3 Ingredient butter cookies with egg are the perfect no-fuss treat—made with just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, they’re as simple as they are satisfying. In this article, you’ll discover why this simple combo works so well, step-by-step instructions using everyday ingredients, and how to elevate the classic with smart tips and tricks.
Table of Contents
Our Story & Intro
I can still smell the warm, nutty aroma from my first bite of a three‑ingredient peanut butter cookie—it was my grandma’s go-to recipe when I was a kid. We’d gather in her cozy kitchen on lazy Sunday afternoons, measuring peanut butter, sugar, and an egg while she shared stories of her childhood in Spain. Those moments taught me how simple ingredients bring people together.
That memory inspired my version of 3 ingredient butter cookies with egg, blending nostalgia with ease. Using pantry staples—1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup white sugar, and 1 egg—this recipe captures that same warmth and connection. The egg binds everything together while the sugar caramelizes just enough to give those lightly browned edges.
These cookies are perfect for hectic mornings or impromptu bake sessions. You can whip them up in minutes—bake time is only 6 to 8 minutes, and all you need is a bowl, a fork, and a parchment-lined baking sheet. Plus, you’ll appreciate how the simplicity fits right into everyday cooking at Brook Recipes. If you love cookies with minimal fuss, check out my oatmeal variations or cake mix spin-offs for more inspiration.
3 Ingredient Butter Cookies with Egg – Quick, Easy, Delicious
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Fork (for flattening)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball with a fork in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a chewier version, add an extra egg yolk.
- Substitute white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Store in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
Understanding the Ingredients
The magic of 3 ingredient cookies with egg lies in how each component plays its part. Let’s break it down:
Butter, sugar & egg: what each adds
Even though this recipe swaps butter for peanut butter, the role of the egg remains crucial. As a binder, egg holds ingredients together and transforms the mix of peanut butter and sugar into a cohesive dough. Proteins in both egg white and yolk contribute structure and moisture, while lecithin in the yolk helps emulsify and create a smooth, tender texture. White adds lift and chewiness, while yolk enriches color, flavor, and richness. Combined in a whole egg (our 1 egg), they deliver the ideal balance: structure, moist crumb, mild rise, and just-right spread—perfect for 3 ingredient oatmeal cookies with egg or any variation.
Variations to try
Want to switch it up? These three ingredients invite endless creativity:
- 3 ingredient oatmeal cookies with egg no flour: swap peanut butter for oats (or blend both) to create a hearty, chewy version—still dairy- and flour-free.
- 3 ingredient oatmeal cookies with egg no sugar no flour: use naturally sweet peanut butter with honey or ripe banana, keeping it wholesome.
- 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies with brown sugar and egg: swap white for brown sugar for deeper caramel notes and softer texture.
- 3 ingredient cake mix cookies with butter and egg: try using cake mix instead—same egg, butter, and mix—easy and delicious.
- Or simply stay classic with 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies with brown sugar and egg for a richer twist.
These variations show how the simple trio of peanut butter, sugar, and egg remains versatile and forgiving—great for busy home cooks or families baking with kids.
Step‑by‑Step Baking Guide
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
Directions:
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, white sugar, and egg until the dough is smooth and fully blended.
Step 3:
Scoop or roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently using a fork in a criss-cross pattern.
Step 4:
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned. For a softer center, bake for 6 minutes; for crispier edges, flatten the cookies a bit more and bake closer to 8 minutes.
Step 5:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool briefly on the baking sheet. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6 (Optional):
For a chewier texture, try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough next time. For best results, bake in small batches and adjust time based on preference.
Step 7:
Serve and enjoy! Perfect with coffee, milk, or tucked into a lunchbox.
These techniques work for other 3 ingredient oatmeal cookies with egg no flour or 3 ingredient cake mix cookies with butter and egg, too. The key? The egg’s coagulation sets the structure, while the sugar and peanut butter shape flavor and texture in these simple doughs.
Customizations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base for these 3 ingredient cookies with egg, it’s easy to add your own twist. For a nuttier bite, swap in crunchy peanut butter. Want a deeper caramel flavor? Replace white sugar with brown sugar to turn them into 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies with brown sugar and egg—they bake up soft and rich.
If you’re looking for heartier texture, fold in a handful of quick oats and turn them into 3 ingredient oatmeal cookies with egg. Skipping flour? You’re in luck—these work great with no flour and are naturally gluten-free if your oats are certified. Or, mix in cake mix instead of sugar for a sweeter spin, a trick that’s behind many 3 ingredient cake mix cookies with butter and egg recipes you’ll find on Brook Recipes.
These simple additions keep the prep low while giving each batch a signature taste.
Serving & Storage Perfected
These cookies are ideal for holiday trays, weekday snacks, or last-minute guests. Serve them with coffee or tea, or sandwich two together with a smear of jam or dark chocolate.
For storing, cool completely and keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—place in a zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven to revive that just-baked aroma.
If you’re planning ahead, shape the dough into balls and freeze them raw. That way, you can bake a few at a time—fresh cookies anytime you crave them.
Conclusion
All it takes is peanut butter, sugar, and an egg to bake cookies that are soft, rich, and deeply comforting—every bite a reminder of simple joys. These 3 ingredient butter cookies with egg are more than a shortcut; they’re proof that simplicity can be absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just looking for something quick and satisfying, this recipe fits perfectly into any busy day. From classic to custom variations like oatmeal or brown sugar twists, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this versatile treat.
Keep a jar of peanut butter and an egg on hand, and you’ll always be just minutes away from warm, homemade cookies. Thanks for stopping by my kitchen—now grab a fork, press that dough, and bake a batch of joy.
Looking for more creative 3 Ingredient ideas? Try these 3-Ingredient Protein Cookies or a Brazilian Mounjaro Recipe 3 Ingredients that make your day easier.
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FAQs
What does adding an egg to cookies do?
The egg in cookie dough acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together while also adding moisture and richness. The proteins help set the cookie structure during baking, creating a chewy, tender texture rather than a crumbly one.
How to make 3 ingredients cookie dough?
To make 3 ingredient cookie dough, simply mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg in a bowl until smooth. No flour or butter is needed. Once combined, the dough is ready to shape, press, and bake—no chilling or complex steps required.
What to make with three ingredients?
With just three ingredients, you can create a variety of desserts like these butter cookies with egg, peanut butter fudge, or even cake mix cookies. The key is choosing ingredients that bring both flavor and texture, like sugar, egg, and a creamy base like peanut butter or cake mix.
What are the ingredients in 3-ingredient sugar cookies?
Traditional 3-ingredient sugar cookies often include butter, sugar, and flour. In this peanut butter variation, we use peanut butter instead of flour and butter, and the egg helps bind and soften the texture, creating a naturally gluten-free cookie with rich, nutty flavor.