3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 130 calories per serving. Recipe by Joe Duff - The Diet Chef on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 32 min
Cost: $4.44 total, $1.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Smooth Natural Peanut Butter (No sugar added, creamy texture)
- 1 Large Egg (Room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Granulated Erythritol (Sugar substitute, zero net carbs)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Gather 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter, 1 large egg, and ½ cup granulated erythritol. Pre‑heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 350°F
Mix Dough
In the large mixing bowl combine the peanut butter, egg, and erythritol. Stir with the spatula until a thick, uniform dough forms.
Time: PT3M
Portion Cookies
Use the cookie scoop to portion 12 equal‑sized balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Time: PT3M
Initial Bake
Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 5‑6 minutes, just until the edges start to set but the tops are still pale.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Score Tops
Remove the sheet, and with a fork gently press a criss‑cross pattern into the top of each cookie.
Time: PT1M
Finish Baking
Return the sheet to the oven and bake an additional 5‑6 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool
Remove the tray and let the cookies cool completely on the sheet (about 5 minutes) before transferring to a plate.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Enjoy the cookies as a snack or dessert. Store leftovers as directed.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 130
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 4 g (net)
- Fat
- 11 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Keto, Low‑Carb, Gluten‑Free, Grain‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Peanuts, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Smooth Natural Peanut Butter: Almond Butter, Cashew Butter
- Instead of Large Egg: Egg replacer (e.g., flax egg) for vegans
- Instead of Granulated Erythritol: Stevia blend, Monk fruit sweetener
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Cookie Scoop
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Fork
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix until a thick dough forms – under‑mixting leaves pockets of dry erythritol.
- Do not over‑bake; watch the edges for a light golden color.
- Score the tops at the halfway point for the classic criss‑cross pattern.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before the final bake.
- Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment for easier cleanup.
Troubleshooting
Cookies are too crumbly and fall apart.
Make sure the peanut butter is smooth and fully incorporated; add a teaspoon more erythritol if the dough feels too wet.
Cookies spread too much and become thin.
Chill the dough for 10‑15 minutes before scooping; this firms the butter and reduces spreading.
Edges are burnt while centers are undercooked.
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F and extend baking time by 2‑3 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Room temperature: Best consumed within 2 days; otherwise refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the full batch and store in the fridge; they stay fresh for a week.
- Freeze individual cookies on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of peanut butter cookies in American cuisine?
Peanut butter cookies became popular in the United States during the 1930s as an affordable, protein‑rich treat. They are a staple of classic American bake‑sale desserts and have been adapted for low‑carb and keto diets in recent years.
What are the traditional regional variations of peanut butter cookies in the United States?
In the Midwest, peanut butter cookies are often made with a criss‑cross fork pattern, while Southern versions may add a touch of molasses for extra chew. Some New England recipes incorporate rolled oats for texture, but the basic three‑ingredient keto version is a modern adaptation.
How are peanut butter cookies traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served as a snack with milk or coffee, or as a dessert at family gatherings. In keto households, they are paired with unsweetened almond milk or a sugar‑free hot chocolate.
What occasions or celebrations are peanut butter cookies associated with in American culture?
Peanut butter cookies are common at bake‑sales, school fundraisers, and holiday cookie platters. Their simple recipe makes them a go‑to treat for quick gatherings and low‑carb celebrations.
What other keto‑friendly American desserts pair well with these peanut butter cookies?
They pair nicely with keto cheesecake, sugar‑free chocolate mousse, or a bowl of low‑carb berry compote. A glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon also balances the richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Low‑Carb Keto Peanut Butter Cookies?
The biggest mistakes are over‑baking, which makes them hard, and under‑mixing, which leaves dry erythritol spots. Also, skipping the fork scoring step will give you a smooth top instead of the classic pattern.
Why does this recipe use a fork to score the tops of the cookies halfway through baking?
Scoring creates the traditional criss‑cross pattern and allows the edges to set while the center stays soft. Doing it halfway prevents the tops from becoming too flat or overly crisp.
Can I make these peanut butter cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, bake the full batch, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw at room temperature before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Easy Low‑Carb Keto Peanut Butter Cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden and the tops should have a shallow criss‑cross imprint. The cookies will appear slightly soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
What does the YouTube channel Joe Duff - The Diet Chef specialize in?
Joe Duff - The Diet Chef focuses on low‑carb, keto, and diet‑friendly recipes that are quick, simple, and use minimal ingredients, helping viewers stay on track with their health goals.
How does the YouTube channel Joe Duff - The Diet Chef's approach to keto cooking differ from other keto channels?
Joe Duff emphasizes ultra‑simple, three‑ingredient meals and provides macro breakdowns for each recipe, whereas many other keto channels use more complex ingredient lists and elaborate techniques.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
