How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
American · Easy · 17 min · 12 servings
These 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies are a miraculous vegan treat that comes together in under 20 minutes with pantry staples you already have. Completely vegan and naturally gluten-free these cookies are dense fudgy and packed with rich peanut butter flavor.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 17 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 118 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 3 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make Flax Egg
Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until thickened into a gel. This simple vegan egg replacement holds the cookies together perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl combine the peanut butter sugar and prepared flax egg. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a cohesive thick dough. It should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 12 equal balls and place them on the prepared sheet. Use a fork to press a crosshatch pattern into each cookie flattening them to about half an inch thick.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops look matte rather than shiny. The cookies will look underdone but they firm up significantly as they cool so do not overbake.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before handling as they are very fragile when hot. Transfer carefully to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- peanut butter → almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free or different flavor variation
- granulated sugar → coconut sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness and lower glycemic option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Moving the cookies while they are still hot which causes them to crumble and fall apart since they need time on the pan to set up properly
- Using natural peanut butter with separated oil without stirring it well first which results in a dry crumbly dough that does not hold together
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 118 calories, 5g protein, 12g carbs, 7g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →