Discover the ULTIMATE 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies recipe crafted from everyday pantry items, requiring no flour, butter, or oil! Indulge in soft, chewy cookies bursting with a deep peanut butter taste, making them an ideal gluten-free dessert.

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Attention peanut butter enthusiasts! You’re going to adore these incredibly easy yet scrumptious traditional peanut butter cookies! Whether you’re in need of a quick snack, an impromptu dessert, or a gluten-free option, this timeless peanut butter cookie recipe is ready in under 20 minutes with just 5 straightforward ingredients. I assure you these peanut butter cookies will be a hit with the entire family!

Why You’ll Adore These

  • Fast and Easy – you need just 5 ingredients from your pantry and a single bowl to prepare these simple peanut butter cookies, all in under 20 minutes.
  • Healthier Option – these cookies contain no flour, butter, or oil, and are naturally sweetened with cane sugar.
  • Soft and Chewy – each bite of these soft peanut butter cookies delivers an ideal texture and rich peanut butter taste.
  • Genuinely Gluten-Free – made without flour, these cookies are an excellent choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Ingredients You Will Require

  • peanut butter – I chose creamy natural peanut butter with no added sugar. Make sure to stir it well before use. You can substitute it with regular creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy, chunky peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters.
  • egg – you’ll need 1 large egg for binding all the components together.
  • baking soda – serves as a leavening agent to give these cookies their chewy texture. Baking powder can also be used.
  • cane sugar – this natural sweetener gives these cookies their sweetness without refined sugar. Alternatives include coconut sugar, brown sugar, or any granulated sugar.
  • vanilla – one teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of these cookies.

You could also opt for an even simpler version with just 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies! All you need are peanut butter, egg, and sugar, but adding baking soda ensures their chewy texture while the vanilla adds flavor enhancement!

Creating Peanut Butter Cookies

  1. Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together one cup of peanut butter, egg, baking soda, cane sugar, and vanilla. Use a hand mixer on medium speed or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, thoroughly blending all the components until mixed well. The peanut butter blend will be thick and sticky.
  2. Form cookies. Take about 1 tablespoon of the dough mixture (using a small cookie scoop is helpful) and roll it into balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each ball, gently flattening them. I like to smooth the edges using my fingers.
  3. Bake. Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to firm up while cooling.
  4. Cool and savor. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Advice and Alternatives

  • Peanut butter – both creamy and crunchy peanut butter are suitable, but natural peanut butter may create a slightly looser dough, so stir thoroughly for optimal results.
  • Sweetener – it’s best to stick with granulated sugars like cane sugar, coconut sugar, white sugar, or brown sugar. Honey or maple syrup will alter the texture.
  • Vegan option – these cookies can easily be made vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg, which consists of 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to set for 5 minutes.
  • Crisscross design – the classic fork design helps slightly flatten the cookies for even baking. Since these cookies lack flour, they don’t spread much on their own, so the fork marks are essential for proper texture.
  • Avoid over-baking – aim for a chewy peanut butter cookie that remains a bit soft in the center with adequately set edges, avoiding overcooking. The cookies will continue to firm up while cooling.
  • Personalize – feel free to incorporate fun extras like chocolate chips (akin to peanut butter blossoms), peanut butter chips, chopped peanuts, or other nuts, topping with flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Preparation and Storage

To Store: These homemade peanut butter cookies will remain fresh at room temperature in a sealed, airtight container or wrapped in plastic for up to 5 days. For a firmer texture and longer life, consider refrigerating them.

To Freeze: For extended storage, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, move the frozen cookies to the fridge to thaw overnight or let them sit out at room temperature until thawed.

Freeze cookie dough: I prefer to prepare the peanut butter cookie dough, shape them into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, simply transfer the frozen cookie dough balls to a freezer bag and thaw slightly before baking as per the instructions.

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More Peanut Butter Dishes

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  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Combine the ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, egg, baking soda, cane sugar, and vanilla. Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine everything well until it forms a cohesive dough. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
  • Form the cookies. Use about 1 tablespoon of the dough (I prefer using a small cookie scoop) and roll it into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet while ensuring there’s space between them. Press a fork gently onto each ball to create a crisscross design, lightly flattening them in the process. I like to tidy up the edges with my finger.
  • Bake. Put the cookies in the oven and bake for about 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers stay a little soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

  • Allow to cool and enjoy. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.5g | Protein: 3.9g | Fat: 7.4g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Cholesterol: 10.3mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 2.3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

**Simple and Tasty 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe**

If you’re in the mood for a sweet delight but wish to avoid lengthy cooking sessions and extensive shopping lists, this straightforward and scrumptious 5-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe is exactly what you need. With just a few pantry essentials and minimal prep time, you can create a batch of soft, chewy cookies that are bound to satisfy your craving for sweetness.

### Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe

– **Quick and Simple**: Prepared in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
– **Few Ingredients**: Only five basic ingredients required.
– **Naturally Gluten-Free**: Flour-free, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten intolerances.
– **Adaptable**: Include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a dash of sea salt for added flavor.

### Required Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. **1 cup peanut butter** (creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference)
2. **1 cup granulated sugar** (or opt for coconut sugar for a healthier choice)
3. **1 large egg**
4. **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
5. **1/2 teaspoon baking soda**

### Directions

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda together. Stir until the blend is smooth and well combined.

**Step 3: Shape the Cookies**
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the lined baking sheet. Ensure there’s roughly 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

**Step 4: Flatten with a Fork**
With a fork, gently press down on each cookie, forming a crisscross pattern on top. This technique also aids in even baking.

**Step 5: Bake and Cool**
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to set during cooling. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

### Tips for Success

– **Utilize room temperature ingredients** for easier mixing and improved texture.
– **Avoid overmixing** the dough—mix until combined.
– **Mix-ins**: For a twist, consider incorporating 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts before baking.
– **Storage**: Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for extended storage.

### Concluding Thoughts

This 5-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe is ideal for novice bakers, busy parents, or anyone seeking a quick and delightful dessert. With its rich peanut butter flavor and wonderfully chewy texture, it’s no wonder this straightforward recipe has become a favorite in many kitchens. Give it a try—you may discover your new go-to cookie!

**Happy Baking!** 🍪