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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Score Tops

    Remove the sheet, and with a fork gently press a criss‑cross pattern into the top of each cookie.

    Time: PT1M

  6. 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

  7. Cool

    Remove the tray and let the cookies cool completely on the sheet (about 5 minutes) before transferring to a plate.

    Time: PT5M

  8. 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

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Recipe by Joe Duff - The Diet Chef

These three‑ingredient peanut butter cookies are keto‑friendly, low‑carb, and require only peanut butter, an egg, and erythritol. They bake in about 12 minutes and are virtually foolproof.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
21m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
36m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.44
Total cost
$1.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not leave the cookies unattended; they can burn quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of peanut butter cookies in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of peanut butter cookies in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How are peanut butter cookies traditionally served in American households?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are peanut butter cookies associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other keto‑friendly American desserts pair well with these peanut butter cookies?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Low‑Carb Keto Peanut Butter Cookies?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a fork to score the tops of the cookies halfway through baking?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make these peanut butter cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Easy Low‑Carb Keto Peanut Butter Cookies are done?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Joe Duff - The Diet Chef specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Joe Duff - The Diet Chef's approach to keto cooking differ from other keto channels?

A

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.

channel

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