Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Simple and chewy peanut butter cookies made with just five pantry staples, perfect for a quick homemade treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 22 minutes layers creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, large egg into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir until the dough is smooth and well mixed.
- Step 3: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Press each dough ball gently with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
