3 ingredient peanut butter cookies
3 ingredient peanut butter cookies! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 196 calories per serving. Recipe by SJohnsonVoiceOvers on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 26 min
Cost: $1.25 total, $0.21 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut Butter (smooth or crunchy, unsalted)
- 1 cup Granulated White Sugar (fine granules)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat fully.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup white sugar, and 1 egg. Stir with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Time: PT5M
Form Cookie Balls
Scoop roughly 1‑inch portions of dough and roll them between your palms into smooth balls.
Time: PT3M
Flatten Cookies
Place the balls on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each ball gently with the back of a fork or the flat side of a spoon to create a criss‑cross pattern.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Bake for 8‑10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly glossy. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Time: PT9M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool
Remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 196
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Ovo‑Vegetarian
Allergens: Peanuts, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Peanut Butter: Almond butter, Cashew butter
- Instead of Granulated White Sugar: Coconut sugar, Brown sugar (will change flavor)
- Instead of Large Egg: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cup
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix the dough until smooth; any unmixed pockets will affect texture.
- Press the cookies to the right thickness; too thick = under‑baked center, too thin = over‑baked.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be just set at the edges and still slightly soft in the middle.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a deeper flavor, use roasted‑salted peanut butter and reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet‑salty contrast.
- If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake 2 minutes longer and let them cool on the sheet.
Troubleshooting
Cookies spread too much and become thin.
Use a firm, natural‑oil peanut butter and make sure the dough is well‑combined; chilling the dough for 10 minutes before shaping helps.
Cookies are too soft and never firm up.
Bake an extra 1‑2 minutes; watch for golden edges. Also ensure the oven temperature is accurate.
Dough is too sticky to roll.
Lightly wet your hands with water or refrigerate the dough for 5‑10 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a zip‑top bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Room temperature: Keep in a sealed tin for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray; transfer to a zip‑top bag once solid and bake from frozen, adding 1‑2 minutes to the bake time.
- Bake a full batch, let cool, and store for quick snack servings.
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 when peanut butter was marketed as an affordable protein source. They are a classic comfort snack, often associated with school lunchboxes and home baking traditions.
What regional variations of peanut butter cookies exist within the United States?
In the South, bakers often add a pinch of bourbon or use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. In the Midwest, a common twist is adding rolled oats or chocolate chips to the three‑ingredient base.
How are traditional peanut butter cookies traditionally served in American households?
They are usually served at room temperature on a cookie platter, paired with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. They also appear on holiday dessert tables as a quick, kid‑friendly treat.
What occasions or celebrations are peanut butter cookies traditionally associated with in American culture?
Peanut butter cookies are a staple for casual gatherings like birthday parties, school fundraisers, and potluck picnics. Their simple recipe makes them a go‑to for last‑minute dessert needs.
What other American desserts pair well with three‑ingredient peanut butter cookies?
They pair nicely with vanilla ice cream for a quick sundae, alongside a slice of banana bread, or served with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an elevated dessert plate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making three‑ingredient peanut butter cookies?
Common errors include over‑mixing, which can make the dough too thin, and over‑baking, which turns the chewy center into a hard cookie. Also, failing to flatten the dough balls will result in thick, under‑cooked centers.
Why does this peanut butter cookie recipe use an egg instead of a leavening agent like baking soda?
The egg acts as a binder and adds moisture, giving the cookies their chewy interior. Because the recipe contains no flour, a chemical leavener isn’t needed; the egg provides enough structure.
Can I make three‑ingredient peanut butter cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can bake the cookies a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat briefly before serving.
What does the YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers specialize in?
The YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers focuses on voice‑over narration for cooking videos, often adding humorous commentary while demonstrating simple, budget‑friendly recipes.
How does the YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
SJohnsonVoiceOvers blends casual, comedic narration with clear step‑by‑step instructions, emphasizing minimal‑ingredient recipes that are quick to prepare, unlike many channels that focus on elaborate techniques or gourmet presentations.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
