3 Ingredient Round Cookies – Easy, Quick, and Delicious Treat
When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, nothing beats the simplicity of 3 ingredient round cookies. These cookies are the perfect blend of ease, taste, and satisfaction. Whether you’re a beginner baker, a busy parent, or simply someone who loves quick recipes, this cookie recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Not only do they require just three ingredients, but they also bake up beautifully into soft, chewy, or crispy cookies depending on how you prefer them. Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment or advanced skills—just a bowl, spoon, and oven.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about making 3 ingredient round cookies, from the base recipe to variations, storage tips, and even serving ideas.
Why You’ll Love 3 Ingredient Round Cookies
- Quick and easy – From mixing to baking, you can have fresh cookies ready in under 20 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients – Only three pantry staples are needed.
- Beginner-friendly – Perfect for kids or those new to baking.
- Versatile – You can customize them with endless flavors and add-ins.
- Budget-friendly – No need to spend a fortune on store-bought treats.
Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Round Cookies
The beauty of these cookies is in their simplicity. The three main ingredients are common items you likely already have:
- Peanut Butter (or any nut butter) – Provides richness, flavor, and structure.
- Sugar (granulated or brown sugar) – Sweetens the cookies and helps them caramelize.
- Eggs – Binds everything together while giving the cookies texture.
That’s it! With just these three ingredients, you can create soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth.
Step-by-Step Recipe for 3 Ingredient Round Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough – In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until fully combined. The dough should be thick but scoopable.
- Shape the cookies – Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your palm or the back of a fork to create round cookies.
- Bake – Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set. The cookies will look soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and enjoy – Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
That’s all it takes! In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a tray of golden, chewy, and delicious 3 ingredient round cookies ready to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect 3 Ingredient Round Cookies
- Use room temperature egg for best mixing results.
- Do not overbake – These cookies continue cooking as they cool.
- Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it feels too sticky to roll.
- Add a fork criss-cross pattern if you want a classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Make them uniform in size so they bake evenly.
Variations of 3 Ingredient Round Cookies
While the classic version is peanut butter, sugar, and egg, you can easily switch things up:
- Nut-Free Option – Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
- Chocolate Twist – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for chocolate-flavored cookies.
- Sugar Swap – Try coconut sugar, monk fruit, or honey for healthier variations.
- Flourless Chocolate Chip – Mix in mini chocolate chips before baking.
- Spiced Cookies – Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract.
- Almond Joy Style – Use almond butter and sprinkle with shredded coconut.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are so versatile that you can enjoy them in many ways:
- With coffee or tea – A perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- As an ice cream sandwich – Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
- With milk – The ultimate classic cookie-and-milk combo.
- For dessert platters – Pair them with brownies, fruit, or chocolate truffles.
Storage Tips
One of the best things about 3 ingredient round cookies is that they store well.
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator – Keep them chilled for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer – Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze the dough balls and bake when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella for a different flavor.
2. Do I need to add flour?
No. These are flourless cookies, and the egg provides enough structure.
3. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure to stir it well so the oil is fully incorporated. Otherwise, the cookies may spread too much.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales perfectly. Just keep the same ratios.
5. Are these gluten-free?
Yes! Since they don’t use flour, they are naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie, based on 12 cookies)
- Calories: 145
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
(Nutrition will vary based on peanut butter and sugar choices.)
Why This Recipe Works
The success of 3 ingredient round cookies comes from the natural chemistry of the ingredients:
- Peanut butter acts like fat and flour, creating a tender, chewy base.
- Sugar sweetens and caramelizes, giving the cookies structure.
- Egg binds everything together and adds moisture.
This balance ensures your cookies hold their shape, bake evenly, and taste incredible with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, foolproof, and delicious dessert, these 3 ingredient round cookies are exactly what you need. They’re simple enough for beginners, customizable for experienced bakers, and irresistible for anyone who loves homemade treats.
The next time a cookie craving strikes, skip the complicated recipes and try this three-ingredient wonder. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you’ll create a batch of cookies that everyone will love.
So preheat your oven, grab those three ingredients, and treat yourself to the easiest cookies you’ll ever bake!
