Name: 13 Minute 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg

I absolutely love how this 13 Minute 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe transforms just a handful of everyday pantry staples into a warm, chewy treat that feels like a hug in dessert form. It’s so quick to whip up, and the results are always deliciously satisfying—perfect for when I want a sweet fix without a fuss. The rich peanut butter flavor combined with the simple sweetness of sugar, all held together by one egg, gives me a cookie that’s delightfully soft and perfectly textured every single time.

Why You'll Love This 13 Minute 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

What really makes this recipe stand out for me is the incredible peanut butter flavor that shines so brightly with just minimal ingredients. There’s a simplicity here that lets the nutty richness be the star without overwhelming anything else. When I bake these, my kitchen fills with this amazing cozy aroma that just invites everyone to gather around and enjoy. The texture is soft but holds together nicely, with that classic criss-cross fork pattern that’s both charming and practical.

Besides the taste, the ease of preparation is something I genuinely appreciate. I find it delightful to pull together a batch in under 15 minutes from start to finish—baking included. It’s such a stress-free recipe because you don’t need to mess around with creaming butter or measuring out a bunch of ingredients. I always keep these staples on hand because I never know when the craving will hit or when a last-minute treat is needed for guests.

I often make these cookies for casual get-togethers, quick afternoon snacks, or even just to brighten up an ordinary day. They’re perfect for when I want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours baking. This recipe really earns its place in my routine because it’s one of those rare desserts that is genuinely easy, delightful, and beautifully simple all at once.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several small, round, orange dough balls on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is pressing a silver fork onto one dough ball in the center, creating a crisscross pattern of small grooves on the dough's smooth surface. Some dough balls remain smooth, while others have the textured fork marks. The dough looks soft and slightly shiny, arranged close together in a neat layout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You’ll be amazed at how just three ingredients produce such a satisfying cookie. Each plays a crucial role: sugar adds sweetness and helps create a slight crisp edge; creamy peanut butter brings that rich, decadent flavor with a smooth texture; and the egg binds everything together, giving the cookies their perfect chew.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar for the right sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges.
Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the heart of the cookie; creamy style blends smoothly, making the cookie tender.
Egg: It’s the natural binder that gives structure and a nice chewy texture to the cookies.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready for baking.

Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, so the cookies don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the sugar, peanut butter, and egg until the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls and place them spaced out on your lined baking sheet. Then, gently press each ball with the back of a fork to create that signature criss-cross design on the tops of the cookies.

Step 5: Bake for 12 minutes, watching as the edges begin to set but the centers stay soft—this balance is key to that perfect chewy bite.

Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; this helps them firm up just enough without losing softness inside.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 18 delicious cookies—perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few days. Prep time is just around 5 minutes since the ingredients mix up quickly. The baking takes approximately 12 minutes, so total time from start to finish lands at about 17 minutes. I usually factor in a couple of minutes cooling time before eating, which is just enough to avoid burning your fingers but keeps the cookies invitingly warm.

How to Serve This 13 Minute 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

A stack of light brown peanut butter cookies with crisscross fork marks sits on a white cake stand in the back center of the image. In front, on a white marbled surface, five cookies lie flat, with one cookie resting upright against a glass of white milk on the right. A spoon with a scoop of smooth peanut butter is placed next to the cookies on the left. A white cloth with dark blue stripes is draped casually on the left side, and a white cloth is softly spread in the background. The scene has soft, natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve these cookies, I like to think about simple ways to elevate their presentation and enjoyment. They’re fantastic straight from the oven when they’re still warm and soft, maybe served with a cold glass of milk or a frothy cappuccino to balance the rich peanut butter flavor. For a fun twist, I sometimes add a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside them, turning the cookies into a fast, comforting dessert.

If I’m serving these at a casual get-together, I arrange them on a pretty platter and sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top just before serving—this little touch makes the sweetness pop and adds a gourmet vibe. Garnishing with a few whole peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also make them feel festive. These cookies are fantastic for holidays, potlucks, or just a simple afternoon treat with friends or family.

I always serve them at room temperature or just slightly warm because that texture is heavenly—soft and chewy with a lightly crisp edge. I recommend portioning them out by about one or two cookies per person depending on your guests’ appetites; these packs a good punch of peanut butter goodness!

Variations

One of the things I love about this 13 Minute 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. For example, if you prefer crunchy peanut butter to add a bit more texture, that works wonderfully in place of creamy. Or, if you want a touch less sweetness, swapping half the sugar for a sugar alternative like coconut sugar gives you a deeper caramel note without sacrificing chewiness.

If you're looking for gluten-free options, you’ll be glad to know this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour. For vegan adaptations, replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) can work well, although the texture will be a little different—still delicious though!

For creative flavor twists, I’ve experimented adding a few mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking, or mixing in a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to add warmth and complexity. Another fun method is to gently toast the peanut butter before mixing, which brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that’s irresistible.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, usually layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week this way, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack during a busy week. Avoid refrigerating if you want to keep them soft, as that can dry them out quickly.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze these peanut butter cookies if you want to keep a stash on hand. I recommend freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag once firm. They keep well for up to 3 months frozen. When you want to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes—or gently warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds to get that fresh-baked softness back.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a microwave for just a few seconds or warming them briefly in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a couple minutes. This refreshes that freshly baked texture without drying them out. I avoid overheating because that can make them hard or crumbly. Reheating is a great way to enjoy that “just out of the oven” comfort whenever you want!

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this 13 Minute 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but the texture might be a little different since it doesn’t contain stabilizers like commercial creamy peanut butter. The cookies may spread more and have a slightly different crumb, but they will still be delicious. Stir the natural peanut butter well before measuring to ensure even consistency.

Does the sugar type affect the cookie outcome?

Yes, using granulated sugar creates that lovely slightly crisp edge that contrasts with the chewy center. If you swap for brown sugar or coconut sugar, your cookies will be softer and moister with a richer flavor. Both work well, so feel free to experiment according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free or vegan?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free because it contains no flour. For a vegan twist, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg mixture—1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water—and let it sit before using. Texture might vary slightly, but it’s a great option for plant-based diets.

How should I adjust baking time for larger cookies?

If you make larger cookie dough balls, you’ll want to increase the baking time by a few minutes—closely watch them starting around 14 minutes and adjust as needed. Larger cookies might need up to 16 minutes to bake through but still keep that soft center.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! I love adding mini chocolate chips or chopped roasted peanuts for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them into your dough before scooping onto the baking sheet. Keep in mind that adding mix-ins may slightly affect baking time and texture, so check doneness accordingly.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this 13 Minute 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe enough—it's perfect for anyone who wants a quick, simple, and absolutely delicious homemade cookie. The ease of tossing together just three ingredients and the amazing peanut butter flavor make it a permanent favorite in my kitchen. I truly hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy these cookies as much as I do!