Craving a sweet treat without the fuss? These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a perfect solution for easy dessert recipes. You can whip up a batch of delicious, chewy cookies in no time, making them ideal for last-minute cravings or a quick baking project.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a regular, processed peanut butter for the best texture, not natural peanut butter.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be substituted for a chewier cookie with a hint of caramel flavor.
- Egg: There is no direct substitute for the egg in this specific recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Tools Needed: Mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone baking mat, fork.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This ensures your easy dessert recipes come off the pan perfectly.
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive dough. You want a consistent texture for your cookies.
3. Form the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place these balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without touching.
4. Flatten with a Fork
Use the tines of a fork to gently flatten each cookie ball, creating a crosshatch pattern. This classic peanut butter cookie design also helps them bake evenly. These simple steps make for great easy dessert recipes.
5. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips with the peanut butter and sugar.
- Sprinkle Fun: Roll the dough balls in sprinkles before flattening for a festive look.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Using natural peanut butter can result in a more crumbly texture because it separates more easily. For best results, stick with creamy processed peanut butter.
Why are my cookies falling apart?
If your cookies are too crumbly, you might have used too much peanut butter or your egg was too small. Ensure accurate measurements for these easy dessert recipes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free since they do not contain any flour. This makes them a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set. They will firm up more as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch for parties or gatherings. Just make sure to use larger baking sheets or bake in multiple batches.
What if I don’t have a fork for the crosshatch?
While the crosshatch is traditional, it’s not essential. You can simply flatten the cookies slightly with the palm of your hand if you don’t have a fork.