The Magic Behind Just 3 Ingredients

It might seem too good to be true, but these simple ingredients combine to create baking alchemy. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect cookie:

• Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Peanut butter provides the primary flavor, fat, and a good portion of the structure for these flourless cookies. Its natural oils help keep the cookies moist and tender. For best results, we recommend using a creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) as natural peanut butter can sometimes be too oily or inconsistent for this specific recipe, leading to a crumbly texture. If using natural, ensure it’s very well stirred.
• Granulated Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar plays a vital role in the cookie’s texture. It contributes to the crisp edges and helps the cookies spread slightly while baking, creating that classic peanut butter cookie chew.
• Egg: The humble egg acts as the binding agent, holding everything together in the absence of flour. It adds moisture, richness, and contributes to the cookie’s final texture and slight puff.

That’s it! No leavening agents, no butter, no flour. The simplicity is part of their undeniable charm.

Mastering the Perfect Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these cookies is incredibly straightforward, but a few tips can help you achieve perfection every time. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully.

Preparation Phase:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your cookies are ready to go in.
2. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring easy removal of the baked cookies. Set it aside.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of creamy peanut butter, one cup of granulated sugar, and one large egg. While not strictly necessary, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract at this stage for an extra layer of flavor. We often find them perfect without it, but it’s a popular addition!
4. Mix Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer (or a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease), mix all the ingredients together for about 2 minutes, or until the dough is thoroughly combined and smooth. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Forming and Baking:

5. Scoop and Shape: Scoop the dough using a medium-sized cookie scoop (approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons). Gently roll the dough between your palms to form smooth balls. Place these balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
6. The Signature Criss-Cross Pattern: Take a fork and gently press down on each cookie dough ball, first in one direction, then again perpendicularly, to create the classic criss-cross pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps the cookies bake more evenly.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. They are done when the edges are set and lightly golden, and the centers appear slightly dry. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to set as they cool.
8. Cooling Process: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They will be quite fragile when warm, so this resting period is crucial for them to firm up. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and completing the setting process.

Delicious Variations to Elevate Your Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

While the classic 3-ingredient recipe is perfect as is, these cookies are incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Eggless / Vegan: To make these cookies vegan, simply substitute the large egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes until thickened). This makes a delightful plant-based treat.
• Crunchy Texture: If you prefer a more substantial bite, swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter, or use a 50/50 mix of both. The bits of peanuts add fantastic texture and even more nutty flavor.
• Low-Carb / Sugar-Free: For a low-carb or sugar-free version, replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia In The Raw Bakers Bag, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the quantity according to the sweetness equivalent listed on your chosen sweetener’s packaging.
• Chocolatey Twist: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips (mini, semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate) into the dough before scooping. Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven! Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
• Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
• Different Nut Butters: While “peanut butter” cookies, this recipe can often work with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter. Be aware that the texture might vary slightly due to differences in oil content.
• Vanilla Extract: As mentioned in the instructions, a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

These flourless peanut butter cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments and store well for future enjoyment.

How to Enjoy Your Cookies:

• Classic Pairing: A tall, cold glass of milk is the quintessential partner for any peanut butter cookie.
• Dessert Upgrade: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Chocolate Dipped: Melt some chocolate chips and dip half of each cooled cookie for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Our Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies recipe is always a hit!
• Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of marshmallow fluff or more peanut butter between two cookies for a fun sandwich cookie.
• Coffee or Tea Break: They make a perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Storage Guidelines:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. They tend to maintain their chewiness best this way.
• Freezing Dough: You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and flatten with a fork. Place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Fully cooled baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about this simple yet sensational cookie recipe:

• Can I use natural peanut butter?

  While possible, it’s generally recommended to use creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for this specific recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to separate more and can make the cookies too oily or crumbly. If you do use natural, make sure it’s well-stirred and fully emulsified before mixing.

• My dough is too crumbly/dry, what went wrong?

  This often happens with natural peanut butter or if your egg was too small. If the dough is too dry, try adding a tiny bit more peanut butter or even a tablespoon of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to bring it together. If it’s too wet, a tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar can help, but generally, the 1:1:1 ratio is quite stable.

• Can I add baking soda/powder?

  This recipe is designed to be flourless and relies on the egg for structure. Adding leavening agents like baking soda or powder isn’t necessary and might alter the texture you’re aiming for. Stick to the classic three ingredients for the intended result.

• How do I get the perfect fork marks?

  Dip your fork in sugar or water between pressing each cookie. This prevents the dough from sticking to the fork and creates cleaner, more defined criss-cross patterns.

• Are these cookies really gluten-free?

  Yes, as long as your peanut butter does not contain any gluten-containing additives (which is rare but always good to check the label), these cookies are naturally gluten-free because they contain no flour.

If this recipe brings a smile to your face and a delicious aroma to your kitchen, we would absolutely love to see your creations! Snap a photo of your Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your baking success and leave a comment! We can’t wait to see your delightful cookies!

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Author: Anna

A classic cookie made from just 3 ingredients! The recipe is so easy, you will remember it after making it for the first time.

★★★★★ 5 from 24 votes

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Prep Time
5 mins

Cook Time
10 mins

Total Time
15 mins

Course
cookies

Cuisine
American

Servings
15 cookies

Calories
156 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• (Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract for enhanced flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
2. Line a large cookie baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
3. Place one cup of creamy peanut butter, one cup of granulated sugar, and one large egg (and optional vanilla extract) in a large mixing bowl. Mix with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and well combined.
4. Scoop the dough with a medium-sized (1 and ½ tablespoon) cookie scoop. Roll the scooped dough in your hands to form smooth balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each ball with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
5. Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set.
6. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cookie |
Calories: 156kcal |
Carbohydrates: 16g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 8g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 10mg |
Sodium: 83mg |
Potassium: 115mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 14g |
Vitamin A: 15IU |
Calcium: 9mg |
Iron: 0.4mg

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