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the easiest recipe

3-Ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe without flour 

It is naturally gluten-free and flourless, which feels like a flex


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
APRIL 9, 2025 12:59 PM EDT

Looking for the easiest peanut butter cookie recipe on the internet? You just found it here. Sometimes, you want a cookie without turning your kitchen into a full-on baking war zone. You know, measuring fifteen ingredients, softening butter to exactly room temp, sifting flour like you’re on a Cooking Channel Bake Off. 

The internet’s favorite peanut butter cookie recipe has three ingredients, takes almost zero effort, and tastes like a warm hug from your childhood. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and flourless, which feels like a flex.

The easiest peanut butter cookies!© Getty Images
The easiest peanut butter cookies!

Here’s how to make these little chewy miracles, which will have you feeling like a baking genius with barely any dishes to wash.

What You’ll Need: Just 3 Ingredients

You probably already have all of these sitting in your kitchen. If not, they’re affordable and easy to grab.

You probably already have all of these sitting in your kitchen.© Getty Images/Foodcollection
You probably already have all of these sitting in your kitchen.
  • 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your call)
  • 1 cup sugar (white sugar is classic, but brown sugar or coconut sugar works too)
  • 1 egg

That’s it. There is no flour, baking soda, or vanilla extract (unless you want to be extra). Just mix and bake.

How to Make Them

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  • Mix the peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl until smooth and thick like cookie dough. You can use a spoon, fork, or mixer. 
  • Scoop dough balls (about a tablespoon each) onto your baking sheet. Flatten them a bit with a fork in that criss-cross pattern.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes. They’ll look soft in the middle; that’s precisely what you want. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.
Peanut butter for the best cookies© Getty Images
Peanut butter for the best cookies

Want to Fancy It Up? Try These 4-Ingredient Upgrades

If you’re feeling slightly ambitious, throw in one of these extra ingredients:

Freshly baked peanut butter cookies© Getty Images
Freshly baked peanut butter cookies
  1. Chocolate chips (you knew this was coming)
  2. Vanilla extract (a splash = significant flavor energy)
  3. Sea salt (sprinkled on top = chef’s kiss)
  4. Chopped nuts (for that extra crunch)

Still easy. Still impressive. Still cookie heaven.

FAQ 

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir it well first. Some brands are too oily or dry, which can mess with the texture.

Can I make these vegan?

Totally. Combine 1 tbsp ground flax and 2.5 tbsp water and let it sit for 5 minutes. The cookies will be a little softer but still tasty.

Do they freeze well?

Absolutely. You can freeze the dough or bake cookies. 

These peanut butter cookies are sweet, chewy, slightly salty perfection with ingredients you already have.

So the next time your sweet tooth attacks or you need a last-minute treat that looks way more impressive than it actually is, this is your move. Three ingredients, ten minutes, and boom. Cookie goals achieved.

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