Craving a delicious homemade treat but short on time? These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the perfect solution! With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of chewy, nutty cookies in under 20 minutes.
This simple recipe is ideal for beginners, busy bakers, and peanut butter lovers alike. Whether you’re making a quick snack, a last-minute dessert, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and variations to make the best peanut butter cookies ever.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Only 4 ingredients – No flour, butter, or fancy extras required!
✔ Quick & easy – Ready in 15 minutes from start to finish.
✔ Naturally gluten-free – No wheat flour, making it a great GF option.
✔ Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or different sugars for variety.
🥜 Ingredients for 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need four basic ingredients, all of which you probably already have in your kitchen!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | 1 cup | Creamy or crunchy, unsweetened preferred |
| Sugar | ¾ cup | White, brown, or a mix for depth of flavor |
| Egg | 1 large | Helps bind the cookies together |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp | Creates a lighter, slightly chewier texture |
🔹 Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but be sure to stir it well before using, as oil separation can affect the texture. If using a no-stir variety, the cookies will be slightly denser.
🔹 Can I substitute sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like flavor, while coconut sugar offers a slightly caramel taste. If using a sugar substitute like erythritol, the cookies may be drier, so consider adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
📌 How to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Follow these easy steps to bake the perfect peanut butter cookies every time!
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The dough will be slightly thick and sticky.
💡 Pro Tip: If the dough seems too sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before scooping. This makes shaping much easier!
3️⃣ Shape & Flatten
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, making a crisscross pattern. This not only gives them their classic look but also helps them bake evenly.
💡 Pro Tip: Dip the fork in a bit of sugar before pressing to prevent sticking!
4️⃣ Bake & Cool
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
🔹 How do I know when they’re done?
These cookies don’t spread much, so don’t wait for them to flatten! As soon as the edges start turning golden, remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
🔄 Recipe Variations & Additions
Want to switch things up? Here are fun variations to customize your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies:
🍫 Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
- Dark, milk, or even peanut butter chips work great!
🌰 Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
- Toss in ¼ cup of chopped peanuts for even more crunch.
🍯 Honey-Sweetened Peanut Butter Cookies
- Replace half of the sugar with ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup.
- Note: This will make the cookies softer and slightly chewier.
🥥 Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies
- Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the dough.
- This adds a slight chewiness and natural sweetness!
❌ Troubleshooting: Why Are My Cookies Falling Apart?
If your 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies (without baking soda) are too crumbly, here’s why:
🚨 Not enough binding – Without baking soda, the cookies tend to be more fragile. Try adding an extra egg yolk to increase moisture and stability.
🚨 Overbaking – Peanut butter cookies firm up as they cool, so remove them before they look fully done.
🚨 Too much peanut butter – Stick to 1 cup exactly. Any more, and the dough won’t hold together properly.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the cookies cool completely before moving them. They firm up as they set!
🥜 Pro Tips for Perfect 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Baking may be simple, but a few expert techniques can take your cookies from good to great. Here are some insider secrets to ensure the best results every time.
✔️ Choosing the Right Peanut Butter
- Creamy vs. Crunchy: If you love smooth, soft cookies, go for creamy peanut butter. If you prefer a little crunch, use chunky peanut butter.
- Natural Peanut Butter: While it can be used, natural peanut butter tends to separate over time. Make sure to stir well before measuring, or your cookies may turn out greasy.
✔️ Sugar Options & Their Effects
- White Sugar: Creates crispier cookies with a slightly crunchy bite.
- Brown Sugar: Makes cookies chewier and adds a slight caramel flavor.
- Coconut Sugar: A great natural alternative that imparts a mild, earthy sweetness.
💡 Pro Tip: If you love a balanced flavor, use half white sugar and half brown sugar for the best of both worlds!
✔️ Mixing & Baking Tips
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes before shaping. This helps maintain a thicker cookie.
- Flatten with a Fork: The classic crisscross fork pattern ensures even baking and prevents puffiness.
- Watch the Bake Time: Cookies firm up as they cool, so remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden.
🍪 Fun Variations & Add-Ins
Want to make your cookies even more exciting? Here are some fun variations to try!
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
- Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips and dip half of each cookie in the melted chocolate.
- Let them set on parchment paper for a bakery-style finish.
🥜 Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
- Press a small indentation into each cookie before baking.
- Fill the center with grape or strawberry jelly for a PB&J-inspired treat!
🍌 Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Mash ½ banana and mix it into the dough for extra moisture and flavor.
- These will have a softer, slightly cake-like texture.
🥥 Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies
- Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the dough.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
“If you love peanut butter and banana together, you’ll also enjoy these delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes, another quick and easy treat with a classic flavor combo.”
❓ FAQs: Answering Your Peanut Butter Cookie Questions
What are the ingredients for peanut butter cookies?
The classic 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies include peanut butter, sugar, an egg, and baking soda. These simple ingredients come together to create delicious, chewy cookies without flour.
What are the ingredients for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
For a simplified version, use peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. However, without baking soda, the cookies will have a denser texture.
Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?
This could be due to several reasons:
Not enough binding: Since there’s no flour, these cookies rely on the egg to hold them together.
Overbaking: Remove them from the oven before they look fully done. They will firm up as they cool.
Too much peanut butter: Stick to 1 cup exactly to keep the dough balanced.
What is Snoop Dogg’s cookie recipe?
Snoop Dogg’s famous “Rollin’ Oatmeal Cookies” include oats, raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar. This recipe, featured in From Crook to Cook, has a sweet, spiced flavor that’s perfect for homemade baking.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond butter works as a great alternative, though it may create a softer texture. If the almond butter is runny, refrigerate the dough before baking to prevent spreading.
How do I store peanut butter cookies?
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
“If you love soft, melt-in-your-mouth baked goods, you should try this Condensed Milk Bread Recipe—it’s fluffy, sweet, and stays fresh for days!”
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water). Stir and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Not necessarily, but chilling can help prevent spreading and make shaping easier, especially if using natural peanut butter.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love These Cookies
With just four simple ingredients, these peanut butter cookies prove that baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a fun variation, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
So, grab a jar of peanut butter and get baking—you’ll love how quick, easy, and delicious these cookies are! 🍪✨