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5 from 5 reviews

Effortless 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Recipe by Kristina Hanson

These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a miracle of baking science—flourless, butter-free, and held together by a simple, balanced trio of ingredients. Perfect for a quick sweet fix or a protein-packed snack, this recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile that supports steady energy levels.

  • Total Time35 minutes (includes cooling time)
  • Yield12 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg (at room temperature)
  • ½ cup brown sugar alternative (firmly packed, erythritol-based blend)
  • 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (unsweetened, thoroughly stirred, 256g)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Create the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and the brown sugar alternative. If the peanut butter is stiff from the pantry, warm the mixture in the microwave for 20 seconds to help the sweetener blend seamlessly. Stir until the mixture is uniform.
  3. Finish the Dough: Crack the egg into the peanut butter mixture. Stir vigorously with a spatula until the egg is fully incorporated and the batter thickens into a glossy, pliable dough.
  4. Shape and Press: Use a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough into 12 even mounds. Roll each portion swiftly between your palms to smooth it out, then place them on the baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball in a crisscross pattern using the back of a fork.
  5. Bake and Set: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, removing them when the edges are just golden brown but the centers still look soft. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes; they will firm up significantly as they cool.

Notes

  • Success Tip: Natural peanut butter separates easily. Ensure the oil is completely mixed back into the jar before measuring, otherwise the cookies may be dry.
  • Allergy Alert: This recipe contains Peanuts and Egg.

Personal Twist

  • Texture Trick: Use “super chunk” natural peanut butter instead of creamy for added crunch without changing the ingredient count.
  • Freezer Stash: Roll the dough balls and freeze them raw; you can bake them straight from the freezer by adding 2 minutes to the cook time for instant portion control.
  • Salted Finish: If using unsalted peanut butter, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top immediately after baking enhances the flavor significantly.

Nutritional Info (per cookie): Calories: 135 | Total Fat: 11g (Saturated: 2g) | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 95mg | Total Carbs: 10g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar Alcohols: 5g, Sugars: 1g) | Net Carbs: 3g | Protein: 6g

These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dailyzests.com/effortless-3-ingredient-peanut-butter-cookies/