
Want a quick and easy recipe that satisfies your peanut butter cravings without tons of ingredients? With just 4 simple items, these peanut butter cookies are perfect for any occasion, packed with flavor, and so easy to whip up! Let’s get baking! 🥜
Ingredients for 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies 🧺
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these tasty cookies:
Ingredients | Quantity | Note |
---|---|---|
Peanut Butter 🥜 | 1 cup | Smooth or crunchy, your choice |
Granulated Sugar 🍬 | 1 cup | Adjust for sweetness preference |
Egg 🥚 | 1 large | Helps bind the cookies |
Vanilla Extract 🌼 | 1 tsp | Adds a hint of sweetness |

Kitchen Tools Needed to Make The 4 ingredient Cookies🧰
Get your kitchen set up with these essentials to make the cookie-making process a breeze:
- Mixing Bowl 🥣 – Perfect for combining all your ingredients.
- Spoon or Spatula 🥄 – To mix everything thoroughly.
- Baking Sheet 🍪 – Line it with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.
- Fork 🍴 – Creates the classic crisscross pattern on top.
- Wire Cooling Rack 🌬️ – Helps the cookies cool evenly after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies 🥜
Follow these simple steps to make irresistibly soft and chewy 4 Ingredient peanut butter cookies:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for perfect cookies. 🔥
2. Mix the 4 Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated. 🥄
3. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow for spreading. ⚪
4. Create the Crisscross Pattern:

Gently press a fork onto the top of each cookie to flatten slightly, then rotate the fork and press again to make a crisscross pattern. This gives that signature peanut butter cookie look! 🍴
5. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft. ⏲️
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving. 🍪
Expert Tips for Perfect 4 Ingredient PB Cookies 🎉
A few insider tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time:
- Choose Your Peanut Butter Wisely: For best results, use a creamy peanut butter with a bit of salt. Natural peanut butter can make the dough oily and affect the texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: If your egg is at room temperature, it’ll blend more smoothly into the dough, creating a softer cookie.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: These cookies can overbake quickly. Take them out as soon as the edges turn golden for the perfect soft, chewy texture.
4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Serving Suggestions 🥛
Make your 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies even more delightful with these serving ideas:
- With a Glass of Milk 🥛 – The classic combination that never gets old.
- PB & Chocolate Combo 🍫 – Drizzle with melted chocolate or pair with chocolate chips for a rich flavor twist.
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich 🍦 – Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

Nutritional Info Per Cookie 📊
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Fun Variations for Your 4 Ingredient Cookies 🧁
Try these fun twists to make your cookies stand out:
- Chocolate-Dipped PB Cookies: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let set. This makes them extra special!
- Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of each cookie right before baking. It complements the sweetness with a nice savory touch.
- Peanut Butter & Jam: Press a thumbprint into the middle of each dough ball and add a tiny spoonful of your favorite jam before baking for a PB&J cookie!
FAQs About 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies 🙋♀️
Q1: Can I make these cookies sugar-free?
For a lower-sugar alternative, consider using a sugar-free sweetener such as monk fruit or stevia. These options can help you reduce your sugar intake while still adding sweetness to your dishes.
Q2: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Crunchy peanut butter provides a delightful texture due to the presence of peanut pieces, enhancing the sensory experience with each bite.
Q3: How should I store these cookies?
To ensure optimal freshness, store items in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Alternatively, for longer preservation, freeze them, where they can remain good for up to three months.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
You can safely double or even triple the recipe to create larger batches. Just make sure that each batch has sufficient space on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Who Might Want to Skip This Recipe? 🚫
This recipe is wonderfully easy, but there are a few cases where it might not be the best fit:
- Nut Allergies: Due to the high peanut butter content, this recipe isn’t suitable for those with peanut allergies.
- Low-Sugar Dieters: This recipe does contain sugar. You can reduce the amount or use a substitute if needed.
- Egg-Free Diets: Since eggs are essential here, this recipe may not suit those avoiding eggs, although flax eggs could be tried as an alternative.
What Do You Think About This 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies? 😋
Can’t wait to see how these 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies turn out for you! Be sure to share your baking experience in the comments and let us know if you tried any of the variations. Plus, check out our other simple cookie recipes like 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies and Easy Sugar Cookies!
Also check out my other cookie recipes, classic cookies, family cookies, cookies made for kids, and quick and easy cookie recipe categories for further inspiration and ideas!