4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: Easy and Delicious

Introduction

Craving a warm, gooey cookie but short on time? These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are the answer! Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, this simple recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or a fun baking project with the kids. You only need four pantry staples: peanut butter, sugar, an egg, and a dash of vanilla extract.

This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through each step, ensuring perfect 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies every single time. If you’re looking for other easy baking projects, try these easy mini muffins. Get ready for a delicious treat that’s surprisingly simple to make!

Why this 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe is Special

What sets these peanut butter cookies apart is their incredible simplicity. With just four ingredients, they’re budget-friendly and perfect for beginner bakers. You’ll be amazed by how much flavor comes from so few ingredients. These cookies are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Peanut Butter: Use creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference.
• 1 cup Sugar: Granulated sugar works best, but you can experiment with light or dark brown sugar for a slightly chewier cookie and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1 large Egg: Room temperature is ideal for easier mixing.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds the best flavor.

Ingredient Notes

For the best results, use good quality peanut butter. Natural peanut butter might require a bit more sugar. Using brown sugar instead of granulated will result in a chewier cookie. If you only have a small egg, the cookies might be a little drier. For a different kind of sweet treat, consider making strawberry cheesecake cookies.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one medium-sized bowl for combining the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies!
• Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet will do.
• Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Fork: Essential for creating the classic criss-cross pattern on top of the cookies.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In your mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it forms a smooth dough. You can use a spoon, a hand mixer, or even your hands (make sure they’re clean!) for this step.

Step 3: Shaping the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Using a fork, gently flatten each ball into a criss-cross pattern. This is a classic peanut butter cookie look! For another fun treat, check out this 4-ingredient banana bread recipe.

Step 4: Baking

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overbaked quickly.

Step 5: Cooling

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Perfect 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. For crispier cookies, bake them for a couple of extra minutes. If your dough seems too dry, add a tiny splash of milk or oil. If it’s too sticky, add a little more sugar. Don’t overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. For information on peanut butter and health, visit Healthline’s article on peanut butter.

Flavor Variations

Get creative and customize your cookies! Add a handful of chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts to the dough before baking. A swirl of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt on top can also add a delicious touch. Mini M&Ms are a fun addition, especially for kids.

Dietary Adaptations

These cookies are naturally gluten-free, which is great news for those with gluten sensitivities! For a vegan version, try substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a mashed banana. You can also experiment with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, but this might change the texture of the cookies. Learn more about vegan baking substitutes.

FAQ

What are the basic ingredients for peanut butter cookies?

Traditional peanut butter cookies often include flour, baking soda, and butter. This 4-ingredient version simplifies things by using just peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. It’s much quicker and easier!

What are the 4 basic dry ingredients in cookies?

Many cookie recipes rely on four basic dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Our 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies are unique because they skip the flour, baking powder, and salt entirely. This makes them super simple to make.

What are the ingredients for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?

You can make a very basic peanut butter cookie with just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. However, adding a little vanilla extract really elevates the flavor, so we highly recommend including it as the fourth ingredient.

How to make oatmeal cookies with 4 ingredients?

While this recipe focuses on peanut butter cookies, you can also find 4-ingredient oatmeal cookie recipes online. These usually involve oats, banana, peanut butter, and sometimes optional add-ins like chocolate chips. They’re another great option for a simple and delicious treat.

Serving and Storing

Serving Suggestions

These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are delicious on their own or paired with a cold glass of milk. They’re also great with a cup of coffee or even crumbled over a bowl of ice cream. Pack them in lunchboxes, serve them at parties, or enjoy them as a quick and satisfying snack anytime.

Storage Advice

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A simple, delicious, and foolproof recipe for 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your baking adventures with us. These cookies are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the sweet rewards, especially when shared with family and friends!

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