Are you craving a sweet treat but short on time and ingredients? Then look no further! This incredibly simple four-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe is your answer. These cookies are unbelievably delicious, requiring minimal effort and boasting that irresistible peanut butter flavor we all adore. Perfect for a quick dessert, a last-minute snack, or even a fun baking project with the kids, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this unbelievably easy and healthy recipe!
Ingredients: You'll only need these four!
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions: Let's Bake!
This recipe is so simple, even a beginner can make these perfect peanut butter cookies! Follow these straightforward steps:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda. Mix everything together thoroughly until a smooth and well-combined dough forms. A wooden spoon or a hand mixer works perfectly.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform cookies, or simply roll them by hand. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Flatten the Cookies: Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie ball, creating the classic criss-cross pattern. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch to the appearance.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to eat them warm—though it's tempting!—as they will be softer once fully cooled.
Tips for the Best Four-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature peanut butter and eggs ensures a smoother dough and better consistency.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking them at the 8-minute mark.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations: Add Your Own Twist!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra decadent treat.
- Salty Sweet: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
- Spiced Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-7g
- Sugar: 6-7g
- Protein: 2-3g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy-to-make peanut butter cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. They're a delicious and quick dinner recipe, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy this simple yet scrumptious homemade cooking experience! Happy baking!