Hey sweet friends! It’s Emma here, and today I’m so excited to share something very close to my heart: my beloved 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies. 🍪💛
This is the kind of recipe that instantly takes me back to my childhood kitchen — the warm smell of peanut butter filling the air, a little radio playing in the background, and a stool pulled up to the counter so I could help (or at least sneak bites of dough when no one was looking!).
Simple moments like those are what made me fall in love with baking.
This recipe is as easy as it gets — no fancy equipment, no complicated steps — just a few pantry staples, a bowl, a spoon, and a little love.
In about 15 minutes, you’ll have a tray full of golden, chewy, perfect cookies that make every day feel a little more special.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or need a sweet little pick-me-up (because let’s be honest, we all need that sometimes), this recipe will become your new go-to.
I promise — it’s one you’ll want to make over and over again. 🥰
if you love quick and easy baking, you might also enjoy my 3-Ingredient Biscuit Recipe for more no-fuss deliciousness! 🥰
Let’s grab that peanut butter jar and get baking together! 🎉
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Only 4 ingredients – pantry staples you probably already have!
- Naturally gluten-free – no flour, just pure peanut buttery goodness.
- Ready in 15 minutes – yes, you heard that right.
- Perfect texture – crispy edges, soft and chewy centers.
And if you’re a fan of all things peanut butter, definitely check out my Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies for another must-try twist! 🥜✨
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for texture)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — trust me, it saves on cleanup!
2. Make the cookie dough
In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. That’s it — no stand mixer needed!
3. Shape and flatten
Scoop a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the baking sheet.
Gently flatten each ball using a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern. It’s iconic for peanut butter cookies!
4. Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are golden.
⚡ Pro tip: They’ll seem a little soft when you first pull them out — that’s perfect! They firm up as they cool.
5. Cool and enjoy
Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Devour warm or store for later!
Tips for Beginner Bakers
✨ Use a good-quality peanut butter: Classic brands like Skippy and Jif work best for beginners.
✨ Don’t overbake: They should look soft when you take them out — that’s key for chewy centers! For even more helpful secrets, check out this detailed guide on how to bake cookies perfectly.
✨ Use parchment paper: It makes cookie removal effortless.
Need more beginner-friendly bakes? My One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe is another easy winner for new bakers!
Tips for Advanced Bakers
🌟 Play with flavors: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
🌟 Mix in goodies: Mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking.
🌟 Experiment with textures: Try chunky peanut butter or swirl in a little Nutella!
Serving Suggestions for 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ohhh, friends, this is where it gets fun! 😍
Sure, you can enjoy these 4-Ingredient peanut butter cookies fresh out of the oven (and you should!) — but if you want to level up the experience, here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
Pair with a Cozy Cup of Coffee or Tea
There’s something magical about dunking a warm, chewy 4-Ingredient peanut butter cookie into your morning latte or an afternoon herbal tea. It’s pure happiness in every bite. ✨
Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream
For an instant, crowd-pleasing dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla (or chocolate!) ice cream between two cookies.
Hello, homemade 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Ice Cream Sandwiches! 🍨🍪
Crumble Over Yogurt Bowls
Craving a sweet breakfast or snack? Crumble a cookie over a creamy bowl of Greek yogurt, drizzle with honey, and top with some berries.
It feels indulgent but still kinda wholesome. 😉
Dip Them in Chocolate
Melt some chocolate, dip half of each cookie, and let them set. It’s like a bakery-style upgrade — but so simple at home!
Gift Them!
These cookies make a sweet little homemade gift.
Wrap them up in a cute tin or kraft bag, tie with a ribbon, and boom — instant smiles guaranteed. 🥰
FAQs About 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes! Could you make sure to stir it well first? Natural 4-Ingredient peanut butter cookies may make your cookies a little softer and less structured.
Can I substitute sugar with something else?
You can try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, such as erythritol, for a lower-carb option. Texture and sweetness will vary slightly.
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double the recipe and use two baking sheets, rotating them halfway through the baking process.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for that perfect, easy, comforting cookie recipe — the kind you can make without stress, with just a few simple ingredients — these 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies are truly your golden ticket. ✨
Whether you’re a total newbie, still learning your way around the oven, or a seasoned baker craving a classic, no-fuss recipe, these cookies are guaranteed to deliver pure joy quickly and deliciously.
The best part? They are nearly impossible to mess up, yet taste like you spent hours baking them.
And honestly, is there anything better than that heavenly smell of fresh-baked peanut butter cookies wafting through your home? 🥰 It’s pure magic — the kind of magic that brings families to the kitchen, sparks spontaneous smiles, and turns any day into something just a little more special.
These cookies have a way of becoming a tradition — the kind you bake when you’re feeling nostalgic, when you need a quick pick-me-up, or when you want to show someone you love them with a homemade treat. 🍪❤️
So go ahead, preheat that oven, grab your mixing spoon, and get ready to create some beautiful cookie memories.
Happy baking, sweet friends! 🎉
Print
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Whip up the easiest, most comforting cookies with just four simple pantry ingredients!
These peanut butter cookies are quick, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for texture)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on the baking sheet.
4. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
6. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
You can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
If using natural peanut butter, stir it well first to avoid oily separation.
For a fun twist, add mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
Don’t overbake – the cookies should look soft when you take them out.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies, easy peanut butter cookies, quick cookies, no flour cookies