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These chewy, dense, peanut butter cookies are an unforgettable memory from my childhood. Made with just an egg, a cup of peanut butter, and a cup of sugar, 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are an old-fashioned cookie that everyone loves.
Peanut Butter Cookies
After you’ve tasted them, these old-fashioned chewy peanut butter cookies will be forever in your memory, too. And if you scan the comments at the bottom of this post, you’ll see a whole lot of people calling these the Best Peanut Butter Cookies Ever.
While the origin of these peanut butter cookies is sometimes debated, the recipe has certainly been around longer than I have. I can remember seeing the instructions on the side of Jif, Skippy, and Peter Pan peanut butter jars throughout my childhood.
So quick easy and delicious! Always have the ingredients so it is really perfect for a spur of the moment sweet tooth 😋 👍
Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
I remember stirring a batch of these cookies together with a friend in the middle of the night when I was in junior high or high school. I was a bit skeptical that it would work, but I loved them from the first bite.
There is nothing like being able to satisfy a sweet tooth craving at a moment’s notice! We sat and nibbled on the warm cookies and talked half the night.
In less time than it takes to preheat the oven, you can have these ready and waiting to bake on a tray. There are plenty of variations of peanut butter cookies on the internet and in countless cookbooks, and I’ve played with plenty of them in the past.
1 Cup Peanut Butter + 1 Cup Sugar + 1 Egg
In the end, I keep going back to the original peanut butter cookie. I love it for its simplicity. 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 egg: there really isn’t anything easier that tastes this good.
Truly the BEST!
As much as I love the original recipe, I often change things up just a tiny bit when I make these cookies. I like to remove about 2 tablespoons of peanut butter from the “cup” listed in this recipe. This results in a slightly less dense cookie that we love even more than the original. Happy baking!
One of my favorite things about this very easy peanut butter cookie recipe is that kids can usually make these cookies without any help at all. This was the first cookie recipe that each of my boys learned to make, and they were probably about 5 years old when they made them for the first time on their own.
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
While the main ingredients for these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are simply peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, feel free to adapt the recipe however you like best! Add a teaspoon of vanilla, an additional egg (for a gooier cookie – see note below), a pinch of sea salt, or a handful of chocolate chips. The cookies are delicious both as written and with the extra ingredients.
As much as I love the original recipe, I often change things up just a tiny bit when I make these cookies. I like to remove about 2 tablespoons of peanut butter from the “cup” listed in this recipe. This results in a slightly less dense cookie that we love even more than the original.
Please note: I do not recommend using a natural peanut butter for this recipe. I’ve found that a commercial peanut butter, i.e. Jiff or Skippy will work best for these cookies. While some readers have commented that their all-natural peanut butter works well, that is not universally true with all natural peanut butters.
Recipe Tip
Many readers have mentioned that they like to add an extra egg to this recipe. If you choose to add an extra egg, simply scoop the finished cookie dough onto the baking tray. The dough will not be firm enough to roll into balls or press with a criss-cross pattern.
The cookies will be puffier straight out of the oven and then will settle a bit as they cool. I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest fan of this particular variation, as the cookies are a bit more delicate this way, and I really like the chewy texture of the original version.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
It really doesn’t get any easier than these cookies. Stir together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and then use the back of a fork to press down on each cookie. Press again from the opposite direction to form the criss-cross pattern on top.
These cookies will not spread much at all. You can bake the full batch on a single tray if you like. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container, either on the counter until they all disappear, or in the freezer, for up to 2 months.
Easy Cookie Recipes
For more easy dessert recipes, check out these easy cookie recipes! {5 Ingredient} Coconut Lovers Oatmeal Cookies and these {5 Ingredient} Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies.
For the easiest and most memorable cake you’ll ever make, try the {6 Ingredient} Cranberry Christmas Cake. You’re going to love it from the first bite. I’m willing to bet on that. Do you have a favorite super easy cookie recipe? If so, I’d love to hear about it!
I’m always looking for more simple dessert recipes to try. These Easy Double Chocolate Nutella Cookies and these Easy Shortbread Cookies (made with a cookie press) are both on my to-bake list now.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar * see note below
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl. Stir together until well combined.
- Scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. (Roll into 1" balls with your hands, if you do not have a scoop.) Press down with the back of a fork, and then press again from the opposite direction, to form the criss-cross pattern on top.
- These cookies will not spread much at all. You can bake the full recipe on a single tray if you like. Bake for 12 minutes and then cool on the tray for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Store in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 08/14/2013 – photos and recipe notes updated 09/25/25}
This has been a very popular recipe here on the website for almost as long as I’ve been sharing recipes online. I’m updating the photos and resharing the recipe today; however, I’m including the original photos here for those who may already be familiar with these cookies.
I made the peanut butter cookies, only use 2/3 cup of sugar. The first time I used one cup, they were too sweet. Also, spray measuring cup with Pam or oil on paper towel for easy release of peanut butter. They were delicious!!
I’m glad that you’re enjoying the cookies, Lucille!
Very good, quick, and easy. My husband made the recipe with flour and all the other dry ingredients. This recipe taste just as good and as we sit here munching down on cookies, his are still being baked because it takes way longer. One thing…I would only bake them for 10 minutes because 12 burnt my first batch.
I’m glad you like the cookies, Vin!
Hi Mary!
What does the sugar do? If I buy regular peanut butter and use one egg / two eggs, will the recipe work if I leave out the sugar?
Many thanks for explanation and reply!
The sugar adds stability to the recipe, Alicia. The peanut butter and egg combination will just melt on the pan without it.
Anyone ever try coconut sugar?
These cookies will work fine with coconut sugar, Cory.
I just baked them with coconut sugar + a few vegan chocolate chips – super good!!
I’m glad you like them, Jessica!
Baking the three ingredient cookies right now! Thank you!
I hope you love them, Carol.
What would happen if I only use brown sugar I wonder. … Q
Hi Kecia. Brown sugar will work just fine. Happy baking!
Made these with made granddaughter today , they were great. She loved them !!!
I’m happy to hear it, Talandra!
I was thrilled to find this recipe. OH cookies are a favorite in my house. And are made quite often! But to have to get out the flour and all other ingredients can be a hassle not to mention time consuming and the mess! Thank you for this tasty easy recipe! My 4 year old grandson thanks you too because now Nana can make more 😁
I’m so glad that you like the cookies, Cindy!
I couldn’t believe this would work but it was late and I just really wanted a fast snack. Surprise!! These are great!
I’m so glad you like the cookies, Kim.
How much do u cook it?!
Hi Jayme. You’ll want to bake for 12 minutes and then let cool on the tray for 1-2 minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling.
daughter and I just made these we had some chocolate chips so we just waiting to get them out of the oven just checked on them they look really good well just got them out and let them cool omg this was so easy to make with a 8 yr old we from texas so we love cookies
I’m so glad that you love the cookies, Shelly.
made these in less then 5 minutes! awesome:)
I’m so glad you like the cookies, Paytyn!
is 350 degrees in celcius?
Hi Vanessa, the cookies bake at 350°F.
In fourth grade we had to make cookies and my aunt told me about this recipe. I took them to school and told the class that these cookies were made without flour. My teacher said it was not possible and scolded me. I was just a little fourth graders and she was so sure that every cookie is made with flour that even though I had made them the night before I began to doubt if what I was saying was correct. But I knew I was right and I knew she would have none of it. Lost respect for her that day
What a bummer that the teacher didn’t believe you. I love hearing the different memories people have of these cookies though!
If I make these in small batches in the toaster oven how should I adjust the time and temp? Also, has anyone tried this with chunky peanut butter? Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it out!
As long as your toaster oven comes to full temp, the baking time shouldn’t need to be adjusted, Elise. Chunky peanut butter isn’t my favorite choice for this recipe, but it will work. You might need an additional 1/4 cup or so, depending on how many nuts are in the peanut butter.
I love trying recipes and saw this one! I love peanut butter cookies and these are absolutely fab! I take out the 2 tbls. From cup of peanut butter and add mini chocolate chips and little salt! PERFECT💜
I’m glad you’re enjoying the cookies, Lisa!
They was delish I even made a peanut Butter and jelly Bach also Delish thank for sharing I had a sweet tooth and didn’t want to go to the store I used simple home ingredients
I’m glad you’re enjoying the cookies, Hannah!
I have been making these for several years, so easy & yummy. Was wondering if I could sub the sugar with Stevia in the raw?
I’ve never tried that myself, but it’s worth a shot, Marcia.
I tried the Stevia and it was not good left and after taste toss them out.
Soooo delicious!😋
I was craving Peanut Butter Cookies, but really wanted one that was quick and easy. I did add some chocolate chips.
My husband said he is addicted!
Thanks! Will keep this recipe!
I’m glad that you like the cookies, Rosie!
What temperature to bake these cookies at and for how long?? Neither the video nor the instructions indicate. Thanks in advance for the information.
The instructions are listed in the recipe card above, Joe. The cookies bake at 350°F.
Wow! So easy and delish I made a batch of Pb chocolate chip also and maybe next time add walnuts! Endless possibilities for this cookie! Thank you so much
I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying the cookies, Gwen!