There are moments when you crave something sweet but don’t have the time—or patience—for a complicated recipe. Enter 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are quick, delicious, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without much hassle. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple, requiring just a few pantry staples.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make easy 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor. The best part? You’ll only need about 20 minutes to make them from start to finish!
If you love quick and easy baking recipes, you might also enjoy this chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe for more delicious ideas.
Ingredients for 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need only four simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Key Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy): Peanut butter is the star of the show, providing richness, flavor, and texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The sugar adds sweetness and helps give the cookies their chewy texture.
- 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder to hold the cookies together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to balance the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Making 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm, chewy cookies ready in no time!
Mixing the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. The dough should be thick and well-blended, with no lumps.
Shaping the Cookies
- Form the dough into balls: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Flatten the cookies: Using a fork, gently press down on each ball of dough in a crisscross pattern. This gives the cookies their classic peanut butter cookie look and helps them bake evenly.
Baking the Cookies
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies hold their shape and remain soft and chewy.
For more easy cookie ideas, don’t miss this easy iced oatmeal cookie recipe.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
While this recipe is super simple, there are a few tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature peanut butter and eggs mix more easily, ensuring a smoother dough.
- Don’t overbake: Peanut butter cookies can quickly go from soft to crumbly. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
- Chill the dough if needed: If your kitchen is warm and the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before rolling it into balls.
Flavor Variations for 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. With just a few additional ingredients, you can customize these cookies to your liking.
Adding Chocolate
For a classic combination, stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the dough before baking. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the rich peanut butter.
Using Crunchy Peanut Butter
If you like a bit of texture in your cookies, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth. The bits of peanut add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Why This Recipe Is Ideal for Quick Baking
This 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies recipe is a go-to for anyone looking for a fast and simple treat. Here’s why it’s perfect for quick baking:
- Minimal ingredients: With just four ingredients, there’s no need for multiple trips to the store or complex measurements.
- Quick prep and bake time: You can have these cookies ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or when guests unexpectedly arrive.
- No special equipment required: All you need is a bowl and a spoon—no electric mixers or fancy gadgets necessary.
For another quick dessert option, try this delicious 5 ingredient truffles recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are great on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them for an extra treat:
- With a glass of milk: There’s nothing better than a warm peanut butter cookie paired with a cold glass of milk.
- As a dessert sandwich: Spread a bit of Nutella or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for an indulgent dessert sandwich.
- Crumbled over ice cream: Break up a few cookies and sprinkle them over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping.
How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Cookies
Storing
- Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to avoid condensation.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave: If you like your cookies warm, pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will make them soft and gooey again.
For more helpful storage tips, check out this guide to freezing baked goods.
Conclusion: Simple, Sweet, and Satisfying
This 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies recipe proves that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. With just four simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of soft, chewy cookies that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re baking for your family or yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try them out today!
FAQs About 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, but the cookies may have a slightly different texture since natural peanut butter can be oilier. - Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but the texture might be slightly different. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
These cookies are naturally gluten-free since there’s no flour in the recipe! - Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor and texture. - How can I make the cookies softer?
Make sure not to overbake the cookies, and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies. - What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
You can skip the vanilla extract or substitute it with almond extract for a different flavor. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time when you’re ready to bake them.