Easy 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are here to save the day. With just four simple ingredients, you can enjoy warm, delicious cookies in no time—no baking expertise required. Let’s dive into how easy and tasty these cookies can be!

If you’re new to baking, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough is a great starting point for making these cookies and experimenting with different variations.

How to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice)
• 1 cup sugar (granulated or brown sugar)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda. Blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The dough should be thick but easy to work with.
3. Shape the Cookies: Use a spoon or your hands to form the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie.
4. Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball, making a criss-cross pattern on the surface. This creates the traditional peanut butter cookie design.
5. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies can go from soft to crunchy quickly.
6. Let Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Why These Cookies Are a Hit

Perfect for Busy Days

One of the best things about these 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies is how quick they are to make. No complicated steps or lengthy ingredient lists—just simple ingredients that come together in minutes. If you’re pressed for time or just want something easy, this is your go-to recipe.

Healthier Than You Think

While these cookies may be sweet, they’re also packed with protein from the peanut butter. Plus, using just a few ingredients means you can control the sweetness and avoid unnecessary additives or preservatives that you’d find in store-bought cookies. It’s an easy way to satisfy a craving without overindulging in artificial ingredients.

The Best Ingredients for Perfect Cookies

Choosing the right ingredients can take your cookies to the next level.

• Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Opt for natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more authentic flavor, or choose creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture. Using crunchy peanut butter will provide extra texture and enhance the flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar will give your cookies a crisp edge, while brown sugar adds a little extra moisture and a caramel-like flavor. You can even experiment with maple syrup or honey for a different twist.
• Egg: This acts as the binder, giving your cookies structure and softness. If you want to make these cookies without eggs, consider using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water) as a substitute.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise a bit and gives them a lighter texture. It also helps balance the sweetness from the sugar and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Cookies Spreading Too Much

If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, try chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up.

Overbaking

These cookies bake quickly! Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t get too hard. They should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the middle.

Related Recipes

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Craving more easy peanut butter treats? Try these Quick No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars for a delicious and effortless dessert idea!

FAQs

How can I make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies without an egg?

If you’re looking for a way to make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies without an egg, simply use a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Then, add it to your dough!

Can I use honey instead of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap sugar for honey. Use 1/3 cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar, and slightly reduce the amount of peanut butter to compensate for the extra liquid. Keep in mind that honey may make your cookies softer and chewier.

What type of peanut butter should I use for the best cookies?

For the best 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, choose a peanut butter that’s natural and creamy. Avoid peanut butters with added sugar or preservatives for a cleaner taste.

How do I store 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in a handful of chocolate chips for a fun twist. Simply mix them into the dough before forming the cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free peanut butter. Make sure to check the ingredients if you’re using a store-bought brand.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy warm, delicious 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies that are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a quick snack or for a party, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Now that you know how easy they are to make, there’s no excuse not to whip up a batch today!

Key Takeaways

• These peanut butter cookies require just 4 basic ingredients.
• The recipe is customizable—add chocolate chips or substitute ingredients to suit your taste.
• The cookies are easy to make and perfect for busy bakers or beginners.

Looking for more easy peanut butter dessert recipes? Check out AllRecipes’ collection of quick and simple cookie recipes for even more inspiration!