The Easiest Cookies You’ll Ever Make – 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
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We love anything sweet, and we really love anything that’s easy. These cookies are a double threat because they’re absolutely delicious and seriously easy to make—you probably have all the ingredients already and could be biting into a piping hot cookie in under half an hour!
For a pick-me-up in the middle of the day or when you need a quick treat to bring to a get-together, these peanut butter cookies will save the day every. single. time. What are you waiting for? Raid your pantries and get cooking—you’ll thank us later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These peanut butter cookies are as simple as they are scrumptious. With just four ingredients, they come together in a snap, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute dessert needs. Plus, they’re gluten-free and full of rich peanut butter flavor!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Tablespoon or your hands for forming dough
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup sugar, plus extra as needed, optional
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F.
- In a large bowl or mixer, beat the peanut butter and sugar together until well combined.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Form the dough into equal-sized balls using a tablespoon or your hands and place them on a baking sheet. If desired, roll the balls in sugar for a sweet coating.
- Use the tines of a fork to press a criss-cross pattern onto each cookie.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned but the cookies are not fully set. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy.
Tips for Success
Make sure not to overbake the cookies, as they will firm up after being removed from the oven. Using natural peanut butter gives the best flavor, but ensure it’s well-stirred before measuring.
Additional Tips or Variations
For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. You can also experiment with different nut butters if you have dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 100 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 7g | Sugar: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture to the cookies.
Can I make these cookies vegan? Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
How should I store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Conclusion
These 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies are a delightful treat that you can whip up in no time. Perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings or for sharing with friends and family. We’d love to hear how yours turn out, so be sure to share your baking adventures with us!
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