4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: The Best Cookie Recipe

4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the ultimate baking hack for anyone craving something sweet, fast, and fuss-free. These chewy, rich cookies are made with just a handful of pantry staples—and yes, they really work. No flour, no chill time, and no fancy tools required. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just in the mood for something easy, these cookies are the definition of effortless.

4 ingredient peanut butter cookies cooling on rack

Check out this sweet minimal recipe like 2-ingredient lemon bars for more ultra-easy dessert ideas.

Table of Contents

Why Everyone Loves 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

4 ingredient peanut butter cookies have taken the spotlight—and for good reason. They’re quick, indulgent, and surprisingly decadent. With no flour and minimal prep, these cookies hit every note today’s home bakers are looking for:

  • Quick to prepare: Mix, scoop, bake—done in under 20 minutes.
  • Pantry-friendly: Just peanut butter, sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract.
  • Naturally gluten-free: Great for those avoiding flour or following dietary restrictions.
  • Reliable results: They come out chewy in the center and crisp on the edges every time.

While most cookie recipes demand chilling time, softened butter, or a mixer, this one is delightfully straightforward. And the best part? Despite being so simple, they taste just as rich and satisfying as more complex peanut butter cookie recipes. That’s the magic of 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies—they don’t compromise on flavor.

Even if you’ve never baked before, you can confidently whip up a batch of 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies in less time than it takes to preheat the oven for most traditional desserts.

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4 ingredient peanut butter cookies cooling on rack

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies


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  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 18 cookies 1x

Description

4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the ultimate baking hack—chewy, rich, and ready in under 20 minutes with no flour, no chill time, and no fancy tools required.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter and sugar until smooth.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract, stir until a thick dough forms.
  4. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  5. Flatten with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
  6. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
  7. Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

For best results, use creamy commercial peanut butter. Don’t overbake—the cookies firm as they cool. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt after baking for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 115
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

The Rise of Minimalist Baking: Less is More

The trend toward minimalist baking has exploded over the last few years, especially with recipes like 4‑ingredient cookies gaining attention on platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. Bakers are looking for:

  • Less mess
  • Faster results
  • Fewer dishes
  • And recipes that work every single time

With just four ingredients, peanut butter cookies deliver flavor and satisfaction without the usual baking complications. Minimalist doesn’t mean boring—each ingredient plays a powerful role. That’s why choosing quality peanut butter, balancing sugar, and adding that hit of vanilla is key to achieving bakery-quality results at home.

Learn more about baking with simple ingredients in this 3-ingredient sugar cookies recipe.

Key Ingredients in 4‑Ingredient Cookies

4 simple ingredients for peanut butter cookies

Peanut Butter: Which Type Works Best?

Selecting the right peanut butter is key to perfecting 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies. With only four components in the mix, each one needs to shine—and none more so than the peanut butter itself. Because it forms the base of both flavor and texture, the type you choose can make or break the cookies.

  • Creamy peanut butter (think Jif or Skippy) is ideal for consistent, chewy cookies with a rich finish. Its smooth texture blends easily with the other ingredients.
  • Natural peanut butter (made with just peanuts and salt) can work, but you’ll need to stir it thoroughly to re-incorporate the oil. If not, it may disrupt the consistency of your dough.
  • Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and a nutty bite, but it may make your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies slightly more crumbly.
  • Avoid whipped or reduced-fat peanut butter—they often contain fillers and oils that lead to dry or greasy cookies.

If you’re going off the beaten path and using alternatives like almond butter or sunflower seed butter, be aware that the end result may differ. These swaps are great for allergies, but they don’t replicate the flavor of traditional peanut butter cookies.

Tip: Always use peanut butter at room temperature. Cold peanut butter is tough to mix and may lead to uneven dough.

The Role of Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla (or Alternatives)

Once you’ve locked in your peanut butter, it’s time to look at the other ingredients that give 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies their structure and flavor.

Sugar:

  • Classic granulated white sugar delivers sweetness and helps create crisp edges.
  • Brown sugar adds a chewy texture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
  • A mix of both sugars gives you the best of both worlds—crispy outside, chewy inside.
  • Watching sugar intake? Use a substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. These work, but the texture may vary slightly.

Egg:

One egg binds the dough and adds moisture. It’s essential in helping 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies hold together during baking.

  • Vegan or allergic to eggs? Try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) or chia egg. They work as effective binders but may make the cookie denser.
  • Other egg-free alternatives include mashed banana or applesauce—but both will subtly alter the flavor profile.

Vanilla Extract:

Though technically optional, a touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor and gives your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies a warm, homemade feel.

  • Use pure vanilla extract for the best result.
  • Almond extract is a fun twist but changes the classic flavor.

Because there are so few ingredients, each one makes a noticeable impact. High-quality components yield the best-tasting peanut butter cookies.

Don’t miss our rich and chewy chocolate chip shortbread for another simple dessert using staple ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Preparing Your Ingredients and Tools

Making 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies is incredibly simple, but getting great results starts with proper prep. This step-by-step setup ensures your cookies come out just right—chewy, rich, and perfectly golden.

Ingredients You’ll Need (classic version):

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Peanut Butter1 cupMain flavor & texture base
Sugar (white or brown)¾ cupSweetness & crisp edges
Egg1 largeBinder & structure
Vanilla Extract1 tspBoosts aroma & taste

Optional: Add a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or hand mixer (spoon works too)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Fork (for classic crosshatch pattern)

Baking Instructions and Tips for Perfect Texture

Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to make the magic happen. Here’s how to whip up a batch of 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies in under 20 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter and sugar until smooth and fully combined.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough is thick, cohesive, and slightly glossy.
  4. Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the sheet.
  5. Gently press each dough ball with a fork to flatten, forming a classic crisscross design.
  6. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers are lightly set. They’ll firm up as they cool.
  7. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack.

Expert Tips for Better Cookies:

  • Don’t overbake. These cookies firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them dry or crumbly.
  • For consistent results, portion the dough with a cookie scoop.
  • For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking.
  • Want a salty-sweet bite? Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking.

Once cooled, you’ll have a batch of soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies that taste way more complex than they are.

Discover great ideas like these soft and gooey honey cookies to expand your minimal ingredient dessert game.

4 ingredient peanut butter cookies cooling
Freshly baked 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies with classic

Gluten-Free, Vegan, or Keto: Customizing Your Cookies

One of the reasons 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are so popular is their flexibility. With just a few simple tweaks, you can turn this classic cookie into a treat that fits just about any diet—gluten-free, vegan, or even low-carb/keto.

Let’s explore how:

Gluten-Free Option (Default):

Great news—4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are naturally gluten-free! There’s no flour in the original recipe, so there’s no need for substitutions.

Still, always check your peanut butter brand to ensure it’s not processed in a facility with wheat, especially if you’re baking for someone with celiac disease.

Vegan Option:

To make these cookies vegan, you’ll need to replace the egg with a plant-based alternative. The best swaps include:

Egg SubstituteMeasurementResult
Flax Egg1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp waterDense but chewy
Chia Egg1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp waterSlightly crunchier
Mashed Banana¼ cupSweeter flavor, softer cookie
Applesauce¼ cupMild, cakier texture

Note: Vegan versions may spread a bit less and will be slightly more tender.

Low-Carb / Keto Option:

You can absolutely make keto-friendly peanut butter cookies by:

  • Using unsweetened peanut butter
  • Replacing sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
  • Using a low-carb vanilla extract (most are naturally low)

This combo results in cookies that are still rich, nutty, and satisfying—without the carb spike.

Pro Tip: If using sugar alternatives, let the cookies fully cool before eating. They tend to firm up better once cooled.

Add-ins: Chocolate Chips, Sea Salt, and More

If you love a classic cookie but want a little extra oomph, 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the perfect blank canvas. Try mixing in or topping your dough with these easy extras:

Add-InAmountEffect
Chocolate Chips½ cupTurns it into a peanut butter chocolate cookie
Crushed Peanuts¼ cupExtra crunch and nutty texture
Flaky Sea SaltSprinkle on topBalances sweetness with a salty edge
Mini MarshmallowsHandfulAdds chew and a caramelized top
Cinnamon½ tspAdds warmth and spice to the dough
Dried Cranberries¼ cupSweet-tart twist for the holidays

You can also dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate after baking and cooling for a more elevated, bakery-style finish.

Just remember—not all add-ins are keto or vegan, so adjust accordingly.

Looking for inspiration? Try these nutty almond flour chocolate cookies for another creative low-ingredient treat.

3 Ingredient vs. 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

What’s the Difference? Does It Matter?

If you’ve ever Googled a simple cookie recipe, you’ve probably come across both 3 and 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies. So, what’s the real difference—and is it worth adding that fourth ingredient?

Let’s break it down:

VersionIngredientsKey Difference
3 IngredientPeanut butter, sugar, eggStraightforward, no frills
4 IngredientPeanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extractEnhanced flavor & aroma

The base recipe for both cookies is essentially the same. However, the 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies have one major advantage: flavor depth.

That tiny splash of vanilla extract might not seem like much, but it elevates the entire cookie. It brings out the nuttiness of the peanut butter, balances the sweetness, and gives the cookies that homemade bakery aroma everyone loves.

So while 3-ingredient cookies are great when you’re in a pinch, the 4-ingredient version is worth the 5 seconds it takes to add vanilla.

TL;DR: If you want the quickest version, go with 3. If you want a cookie that tastes homemade, go with 4.

When to Choose 3‑Ingredient Cookies Instead

There are times when 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies might be your best choice:

  • No vanilla on hand? Skip it and bake a 3-ingredient batch—still delicious.
  • Baking with kids or beginners? Fewer steps means less confusion and cleanup.
  • Sugar substitute in use? If you’re experimenting with low-carb sweeteners, keeping it simple can help you control the outcome better.
  • Diet restrictions? Without the vanilla extract (which sometimes contains alcohol), you may better suit religious or dietary guidelines.

Still, many bakers say once they try 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies, they rarely go back. That one small change adds a noticeable difference in taste—without adding complexity.

Don’t miss our easy twist on a classic: peanut butter cup cookies for another way to elevate peanut butter treats.

Tips to Make Your Peanut Butter Cookies Even Better

How to Get a Crispy Edge with a Soft Center

The hallmark of perfect 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies? Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Achieving that dreamy texture is easier than you think when you follow a few simple tricks:

1. Use room-temperature ingredients

Cold peanut butter or eggs can cause uneven mixing, which affects the final texture. Let everything sit out for about 15 minutes before combining.

2. Mix thoroughly but don’t overwork the dough

You want the ingredients fully combined, but overmixing can make the cookies dense or tough.

3. Flatten the dough with a fork

This isn’t just for looks. Creating that traditional crosshatch pattern helps the cookies bake evenly and gives you the perfect crisped edge.

4. Bake on parchment or silicone baking mats

Avoid greasing your tray. Nonstick surfaces help your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies hold their shape and cook evenly without spreading too much.

5. Pull them early

Bake until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underdone. The residual heat continues baking them as they cool—leaving you with that soft center.

Bonus Tip: If you want crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer. For extra-soft cookies, underbake by 30 seconds.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Without Losing Flavor

These cookies are quick to make—and luckily, just as easy to store.

How to Store:

MethodDurationTips
Airtight Container4–5 days (room temp)Keep away from heat or humidity
RefrigeratorUp to 10 daysGreat for humid climates
FreezerUp to 3 monthsStore between wax paper in Ziploc bags
  • Want to freeze the dough? You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them raw. When ready to bake, just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time (no thawing needed).

Reheating Tips:

  • Microwave (8–10 seconds) brings back softness without drying.
  • Oven (300°F for 3–4 mins) revives that crisp edge while warming through.

Storing and reheating properly ensures that every bite of your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies tastes just as good as the day you baked them.

Check out this creative spin on low-effort baking: 3-ingredient sugar cookies to expand your minimal dessert arsenal.

Why Are My Cookies Too Dry or Too Oily?

Even the simplest recipes can go sideways. If your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies didn’t turn out quite right, don’t worry—it’s usually an easy fix. Below are the most common issues (and how to solve them).

Problem: Cookies Turned Out Too Dry

Dry cookies are typically the result of too much sugar, overbaking, or the wrong kind of peanut butter.

Causes:

  • You used natural peanut butter without mixing the oil back in.
  • You overbaked. These cookies need to be pulled while they still look slightly underdone.
  • Your egg was too small, leaving the dough short on moisture.

Solutions:

  • Stick to creamy commercial peanut butter for consistent results.
  • Bake for no more than 10 minutes—pull when edges are golden.
  • Use a large egg or add a teaspoon of milk or oil if the dough seems too dry.

Problem: Cookies Too Oily or Spreading Too Much

This is common when the fat-to-sugar ratio is off or the dough was too warm going into the oven.

Causes:

  • Used peanut butter with added oils or sugar substitutes that melt too quickly.
  • Didn’t chill the dough if using soft or natural-style nut butter.
  • Dough sat out too long before baking.

Solutions:

  • Use well-stirred peanut butter and measure ingredients precisely.
  • Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking if it feels greasy.
  • Bake on parchment or silicone to prevent excess spreading.

Tip: If your cookies are spreading too much, reduce sugar slightly or add 1–2 teaspoons of oat flour or coconut flour to tighten the dough.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Here’s a quick reference table to troubleshoot your next batch of 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies:

MistakeResultQuick Fix
OverbakedDry, crumbly cookiesBake less—8–9 mins max
Natural PB (unmixed)Oily or separated doughStir thoroughly or use creamy PB
Skipped crosshatch patternUneven bakingPress dough with a fork before baking
Used small eggCrumbly, loose doughUse a large egg or add 1 tsp milk
Didn’t chill doughOver-spread cookiesChill for 10–15 mins before baking

Learning how to adjust these minor details makes a huge difference, especially in a minimal recipe like 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies, where every element pulls extra weight.

Don’t miss our rich take on nutty treats like these almond flour chocolate cookies if you want more gluten-free, low-ingredient dessert ideas.

Fun Ways to Serve and Enjoy Your 4 Ingredient Cookies

Sure, 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are amazing straight from the oven. But why stop there? With just a little creativity, you can transform them into eye-catching, crowd-pleasing desserts and gifts. Here are some easy ways to elevate these humble cookies:

Spread a spoonful of your favorite filling between two cookies. Try:

  • Creamy peanut butter and jam (PB&J style)
  • Chocolate hazelnut spread
  • Cream cheese frosting
  • Marshmallow fluff

They’re easy to stack, pack, and serve. Perfect for parties or quick lunchbox treats.

Freeze your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies, then sandwich a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream between two of them.

Tip: Roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or crushed peanuts for an extra crunch.

3. Chocolate Dipped Cookies

Melt chocolate chips and dip half of each cookie. Let them cool on wax paper. Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with sea salt for a bakery-style look.

Layer the dry ingredients (sugar + chocolate chips + peanuts) in a mason jar and attach a tag with instructions to add the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla. Makes a super affordable, thoughtful gift.

5. Crumbled Topping

Crumble leftover cookies on top of:

  • Ice cream
  • Yogurt parfaits
  • Peanut butter milkshakes

A great way to use up broken cookies or older batches.

Looking for inspiration? Try these festive strawberry shortcake cookies for a colorful treat to pair with your peanut butter creations.

Kid-Friendly Baking Activities and School Snacks

4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the ideal “bake with kids” recipe. Here’s why:

  • No electric mixer or sharp tools needed
  • Only one bowl
  • They can press the cookies with a fork or add toppings like sprinkles or chocolate chips
  • Bake in under 10 minutes—perfect for short attention spans

They also make great school snacks or lunchbox treats (just be sure to follow your school’s nut policy). You can even pack a small container of cookies with a scoop of jelly or chocolate spread for a DIY dipping snack.

Pro Tip: Make mini cookies (half-size scoops) for toddler hands or quick bites!

Nutritional Info and Ingredient Substitutions

Healthier Swaps for Classic Ingredients

One of the best things about 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies is how customizable they are. Whether you’re counting calories, reducing sugar, or avoiding certain ingredients, there are plenty of ways to make healthier or allergy-friendly swaps without sacrificing flavor.

Here are some of the top substitution options:

Classic IngredientHealthy AlternativeNotes
Peanut ButterAlmond butter, sunflower seed butterNut-free or low-carb swaps
White SugarCoconut sugar, monk fruit, erythritolLower glycemic options
EggFlax egg, chia egg, banana, applesauceVegan or egg-free version
Vanilla ExtractAlmond extract, maple syrupFlavor variation, but keep it subtle

Tip: When using natural or sugar-free peanut butter, always stir well before measuring to avoid oily or dry spots in your dough.

These changes can slightly alter the texture or sweetness of your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies, but the simplicity of the base recipe means it holds up surprisingly well.

If you’re counting macros or managing sugar intake, here’s an estimate based on the classic version (with creamy peanut butter, white sugar, one large egg, and vanilla extract):

NutrientPer Cookie (1 of 18)
Calories~115 kcal
Total Fat~8g
Saturated Fat~2g
Carbohydrates~9g
Sugar~8g
Protein~4g
Fiber~1g
Gluten0g (naturally gluten-free)

These cookies are fairly high in protein for a dessert and offer a satisfying sweet treat with a reasonable portion size.

Don’t miss our nutritious twist on easy bakes like this blueberry overnight oats if you’re after healthy, quick treats for your snack rotation.

FAQs

What do you need for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?

To make classic 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies, all you need is:
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
¾ cup of white sugar
1 large egg
That’s it! Just mix, scoop, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. It’s the minimalist version of the cookie recipe without vanilla extract, and it still delivers rich flavor and chewy texture.
If you’re out of vanilla or want the fastest possible cookie recipe, the 3-ingredient version is your best bet. But if you can, adding that fourth ingredient (vanilla) can take your cookies to the next level.

What are the basic ingredients for peanut butter cookies?

The most basic peanut butter cookie recipes generally require just three or four ingredients:
Peanut butter (smooth is best for even texture)
Sugar (white or brown)
Egg
Vanilla extract (optional, but recommended in 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies)
This combination is what makes these cookies easy, gluten-free, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Some recipes also add salt, chocolate chips, or baking soda—but they’re not necessary for this basic style of cookie.

How to make butter cookies with 3 ingredients?

3 ingredient butter cookies (a totally different cookie from peanut butter cookies) typically include:
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
½ cup of powdered sugar
2 cups of all-purpose flour
Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Roll into balls or press flat with a fork, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
While butter cookies and peanut butter cookies may sound similar, the textures and techniques differ. Peanut butter cookies are denser and richer, while butter cookies tend to be crumbly and light.

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