Are you craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours baking? These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are exactly what you need! With minimal prep time and no special skills required, this recipe is perfect for anyone, even beginners. Whether you need a last-minute dessert or a quick snack, these soft, chewy cookies come together in just minutes using pantry staples. Trust us—once you make these cookies, they’ll become a go-to favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love these 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Simple Ingredients: You only need four basic ingredients, which are probably already in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Gluten-Free: No flour is required, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivity.
- Versatile: These cookies can be easily customized to fit any taste.
- Delicious: The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors makes these cookies irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a smooth dough forms. Make sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into small balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
Step 4: Create the Classic Fork Pattern
Using a fork, gently press down on each ball to create a crisscross pattern. This also flattens the cookies to ensure even baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them—these cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips for a Successful 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
- Use High-Quality Peanut Butter: The better the peanut butter, the more flavorful your cookies will be. Natural peanut butter works, but stir it well to prevent the dough from being too oily.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies.
- Use Brown Sugar for a Chewier Texture: Swapping white sugar for brown sugar will give the cookies a softer, chewier consistency.
- Do Not Overbake: These cookies may look underbaked when they come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Methods for Customizing 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a peanut butter-chocolate twist.
- Top with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for an elevated flavor.
- Mix in Nuts: Stir in chopped peanuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Make it Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
- Add a Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cookies for an indulgent finish.
Method of Serving 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
There are many ways to serve these cookies:
- With Milk: Enjoy a few cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your afternoon coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
- As a Dessert Base: Crumble the cookies and use them as a topping for yogurt, pudding, or ice cream.
How to Store 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Refrigerator: These cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to 10 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
- In the Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat.
How to Reheat 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Microwave: Heat a cookie for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to make it soft and warm.
- Oven: Reheat multiple cookies at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh them.
- Toaster Oven: Use a toaster oven to warm up individual cookies and add a slight crisp to the edges.
Nutritional Information for 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion About 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
In conclusion, these 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves quick and easy baking projects. Because they require only four ingredients and minimal effort, they are perfect for busy days or sudden sweet cravings. Whether you enjoy them plain or customize them with chocolate chips or nuts, these cookies will surely become a family favorite. Plus, they are gluten-free, making them a great option for everyone. Bake a batch today and experience just how delicious simple ingredients can be!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or any other nut butter can be used as a substitute.
2. What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies.
3. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading.
5. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time