Save to Pinterest My neighbor brought over a plate of these cookies on a random Tuesday afternoon, and I remember thinking they couldn't possibly be made with just three ingredients. She laughed when she told me—peanut butter, sugar, and egg—and challenged me to guess what made them so impossibly soft and chewy. Now I bake them whenever I need something quick that actually tastes like it took effort, and people always assume there's some secret ingredient I'm hiding.
I made these for my son's school bake sale, and they sold out first. A parent came back asking for the recipe because her daughter said they were the only cookies she could eat without worry. That moment made me realize how a simple recipe could actually matter to someone's everyday life.
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter: Use unsweetened or lightly sweetened—it's the whole flavor foundation, so choose one you'd actually eat straight from the jar.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetens and also helps create that characteristic chewy texture as it caramelizes slightly at the edges.
- Large egg: Just one, and it's what binds everything together and gives these cookies their signature soft crumb.
Instructions
- Heat your oven:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper while it preheats. This prevents sticking and gives you one less thing to worry about.
- Mix the dough:
- Combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl and stir until completely smooth and uniform. You'll notice how the mixture goes from chunky to silky as the sugar dissolves into the peanut butter.
- Shape and place:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into balls, and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheet. They'll spread a little as they bake, so don't crowd them.
- Make the signature pattern:
- Gently flatten each ball with the tines of a fork, making a crosshatch pattern—this isn't just for looks, it helps them bake more evenly.
- Bake until set:
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, watching for the edges to firm up and the tops to begin cracking. That's your signal they're done.
- Cool properly:
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This brief resting time is crucial—they'll firm up enough to move without falling apart.
Save to Pinterest My daughter dunked one in milk at breakfast one morning, and it held together perfectly, making her genuinely happy about a simple cookie. Those small moments remind me why these three-ingredient wonders have become such a staple in our house.
Flavor Variations That Work
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is with additions. Brown sugar instead of white sugar deepens the flavor into something richer and almost caramel-like, while a pinch of sea salt cuts through the sweetness in a way that feels grown-up and sophisticated. A splash of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of cinnamon can shift the whole personality of the cookie without disrupting the texture.
Storage and Making Them Last
These cookies stay soft and chewy for about four days in an airtight container at room temperature, though they rarely last that long in my kitchen. If you want to bake ahead, the dough scoops beautifully and can live in the fridge for a few days—just add a minute or two to the baking time straight from cold.
Why Three Ingredients Change Everything
There's something honest about a recipe this simple—no hiding behind technique or complicated methods, just pure ingredients doing exactly what they're meant to do. Every time I make them, I'm struck by how constraint breeds creativity, and how sometimes the easiest thing to make is exactly what people crave.
- Press a chocolate chip into each cookie right before baking for a surprise that makes it feel fancier than it is.
- Keep an extra egg and some peanut butter on hand because once people taste these, they'll always be asking for more.
- Trust the crack in the top—that's the cookie telling you it's done, even if it looks slightly underbaked.
Save to Pinterest These cookies have quietly become my answer to everything—a thoughtful gift, a last-minute dessert, a gluten-free option for friends I care about. They're proof that the most meaningful food doesn't need complexity, just intention.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients are needed for these soft peanut butter treats?
Just creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and an egg are required for these soft, flourless delights.
- → How do I achieve the crisscross pattern on top?
After shaping dough balls, gently press each with a fork in a crisscross motion before baking.
- → Can I customize the flavor of these treats?
Yes, adding a pinch of sea salt, vanilla extract, or a chocolate chip on top brings extra depth and variation.
- → What is the best baking temperature and time?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes until edges set and tops crack slightly.
- → Are these treats suitable for gluten and dairy-free diets?
Yes, they contain no flour or dairy, making them suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free preferences.
- → How do I store these treats to maintain freshness?
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack, then store in an airtight container to keep soft and fresh.