Save I was twenty minutes before a potluck when I realized I had zero dessert to bring. I frantically searched my pantry and found nothing but peanut butter, sugar, and eggs. Those cookies saved my reputation that night and people actually asked for the recipe.
My sister once claimed she hated baking until I made these with her. We stood in the kitchen with flour everywhere from a previous failed recipe then made these impossible cookies in ten minutes flat. She still makes them every Sunday.
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter: The natural oil content does all the heavy lifting here so avoid the overly processed stuff that sits solid on the shelf
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar works too and gives a deeper molasses flavor but white keeps it classic and crisp edged
- One large egg: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the peanut butter without leaving streaks
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper because these guys stick otherwise.
- Mix it all together:
- Combine peanut butter sugar and egg in a bowl until smooth and no streaks remain.
- Shape the cookies:
- Roll tablespoon portions into balls and space them two inches apart on the sheet.
- Make the classic pattern:
- Press a fork into each ball twice in opposite directions to create that crisscross look.
- Bake until just set:
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are firm but tops still look slightly underbaked.
- Let them rest:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then move to a wire rack to finish firming up.
Save My roommate once ate the entire batch before they even cooled down completely. I came back to an empty kitchen and a very guilty confession written in crayon on a sticky note.
Making Them Your Own
I have found that vanilla extract makes these taste like a bakery cookie but the recipe honestly works without it. Sea salt on top transforms them completely.
Storage Tips
These stay soft for three days in an airtight container. After that they tend to dry out slightly but still taste incredible.
Common Questions
People always ask if natural peanut butter works and the answer is yes but you may need to add an extra minute of mixing time.
- Use any nut butter you like but the bake time might change
- Press chocolate chips into the tops immediately after baking
- Double the recipe easily without adjusting anything else
Save Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stick around longest.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes these cookies flourless?
These cookies use creamy peanut butter as the main binder, eliminating the need for flour while maintaining structure.
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Crunchy peanut butter can be used but may affect the texture by adding bits of peanuts in the final result.
- → How do I get the classic crisscross pattern on top?
After shaping dough balls, gently press down with a fork in one direction, then press again crosswise before baking.
- → Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, these treats contain no flour, making them naturally gluten-free.
- → What variation can deepen the flavor?
Adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt enhances the flavor complexity of these cookies.
- → How to store these cookies for freshness?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for best texture.