Craving something sweet but short on time? These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies are your go-to solution. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Perfect for those unexpected guests or a quick treat for yourself, these cookies are as simple as they are scrumptious.
Ingredients
To make these delicious 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, your choice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Peanut Butter: Use your favorite brand of peanut butter. Whether you prefer creamy or chunky, each adds its own unique texture to the cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Ensure the sugar is evenly distributed to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Egg: The egg is crucial for binding the ingredients together and giving the cookies their chewy texture.
By gathering these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of delightful cookies.
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create delicious, 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies in no time.
Prepping The Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Gather all ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Making The Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients until just combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly using a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Achieving perfection with these 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies is easy with a few simple tips. Here are my best practices to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Make The Crosshatch Pattern
Creating the classic crosshatch pattern enhances both the texture and appearance of your peanut butter cookies.
- Use a Fork: After rolling the dough into balls and placing them on your baking sheet, use the tines of a fork to press down gently on each ball. This creates the iconic crisscross pattern.
- Dip in Sugar: To prevent the fork from sticking, dip the tines in a little bit of sugar before pressing down. The additional sugar also adds a subtle sweet crunch.
- Press Evenly: Ensure an even thickness by pressing down uniformly on each dough ball. This helps the cookies bake evenly, ensuring consistent texture and flavor.
Baking Tips
A few baking tips can make a significant difference in the final results of your cookies.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the cookies inside. Consistent temperature is key for proper baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This also helps in achieving an even bake on the bottom of the cookies.
- Watch the Time: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them in the final minutes. The edges should be set, and the centers slightly soft. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool on a Rack: After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking and allows them to cool evenly.
These tips help ensure your 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, achieving the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and appearance.
Storage Instructions
Storing your 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious. Here are the best methods for keeping them at their best.
Room Temperature
To store the cookies at room temperature:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This prevents them from becoming stale.
- Add Moisture Absorber: Place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to help them stay soft. Replace the bread slice every couple of days.
- Shelf Life: Stored this way, the cookies will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing
For extended storage, freezing the cookies works wonderfully:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before freezing.
- Single Layer Freeze: Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until the cookies are frozen solid.
- Transfer to Freezer Bag: Transfer the frozen cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date.
- Shelf Life: Cookies can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
By following these storage tips, you can maintain the perfect texture and flavor of your 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies.
Conclusion
Making 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies is a breeze and incredibly rewarding. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Remember to focus on ingredient quality for the best results.
The tips and techniques shared will help you achieve perfect cookies every time. Whether you’re baking for a quick snack or storing them for later, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful simplicity of homemade peanut butter cookies!