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You know those moments? Late at night, the craving hits, and you *really* want something sweet, but the thought of a whole baking production makes you groan? Yeah, I’ve been there. My kitchen used to feel like a place I *had* to be, not a place I *wanted* to be, thanks to a crazy corporate job. But then, I discovered the magic of baking bread, and it changed everything! It was like finding peace in imperfection, and that’s exactly what these Easy Peanut Butter Cookies are all about. Seriously, just three ingredients, no flour, and done in under 20 minutes. They’re naturally gluten-free and honestly, the perfect thing to whip up when you need a little treat, or even for the kids to help with. It’s pure joy, right in your own kitchen.
- Why You'll Love These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Gather Your Simple Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Crafting Your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies: Step-by-Step
- Tips for the Best Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
- Variations and Add-ins for Your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Nutritional Estimate for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Share Your Simple Peanut Butter Dessert Creations!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Honestly, these cookies are a weeknight savior! Check out why you’ll be making them all the time:
- Super Speedy: Ready from start to finish in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those late-night cravings!
- Barely Any Ingredients: Just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. Most of us have these pantry staples already!
- Naturally Gluten-Free: No flour needed here, making them a win for so many people.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: They’re so simple, the little ones can totally help roll the dough and make those cute fork marks.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Okay, so you’re probably looking at your pantry right now, right? The beauty of these easy peanut butter cookies is that you likely have everything you need already. We’re talking pantry staples here! Grab yourself a cup of creamy peanut butter – make sure it’s nice and stirred if it’s the natural kind. Then you’ll need a cup of good old granulated sugar and just one large egg. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, a half cup of chocolate chips are totally optional but oh-so-worth it for those quick pantry cookies.
Crafting Your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies: Step-by-Step
Okay, so here’s where the magic really happens! Don’t let the simplicity fool you; these steps are your guide to perfect easy peanut butter cookies every single time. We’re talking minimal dishes and maximum deliciousness here, so let’s get baking!
Preheating and Prep for Your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
First things first, let’s get that oven ready for its star performers. Crank it up to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While it’s heating, grab a baking sheet and lay down some parchment paper. This is the easiest way to make sure your cookies don’t stick, and trust me, nobody wants to lose a cookie to a stubborn pan! It makes cleanup a breeze, too.
Mixing the Simple Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
This is the best part – the one-bowl wonder! Just dump your peanut butter, sugar, and that egg right into the bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is combined into a lovely, cohesive dough. If you decided to go wild with those optional chocolate chips (a good choice, by the way!), stir them in now. See? Super easy. No fancy mixers needed, just a bowl and a spoon!
Shaping and Finishing Your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Now, let’s make them look like proper cookies! Roll the dough into little balls, aiming for about an inch in size. Space them out on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little room to breathe – about two inches apart is good. Then, for that classic look, grab a fork and gently press down on each ball, making that cute little crisscross pattern. The kids will totally love helping with this part!
Baking Your Soft Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe to Perfection
Into the oven they go! Bake them for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just lightly golden. If you want super soft cookies, pull them out a minute or two early. For a chewier texture, give them the full 12 minutes, or even a minute longer. My family loves that slightly chewy center, so I usually go for the longer bake. These are truly the stars of the soft peanut butter cookie recipe world!
Cooling Your Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, resist the urge to eat them immediately (I know, it’s tough!). Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up just enough so they don’t fall apart. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here really does make for the best texture in these classic peanut butter cookies.
Tips for the Best Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies
Okay, so we’ve got these amazing cookies, but let’s make sure yours are truly the best homemade peanut butter cookies you’ve ever made! I learned early on that using the right kind of peanut butter is key. You really want a creamy, smooth peanut butter for these. If you use the natural kind, make SURE it’s stirred super well, otherwise, you can get a greasy dough, and nobody wants that! Early in my baking adventures, I once used natural peanut butter that wasn’t stirred properly, and the cookies spread out way too much. Whoops! Lesson learned.
Peanut Butter Choice for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Seriously, reach for that creamy, classic peanut butter. It makes all the difference! If you’re using the natural kind, the oil settles at the top, so give it a really good stir to combine it all. This makes sure your dough is perfectly consistent for these easy peanut butter cookies.
Achieving the Perfect Texture in Your Quick Cookie Recipe
Want softer cookies? Just keep an eye on them and pull them out as soon as the edges look lightly golden. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. For a slightly chewier, almost fudgy center, bake them for the full 10-12 minutes. This little trick is my secret for the perfect balance in this quick cookie recipe – they’re never too crispy, just wonderfully soft and satisfying!
Variations and Add-ins for Your Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
You know, as amazing as these three-ingredient cookies are, sometimes you just want to jazz them up a little, right? That half cup of chocolate chips is a fantastic idea, seriously. But why stop there? You could totally toss in some colorful sprinkles for a fun pop, or even a little drizzle of melted white chocolate or milk chocolate after they’ve cooled. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped nuts or even a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. It’s all about making them *your* perfect cookie!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Got questions about these super simple treats? I’ve got answers! It’s totally normal to wonder about a few things when you’re whipping up something this easy.
Are these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies gluten-free?
Yes, they absolutely are! Since the base recipe only uses peanut butter, sugar, and egg, it’s naturally gluten-free. How awesome is that?
Can I use natural peanut butter for these flourless peanut butter cookies?
You sure can, but with a little trick! Make sure that natural peanut butter is super well-stirred before you measure it. Sometimes it can make the dough a bit softer or a bit greasier, but stirring it well really helps keep these flourless peanut butter cookies together.
How long do these late night cookies stay fresh?
These late night cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay nicely soft and delicious for about 3-4 days. Honestly, though, they usually don’t last that long!
What can I do if my peanut butter cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels a little too sticky to handle, just pop the bowl in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. This chills the peanut butter and makes the dough much easier to roll into balls and shape. It’s a simple fix!
Certainly! Here’s that next section for your blog, written in the style we talked about:
Nutritional Estimate for Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
So, you’ve made these incredible cookies, and you might be wondering about the deets. While every batch can be a little different depending on your exact peanut butter and sugar, here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per cookie. Think roughly 100 calories, about 6 grams of fat (some of that good stuff!), 10 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein. They’re a simple, satisfying treat for sure!
Share Your Simple Peanut Butter Dessert Creations!
I truly hope you love making (and eating!) these super easy peanut butter cookies. But honestly, the BEST part is seeing what you create! Did you add chocolate chips? Maybe some sprinkles? Snap a pic and tag me on social media, or leave a comment below telling me how they turned out for you. I can’t wait to see your masterpieces!
PrintEasy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Make these simple, flourless peanut butter cookies in minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun baking project with kids.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 17 min
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix until well combined. If using, stir in chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Use a fork to press down on each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, bake for a shorter time. For chewier cookies, bake a little longer.
- Ensure your peanut butter is creamy and well-stirred for the best texture.
- Kids can help roll the dough into balls and press the fork pattern.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
