3 ingredient cookies are the ultimate shortcut to homemade happiness. Whether you’re baking with pantry staples or experimenting with cake mix or banana peanut butter versions, these cookies are irresistibly easy. In just minutes, you’ll have a batch of 3 ingredient cookies easy enough for any skill level—and perfect for any craving.
What This Post Includes
Why 3 Ingredient Cookies are a Game-Changer?
Grandma’s Secret: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Back in my childhood kitchen, life smelled like warm peanut butter and sugar. My abuela believed that love didn’t need complexity—it needed soul. That’s how I first tasted 3 ingredient cookies. She’d mix a cup of peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, then bake them to golden perfection. No fancy equipment, no fuss. Just simple, heartfelt joy.
Today, as a chef and home cook, I carry that philosophy with me. These 3 ingredient cookies remind me that comfort and flavor don’t require a long ingredient list. Whether you’re baking for kids after school, prepping treats in a dorm room, or just low on pantry stock, these cookies show up every time.
From Busy Weeknights to Sweet Treats
One of the reasons I adore 3 ingredient cookies is how well they fit into busy routines. With no need for mixers or chill time, you can have a batch ready in under 20 minutes. And let’s talk versatility. From 3 ingredients cookies easy enough for a toddler to help with, to versions suitable for 3 ingredient cookies for diabetics, there’s a cookie for everyone.
They’re also incredibly fun to customize. Want a fluffier bite? Try a variation with 3 ingredient cookies with egg. Looking for convenience? Go with 3 ingredient cookies using cake mix for a soft, cake-like texture. I’ve even explored banana-infused options like 3 ingredient cookies banana peanut butter no oatmeal, which are naturally sweet and perfect for breakfast on the go.
We’ll get into all those twists—and answer your top questions about freezing, flavor, and nutrition. But first, let’s break down the core recipes and how each one brings something uniquely delicious to the table.
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3 Ingredient Cookies – Simple, Sweet, and Ready in Minutes
- Total Time: 13 min
- Yield: 18 cookies
Description
These 3 ingredient cookies are chewy, simple, and naturally gluten-free—perfect for last-minute baking or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
- Flatten each with a fork in criss-cross pattern.
- Bake 6–8 minutes until bottoms are lightly browned.
- Cool on sheet briefly, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- Try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly versions.
- Swap white sugar with a sugar alternative for lower carb.
- These freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
3 Ingredient Cookies Using Cake Mix vs. Peanut Butter
Cake Mix Version: Ultra-Easy Convenience
If you’re short on time but still want fresh-baked cookies, 3 ingredient cookies using cake mix are your best friend. All you need is:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of oil or melted butter
Just mix everything in a bowl, scoop onto a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes. The result? Soft, chewy cookies with minimal prep. These are endlessly adaptable—try chocolate, lemon, or red velvet cake mixes for a different spin. They also freeze well, much like our 3 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies, making them perfect for make-ahead snacks.
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies—Our Favorite
While cake mix is convenient, the classic 3 ingredient cookies recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the one I learned from my grandmother, and it hasn’t changed a bit:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat the 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 space them 1 inch apart on the sheet.
- Flatten each with a fork in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes until bottoms are lightly browned.
- Let them cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
These cookies are gluten-free, no-fuss, and truly comforting. For a higher protein treat, pair them with our 3‑ingredient protein cookies or even use the base recipe as inspiration for our high protein 3‑ingredient cookie dough yogurt cake—it’s all about easy nourishment with big flavor.
3 Ingredient Cookies for Diabetics & Dietary Needs
Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free Adaptations
One of the reasons 3 ingredient cookies are such a hit is how effortlessly they can be adjusted for different dietary needs. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can easily swap the white sugar with a low-carb alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. These substitutions still give you a sweet, satisfying cookie—perfect for making 3 ingredient cookies for diabetics.
Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein, which can help balance the sweetness and support steadier energy levels. Choose an unsweetened, no-stir peanut butter for best results. And since these cookies contain no flour, they’re already naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for a wide range of diets.
For even more health-conscious inspiration, I recommend trying the 3‑Ingredient Protein Cookies or even the high protein 3‑ingredient cookie dough yogurt cake—both keep the simplicity while adding a nutritious twist.
Adding an Egg: Texture and Protein Boost
That one egg in the traditional recipe isn’t just a binder—it adds structure, moisture, and a dose of protein. If you’re wondering about the difference between cookies with or without egg, here’s what you should know: cookies made without an egg tend to be more crumbly and delicate, while those with an egg have a chewier bite.
This makes 3 ingredient cookies with egg perfect for batch baking and freezing. After baking, let them cool fully before storing. You can freeze them for up to 3 months, pulling out a couple at a time to warm in the microwave or enjoy cold.
Need more variation? Try combining banana and peanut butter for a softer, breakfast-style cookie. The 3 ingredient cookies banana peanut butter no oatmeal version is especially good for kids or anyone needing a fiber-rich snack without added grains.
How to Make Easy 3 Ingredient Cookies Flawlessly?
Preventing Spread & Baking Time Tips
Mastering how to make easy 3 ingredient cookies is all about small details. Start with a room-temperature egg for smoother mixing. Don’t overwork the dough—just blend until combined. If your cookies tend to spread too much during baking, chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
To get that perfect cookie shape, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and use a fork to gently press them into a criss-cross pattern. This not only helps them bake evenly but also gives that signature homemade look you’ll see in our 3 ingredient butter cookies with egg.
Watch the bake time closely: 6 to 8 minutes at 350°F is ideal. You’re not looking for browned tops—just lightly golden bottoms. Overbaking can dry them out, so pull them early and let the residual heat finish the job.
Freezing & Storage: Keeping Cookies Fresh
People often ask if these cookies freeze well—and the answer is yes. After baking and cooling them completely, place the cookies in a sealed container, using parchment paper to separate layers. This prevents sticking and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
For dough storage, shape the cookie balls and freeze them raw. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add 1–2 extra minutes in the oven. This trick works just as well with other variations, including the banana version and 3 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies.
Stored at room temperature, your cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days in a sealed container. But let’s be honest—they rarely last that long.
From prep to storage, 3 ingredient cookies easy truly live up to their name. They’re simple, adaptable, and always satisfying.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, 3 ingredient cookies are proof that simplicity wins. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can create a chewy, golden treat that fits any schedule. From sweet cravings to dietary needs, there’s a variation for everyone—like the rich 3 ingredient cookies with egg, the kid-friendly banana twist, or the soft and pillowy 3 ingredient cookies using cake mix.
They’re quick to make, easy to store, and even easier to love. And once you’ve tried them, you might be inspired to explore more minimal masterpieces like our 3 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies or the protein-rich 3‑Ingredient Protein Cookies.
Every cookie tells a story—and these three-ingredient gems continue the one I learned in my childhood kitchen. Now, it’s yours to share.
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FAQs
How to make easy 3 ingredient cookies?
Mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg until smooth. Roll into 1-inch balls, flatten with a fork, and bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
How to make 3 ingredient sugar cookies?
Use 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 cups flour. Mix until crumbly, shape, and bake at 325°F until edges are set.
Are 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies good?
Yes! They’re sweet, chewy, and full of peanut flavor—plus they’re naturally gluten-free and ready in under 20 minutes.
Can you freeze 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
Yes, after baking and cooling, store in an airtight container with parchment layers. Freeze up to 3 months.
What can I bake with three ingredients?
Aside from cookies, you can try cakes, bars, and even the high protein 3‑ingredient cookie dough yogurt cake for variety.
What are the three ingredient cookies for the NYT?
Typically, it’s a version using peanut butter, sugar, and egg—identical to this recipe, celebrated for its ease and flavor.
What are the easiest types of cookies to make?
Drop cookies like these are among the simplest. No chilling, rolling, or shaping needed—just mix, scoop, and bake.
What are the 4 basic dry ingredients in cookies?
Flour, sugar, baking soda/powder, and salt are typical—but with 3 ingredient cookies, you can skip most of them.