Love homemade treats but short on time? These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are quick, easy, and packed with peanut buttery goodness. No flour, no butter, no fuss; just irresistibly soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with rich flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy days, last-minute cravings, or gluten-free baking, these cookies come together in minutes with pantry staples. Enjoy them warm from the oven, dunked in milk, or as a quick sweet fix; these cookies never disappoint. Follow this quick recipe to make a batch of delicious flourless peanut butter cookies with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Table of contents
Ingredient lineup
Making 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies is all about simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can create soft, chewy cookies with rich peanut butter flavor. Here’s everything you need, plus a few easy swaps to customize them to your taste.
The essentials
- Peanut butter: the star ingredient, providing a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture.
(Substitute: almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty twist.) - Granulated sugar: sweetens the cookies and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
(Substitute: coconut sugar for a hint of caramel-like depth.) - Egg: binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
(Substitute: flax egg for a vegan alternative.) - Baking soda: helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them a light, crisp edge.
(Substitute: baking powder for a slightly softer texture.)
Optional flavor boosters
- Vanilla extract: enhances the sweetness and rounds out the peanut butter flavor.
- Sea salt: balances the sweetness and deepens the nutty richness.
- Cinnamon: adds a warm, subtle spice that pairs well with peanut butter.
Optional toppings
- A sprinkle of sugar: dust over the cookies before baking for a sparkly, lightly crisp finish.
- Chocolate chips: mix into the dough or press a few on top before baking for extra indulgence.
- Chopped peanuts: add a bit of crunch to contrast the soft, chewy texture.
Step-by-step directions
These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies come together quickly with minimal prep. Follow these simple steps for soft, chewy cookies with rich peanut butter flavor.
Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended. The dough should be thick but pliable. Looking for a flavor boost? Add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, or a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of deliciousness!
Shape and arrange
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands. Place each one on a prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them to allow for spreading. Gently press down with a fork to create a crisscross pattern; not only does this give them their classic look, but it also helps them bake evenly!
Bake to perfection
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Take them out when just golden; these cookies set as they cool, so don’t wait for them to look fully firm in the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy
Let them cool, then dive in! Whether solo or with a glass of milk, these peanut butter cookies always hit the spot. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Pro oh là là tips
Want to make your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies even better? Try these fun variations and delicious pairing ideas!
Customization and variations
- Make them extra chewy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a softer texture.
- Go fudgy and nutty: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist, or swap half the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter.
- Boost texture: Mix in chopped peanuts for crunch, or press a small chocolate square or peanut butter cup in the center before baking.
- Turn them into sandwich cookies: Spread Nutella, peanut butter, or jam between two cookies for a decadent treat.
- Sprinkle with sea salt: A light sprinkle before baking enhances the sweetness and deepens the peanut butter flavor.
- Add a hint of spice: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a warm or slightly spicy kick.
- Make them extra crisp: Flatten the cookies slightly more before baking and extend the bake time by 1–2 minutes for a crunchier texture.
Pairings and serving ideas
- Pair with a warm drink: enjoy with a vanilla chai or coconut coffee for a cozy combination.
- Serve with ice cream: crumble over coconut ice cream or sandwich a scoop between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
- Add a fruity contrast: enjoy alongside a fresh fruit salad with berries, bananas, or apple slices.
- Make it part of brunch: serve with peanut butter banana pancakes for a nutty, satisfying meal.
- Create an elegant dessert platter: Arrange with chocolate-covered almonds and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
- Dip and drizzle: Coat half of each cookie in dark or white chocolate for a bakery-style touch, or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for an elegant finish.
- Make peanut butter s’mores: Sandwich a roasted marshmallow and chocolate between two cookies for a fun twist on classic s’mores.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use creamy or crunchy peanut butter?
Both work! Creamy peanut butter makes softer cookies, while crunchy adds a nutty bite. If using natural peanut butter, stir it well before measuring to prevent oil separation from affecting the dough consistency.
Why do my peanut butter cookies crumble?
If your cookies are too crumbly, the dough may be too dry. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately and mix thoroughly. Overbaking can also cause dryness, so remove them from the oven when the edges are just set, as they will continue firming up while cooling.
Can I make these cookies without baking soda?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Baking soda helps the cookies spread and develop a slight crispness on the edges. Without it, they will be denser and softer. You can substitute baking powder for a similar effect, but the cookies may rise more than usual.
How do I make these cookies last longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat for a few seconds in the microwave for a freshly baked taste.
Can I add protein powder to these cookies?
Yes! You can mix in 1–2 tablespoons of vanilla or chocolate protein powder for an extra protein boost. If the dough becomes too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or an extra egg yolk to maintain the soft, chewy texture.
Who knew four simple ingredients could make such rich, chewy peanut butter cookies? Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, they’re a must-try! With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up soft, chewy cookies that are rich, nutty, and irresistibly good. Whether you bake them for a quick snack, a party, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit. Want to add your own twist? Try mixing in chocolate chips, sea salt, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
Let me know in the comments how you customize your flourless peanut butter cookies. I’d love to hear your ideas!
Bon appétit!
Recipe card
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4 ingredient peanut butter cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. With no flour required, they come together in minutes for the perfect easy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Mix the dough
In a bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
3️⃣ Shape and arrange
Roll 1 tablespoon of dough into a ball and place on the baking sheet. Repeat, spacing cookies 2 inches apart. Press a fork into each to create a crisscross pattern.
4️⃣ Bake to perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5️⃣ Serve and enjoy
Enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: for extra crunch, mix chopped peanuts into the dough or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes