Name: 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Peanut Butter; 1 large Egg (beaten); 0.5 cup Coconut Palm Sugar (plus 2 teaspoons); 1 teaspoon Vanilla (extract)

Jump to Recipe Print it

Nothing beats the simplicity and nostalgia of making 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies. I still remember the first time I baked these cookies with my grandmother. There was something magical about combining just a handful of ingredients and watching the transformation into warm, gooey cookies. These cookies are a breeze to prepare, and they evoke such sweet memories. Perfect for an impromptu dessert or a late-night snack, they bring comfort in every bite. The aroma of freshly baked cookies drifting through the house takes you back to a simpler time, where all you needed was a good recipe and a bit of love in the kitchen.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
27 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
90 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
5 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Oven, Mixing Bowl

Why This 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Is So Good

Easy to Make

One of the biggest reasons I adore 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies is their simplicity. With just four core ingredients, you can whip these up in no time. No fancy equipment is necessary—just a bowl, a fork, and your hands. This makes them perfect for baking with kids or anyone new to the kitchen.

Rich Peanut Butter Flavor

The star ingredient, of course, is peanut butter. Its creamy texture and rich flavor are truly what make these cookies shine. Each bite is packed with that delightful nutty taste that pairs so well with a glass of milk, making it a nostalgic treat.

Perfectly Sweetened

The use of coconut palm sugar adds a unique depth of flavor. It’s less processed than regular sugar, and it gives these cookies a subtle caramel note that complements the peanut butter perfectly. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more cookie each time.

Customizable

Another reason to love these cookies is the flexibility they offer. While the base recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits if you’re up for a little experimentation. This makes them versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand.

Healthy Indulgence

These cookies are a guilt-free indulgence. Made with wholesome ingredients, they fit well into a balanced diet. You can enjoy a sweet treat without the over-the-top calories that come from many traditional cookies.

Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a quick snack, or need something sweet to bring to a friend, 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are always a hit. They are great year-round and can easily be adapted for seasonal celebrations.

What to Buy for 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These ingredients come together to create a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The simplicity of the recipe shines through in the quality of each ingredient. When you combine peanut butter, coconut palm sugar, an egg, and just a hint of vanilla, you’re able to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role in making these cookies a delightful treat.

Peanut Butter: The foundation of the recipe, providing rich flavor and creaminess.
Egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together, giving the cookies structure.
Coconut Palm Sugar: A natural sweetener that adds depth and a slight caramel flavor.
Vanilla: A hint of flavor that rounds out the ingredients beautifully.

Making This 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Let’s dive into the fun part: making these delicious cookies! You won’t believe how straightforward the process is. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in no time. Each step is packed with sensory details to guide you through the journey.

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This is essential to ensure that your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven helps the peanut butter to melt and creates that chewy texture we all love.
In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut sugar, the beaten egg, and vanilla. Use a fork to mix everything together until it’s well-combined. You’re looking for a smooth and homogenous mixture. It should be creamy and slightly thick, with no lumps remaining.
Once everything is mixed, scoop out small amounts of the cookie dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. You should get about 14 balls total, a perfect batch for sharing (or not!).
Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined or nonstick cookie sheet, leaving some space between each ball. As they bake, they’ll spread out and create lovely shapes.
Now, wet a fork and dip it into the remaining coconut sugar. Gently press each cookie ball down with the fork to create that iconic crosshatch pattern. This step not only flattens the cookies but also gives them that classic look.
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them! At this point, they should start to turn a light golden brown.
After 6 minutes, carefully turn the baking sheet around to ensure even baking, and let them bake for another 5 to 6 minutes. You want them to be slightly firm to the touch but not overbaked.
When the cookies are done baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 25 to 30 minutes. This waiting period is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
Finally, use a spatula to gently remove the cookies from the baking sheet. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness or store them for later!

Things Worth Knowing

Ingredient Quality Matters: Always opt for a natural peanut butter that contains no added sugars or oils for the best flavor.
Texture Tips: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Baking Sheet Preparation: Using parchment paper ensures that the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
Cooling is Key: Don’t rush the cooling process; it helps the cookies firm up and achieve the perfect chewy texture.

Recipe Tips about 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re excited to make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, here are some tips to elevate your baking experience. These suggestions will help you get the most out of this delightful recipe.

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze these cookies! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Pairing: Serve these cookies with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of your favorite yogurt for a balanced snack.
Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cookie dough for a delicious twist.
Scaling: This recipe is easily scalable; simply double or halve it as needed depending on your craving.

Serving This 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Occasion: These cookies are perfect for casual gatherings, family celebrations, or just a cozy evening at home.
Serving Temperature: Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture. They’re especially delightful right out of the oven!
Pairing Drinks: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk, or for an adult twist, serve with hot coffee or a cup of herbal tea.
Storage Tips: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Holiday Treats: These cookies can be a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters, especially during family gatherings or festive occasions.

FAQ

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies a delightful texture. It adds little bits of peanuts that enhance the flavor and make each bite even more interesting. Just make sure to mix it well with the other ingredients to ensure even distribution.

You’ll know your 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are done when the edges start to turn a light golden brown. They should feel slightly firm when you touch them but will continue to firm up as they cool. If you overbake them, they may become too hard, so it’s best to keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking.

Yes! One of the great things about 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies is they can be made ahead of time. Simply bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, or you can freeze them for up to three months!

These cookies pair beautifully with various drinks. A classic choice is a cold glass of milk, but they also go well with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving them with ice cream for an easy dessert sandwich!

Conclusion

The 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that brings back warm memories of baking with loved ones. They’re not only easy to make, but they also satisfy any sweet craving with their rich flavor. I encourage you to try making them soon. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear, and they might just become your new favorite cookie recipe!