The Easiest & Most Magical: 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (Flourless!)

Okay, cookie monsters and peanut butter fanatics! I'm back with a recipe that’s so unbelievably easy, so quick to whip up, and so ridiculously delicious that it feels like pure magic, making it the perfect comeback treat! Are you ready? If you're dreaming of warm, chewy, intensely peanut buttery cookies made with just FOUR simple ingredients (yes, you read that right!), then you are in for an absolute treat!

Say hello to your new go-to cookie obsession: these Incredibly Simple 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies! We're talking creamy peanut butter, sweet granulated sugar, a single egg, and a splash of vanilla, all mixed together to create the most tender, flavorful, and naturally flourless peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted. They’re perfect for a quick sweet fix, an easy baking project with kids, or whenever that peanut butter craving strikes. Prepare for cookie nirvana!

What’s better than a cookie recipe that requires minimal ingredients, minimal effort, and delivers maximum peanut butter flavor? Honestly, not much when you need a sweet treat, stat! I used to think amazing cookies always needed a long list of ingredients and complicated steps. But these 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies have proven that sometimes, the simplest things are truly the most delightful. They’re a total game-changer for quick and easy baking!

Why These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are Pure Baking Magic (And So Irresistibly Good!):

The magic of these cookies lies in their incredible simplicity and intense flavor:

• Just FOUR Ingredients: Peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. That’s it! It doesn’t get easier than this.

• Naturally Flourless & Gluten-Free: Perfect for those avoiding gluten, without any special flours needed.

• Intense Peanut Butter Flavor: With peanut butter as the star, these cookies are a dream for any PB lover.

• Soft & Chewy Texture: They bake up beautifully tender with slightly crisp edges.

• Unbelievably Quick & Easy: You can have a batch of these cookies ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish!

These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are Your New Best Friend For:

• Sudden Sweet Cravings: When you need cookies, and you need them NOW!

• Easy Baking with Kids: A perfect, simple recipe for little hands to help with.

• A Quick Treat for Guests: Impress them with homemade cookies in no time.

• Gluten-Free Snacking: A delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Whenever You Need a Dose of Pure, Simple, Peanut Buttery Comfort!

How to Make These Magical Cookies (It's Easier Than You Think!):

Get ready for the simplest steps to cookie perfection:

1. Preheat & Prep: Get your oven ready and line that baking sheet.

2. Mix It All Up: Combine those four magic ingredients until smooth.

3. Scoop, Roll, & Press: Form your cookie dough balls and give them that classic crisscross pattern.

4. Bake to Golden Goodness: Just a few minutes in the oven is all it takes!

5. Cool (If You Can Wait!) & Enjoy: Let them firm up a bit, then devour!

The smell of these peanut butter cookies baking is pure, nostalgic heaven!

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4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Bake Time: 8-10 Minutes
Total Time: Approx. 15-20 Minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: About 12-15 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use a standard commercial brand, not natural "stir" types for best results)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven & Prep Your Pan:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Your Magical Dough:

   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

   • Stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Try not to overmix, just until everything comes together.

3. Shape Your Cookies:

   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).

   • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them as they will spread slightly.

   • Using the tines of a fork, gently flatten each dough ball, first pressing one way, then pressing again at a 90-degree angle to create the classic crisscross pattern on top.

4. Bake to Perfection:

   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

   • Bake for 8–10 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are set and just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers might still look a little soft – that’s perfectly okay! Be careful not to overbake, as they will firm up considerably as they cool.

5. Cool and Enjoy Your Masterpiece!

   • Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They will be very soft right out of the oven, and this cooling time helps them set.

   • After 5 minutes, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

   • Enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies!

Equipment (What I Use & Recommend)

• Baking Sheet

• Parchment Paper

• Medium Mixing Bowl

• Spatula or Sturdy Spoon

• Measuring Cups & Spoons

• Fork (for pressing)

• Wire Cooling Rack

Tips & FAQs for Your Perfect 4-Ingredient Cookies!

• Peanut Butter Choice: For best results, use a standard commercial creamy peanut butter (like Jif, Skippy, etc.). Natural peanut butters where the oil separates can sometimes result in a crumblier or greasier cookie.

• Don't Overbake! This is the most important tip! These cookies bake quickly and will look underdone when you pull them out. Trust the process – they will firm up as they cool and achieve that perfect soft, chewy texture.

• Crisscross Pattern: Dip your fork in a little granulated sugar before pressing if you find it's sticking to the dough.

• Variations & Add-Ins (Though it makes it more than 4 ingredients!):

  • Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a classic peanut butter chocolate combo.

  • A Pinch of Salt: If your peanut butter is unsalted, or if you like a sweet-salty balance, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dough.

  • Different Extracts: Try a touch of almond extract for a different flavor note.

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Serving Ideas – Simple Pleasures!

• With a Glass of Cold Milk: The ultimate classic pairing!

• As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.

• Crumbled Over Yogurt or Ice Cream: For a delicious topping.

• Alongside a Cup of Coffee or Tea: A perfect little pick-me-up.

Nutritional Snapshot (A Peek at Your Magical Treat!)

Alright, cookie lovers, let's look at the numbers for these wonderfully simple Peanut Butter Cookies! The following is an estimated nutritional snapshot, and given the ingredient amounts, this likely reflects the entire batch of cookies (around 12-15 cookies).

Disclaimer: As always, this information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the exact number of cookies you make from the batch, the specific brand of peanut butter (especially its sugar/fat content), and any modifications. For precise information per cookie, I highly recommend dividing the total batch values by the number of cookies you yield, or using an online nutritional calculator with your specific inputs.

Per Entire Batch (Estimated - Approx. 12-15 Cookies):

• Calories: 1196 kcal (Around 60% of a 2000-calorie daily intake for the whole batch!)

• Protein: 32g (64% DV for the batch)

• Total Fat: 68g (106% DV for the batch – peanut butter is rich in healthy fats!)

  • Saturated Fat: 13g (86% DV for the batch)

• Total Carbohydrates: 128g (43% DV for the batch)

  • Sugars: 113g (A very high 126% DV for the batch – these are definitely a sweet treat!)

• Cholesterol: 93mg (31% DV for the batch – from the egg)

• Sodium: 590mg (26% DV for the batch – from peanut butter)

• Alcohol: 0.69g (This trace amount for the entire batch is likely attributed to the vanilla extract used.)

Even as a treat, let's see the good stuff these cookies bring to the table (for the whole batch)!

• Manganese: 1mg (95% DV)

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 17mg (86% DV – Peanut butter is a good source!)

• Vitamin E: 12mg (80% DV – Also from peanut butter!)

• Magnesium: 221mg (55% DV)

• Phosphorus: 486mg (49% DV)

• Vitamin B6: 0.62mg (31% DV)

• Folate: 122µg (31% DV)

• Copper: 0.57mg (28% DV)

• Fiber: 6g (25% DV – from peanut butter)

• Zinc: 3mg (24% DV)

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.38mg (22% DV)

• Potassium: 767mg (22% DV)

• Selenium: 13µg (19% DV)

• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 1mg (18% DV)

• Iron: 2mg (15% DV)

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.19mg (13% DV)

• Calcium: 78mg (8% DV)

• Vitamin B12: 0.22µg (4% DV)

• Vitamin D: 0.5µg (3% DV)

• Vitamin A: 135IU (3% DV)

(The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition. Advice may vary based on personal caloric needs.)

What does this all mean? These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a wonderfully simple, quick, and intensely peanut-buttery treat! Being flourless, they are naturally gluten-free. They are definitely high in sugar and fat, making them a delightful indulgence rather than an everyday snack. However, thanks to the peanut butter, they also bring some beneficial nutrients like Niacin, Vitamin E, Magnesium, and Manganese to the party. Enjoy them for their incredible ease and classic flavor! Remember to consider the nutritional values per cookie if you're dividing the batch.

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Did you make these magically easy 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies? I would be absolutely thrilled to hear how they turned out and if they disappeared as quickly in your house as they do in mine!

Please leave a rating or a review in the comments below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps other cookie lovers discover this wonderfully simple and delicious recipe.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those four simple ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of pure peanut butter happiness. Enjoy every soft, chewy, and flavorful bite!

Happy (Super Easy!) Baking, Friends!