You don’t need a long ingredient list to make a really good peanut butter cookie. This easy recipe calls for just three pantry staples—peanut butter, sugar and an egg—with no flour, butter or baking powder required.
The cookies have the classic criss-cross pattern, lightly crisp edges and soft centres. They’re a great option when you want something homemade without making a trip to the grocery store.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Classic peanut butter cookies made with just three ingredients – peanut butter, sugar and an egg. Lightly crisp on the outside, soft in the centre and naturally flourless.
Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar and egg until smooth.
- Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheet.
- Press gently with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool before serving.
Notes
Baking Tips
• Use natural peanut butter for a softer texture.
• Sprinkle with flaky salt before baking for contrast.
• Sprinkle with flaky salt before baking for contrast.
ELLE Gourmet Tips
- Can you make peanut butter cookies without flour?
- Yes. These three-ingredient peanut butter cookies use peanut butter, sugar and an egg, so there’s no flour required. The peanut butter provides much of the structure and richness.
- Can I use natural peanut butter for 3-ingredient cookies?
- Yes, although the texture may vary depending on the brand. If using natural peanut butter, stir it thoroughly before measuring so the oil is evenly incorporated. Natural peanut butter may produce a softer cookie.
- Why do you press peanut butter cookies with a fork?
- The criss-cross pattern is a classic feature of peanut butter cookies. Pressing the dough also flattens the balls slightly, helping them bake more evenly.
