven (in Seattle) was able to bake these to perfection in exactly 11 minutes. I work in the food industry and brought these cookies to work. EVERYONE WAS ENAMORED over these. They were gone in 4 minutes. Now I have to make these weekly for the staff. 🙂
Hi Marshall,
Thank you for these great tips, other bold bakers will appreciate your input too.
It sounds like your co-workers are really spoiled, but i am sure they appreciate your hard work too. Thank oyu for bein in touch, and for sharing your experience here,
Gemma 🙂
Made these with Adam’s peanut butter (creamy; unsalted) and brown sugar. They turned out absolutely delicious – a deep golden brown, and the hatches were so cute. My sweetheart and roomies loved them.
If you use those particular ingredients, though, I found mine came out a little crumble-gooey at 15 minutes. Would recommend more like 17 to the full 20!
Thanks for sharing the recipe – it made our night more fun and delicious.
Hi Ali,
Thank you for sharing your recipe, other bold bakers love to hear tips and tricks tried and tested. I am happy that you are happy,
Gemma 🙂
Can you use chic spread instead of peanut butter as im not a fan or can suggest other flavours please i want to make for my nephew
yes you can, just cut the sugar in 1/2 as the chocolate spread is sweeter then peanut butter. 🙂
Does the recipe work with choc spread and sugar & egg as not a fan of peanut butter or any other sugestions on flavours
Sure it will work. I would say maybe cut the sugar in 1/2 as the chocolate spread is sweeter then peanut butter.
Hope this helps 🙂
So Easy. So Fast. So Tasty. I followed the recipe as-is. I don’t find these too sweet at all, like some others mentioned. The best way to describe these is THICK. Not in a bad way at all. Very soft and chewy, just the way I like. Thrilled that these are gluten-free! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe Gemma! 🙂
Hi there,
I am happy that you like this recipe. Everyone has their own taste in cookies, there is something here for everyone, I think!
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma,
First thank you for this recipe, I had a sweets craving, and nothing in the house, so this was something easy that I could make. I was wondering however, can I substitute the sugar for another ingredient? While I love these cookies, my mother is not able to eat this much sugar and was hoping that there was some substitute that would work.
Caille
Also, mine came out extremely chewy, and almost gummy and while they still tasted good, they spread out and became very thin. I was wondering if there was something I could do to keep them thicker, and keep them from becoming so chewy that it is uncomfortable to eat them?
hUUM, This doesn’t sound like the cookies i made. I haven’t heard this before.
Can you double check the recipe because this is a thick dough. It sounds like sounds is drastically off with the measurements
Hi Caille,
here is a chart I use for sugar substitute. It should help you a lot :https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/how-to-substitute-sugar/
Hope this helps 🙂
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? How much difference will it make
?
sure, it won’t make a huge difference 🙂
The peanut cookies turned out great but way to sweet is there anything else to use or can I just use less sugar ? We have also made the oat and banana and choc chip cookies but didn’t like them so much ?Next on the list are the coconut ones ?
For sure you can cut the sugar in half. Some people have said they added less sugar. I might alter the recipe.
Good luck with your coconut cones 🙂
The recipe says bake for 15 minutes but not at what temperature. So what temperature?
yeah temp is in the first line. Bake at 350of (180oC).
🙂
Hi! Are you supposed to scoop out 1 tablespoon of 2 tablespoons of batter? Might make them tomorrow. I made the oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies and added raisins turned out very good!
Hi Emily,
One tablespoon will be sufficient, they will spread on the baking tray.
Thank you for being in touch,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma, could I try this with ordinary salted butter as peanut butter is not available in my area?
No! I am sorry, that will not do this for you. If you can get peanuts you can make your own peanut butter. The recipe is here on my website,
Gemma 🙂
Can you use powdered sugar instead of regular sugar for this recipe ?
Hi Kate,
Yes, i do believe this will be ok too, though the result will be a little different. Powdered sugar is more expensive to buy than regular granulated sugar. Caster sugar is granulated sugar in the US! In Ireland and other places granulated sugar is very coarse, not so in the US!
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma,
Can the sugar be substituted by Condensed milk or may be less of sugar and more if condensed milk or half a cup instead of one cup.
?Avantika
I would say less sugar Avantika then condensed milk. Maybe use 1/4 less sugar 🙂
Tried these for a quick cookie craving and couldn’t be happier. I was a little heavy on the peanut butter and sugar but still came out perfect in 8 minutes(longer if you like a harder cookie but 8 to make them decadently chewy)
that’s fantastic!!! so happy to hear that 🙂
Gemma.
I JUST made these cookies with almond butter and they were so easy and delicious! I love cookies so much but I am not very good at baking them so this recipe was just outstanding! Highly recommended especially for beginners. Tomorrow I am trying out the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies 🙂
Love you and all your videos and recipes, Gemma!
I am so delighted to hear that!!! thanks so cmic for letting me know,
Gemma.
Hi, I love most of your recepies, but this one is not even “very” sweet, but I would say extremely sweet, to the point that it gets almost uneatable, and I have a sweet tooth(
Hi Anna,
I am sorry to hear that. I too have a sweet tooth (obviously) and I didn’t find them so.
Feel free to maybe use a quarter less sugar and the recipe should still work. Also search peanut butter cookies on my website because I have other recipes 🙂
Are you sure you’re using peanut butter with no sugar? That makes a big difference, I find – if people use peanut butter with sugar already in it versus just plain peanut butter.
Hi there,
1 cup (8oz/240g) sugar
1 cup (8oz/240g) peanut butter
1 egg
This is the recipe I use, no sugar in the peanut butter, I generally do not use a sweetened one,
Gemma 🙂
I tried the peanut butter cookies last night…I only baked em for 15 mins and they well…kinda burnt alittle. Is there any tips you can give for someone trying to bake this at high altitudes? I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado which is pretty high up…baking has proven challenging lol …still taste amazing though 🙂
Hi Angel,
Yes, baking at high altitude is a challenge! When I came to the US first, after college, to do a baking internship in Tahoe I was astonished at the difference in baking at high altitude. I think you need to bake at a lower temperature than the one suggested, adjust by about 20% downwards, this may do it for you.
This is a tip I got from a follower recently, it was for the Vanilla Cake recipe, and would work for yellow cake too: For all the high altitude bakers, I added 1 extra egg white, about 2 tablespoons more buttermilk, 3 tablespoons flour and used a flower nail in the center! It rose up perfectly and was light and fluffy!
So, there are tips and tricks available, do a little googling!
Gemma 🙂
I’ve made this recipe for 25 years. But sometimes I add a teaspoon or 2 of vanilla extract. And I bake these at 350^ for 8 min for chewy cookies or 10 min for regular cookies.
Yes I tried it without the sugar ..I substituted 1/3 cup of honey instead .they turned out fabulous!!
hi Becky,
That is great, thank you for letting me know, It is very useful to get your experience of changes in the recipes, well done you,
Gemma 🙂
OMG Gemma, I’m eating the cookies as I type this message, they are perfect love them so fast and easy
I will be making all of your 3 ingredient cookies for a gathering instead of the banana pudding I
make every year. Thank you so much
Yea! good for you, well done. cookies always go down really well at a gathering, that is a great idea,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma, O my goodnessssss I made the Peanut Butter Cookies last night n they were to die for… Loved them. Right now I am trying the Coconut Macaroon Cookies.. Can’t wait to taste them
Yea! that is great Belle, I am happy when you guys are happy,
Gemma 🙂
Is the sugar only necessary in case of sugar free peanut butter?
Hi Teresa,
No! it is an ingredient, which holds the cookie together. I cannot see this working without this ingredient, I think it will fail!
Gemma 🙂
Hi, Its nice to see that you are giving us some baking recipes. I made your peanut butter cookies tonight and they turned out great except I think your recipe should of read only to scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough rather than two tablespoons. looking forward to receiving your comments.
Hi Shirley,
I will go back to the recipe, thank you for this, I did not notice it!
I am happy that you tried this recipe,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma,
Is it possible to bake this cookie with the sugar or just add a tablespoon instead of a cup? I would love to try this but I don’t like it too sweet.
Hi Lilian,
I hear you! the problem is that the sugar provides the stability to the cookie, it holds it together if you will!
It is worth trying it with a substitute, such as agave powder, as this will caramelize like sugar, but not stevia as this will not!
You can try adjusting the recipe, but I fear it will collapse the cookie.
Gemma 🙂
Hi gemma,
Can I use homemade peanut butter in this recipe
Rawan?
Hi Rawan,
Yes, you can use homemade peanut butter.
I prefer rolled oats as they are less processed and will hold up better in the bake, but you can try it!
Gemma 🙂