4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, Easy & Delicious Recipe

This peanut butter cookies 4 ingredient recipe was first published on January 31st 2025.

There is nothing more satisfying than these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies, mainly because they are delicious but also because if you have gotten to know us a little, you know these will be extremely easy to make and pretty quick too, at that.

Because there is nothing truer than this statement when it comes to describing us in a nutshell: lazy butts. Extremely lazy butts. Even when it comes to cooking, we like our food to be easy and quick, but still delicious. And the less ingredients, the better. We both know it cannot always happen, but with these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies you are bound to understand our philosophy of easy, delicious, and beautiful-looking food.

If there’s one thing we love around here, it’s a fuss-free recipe that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimum effort. Because honestly, who has time for complicated, 27-step cookie recipes that require chilling, folding, and whispering sweet nothings to a ball of dough? Not us. That’s why these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are an absolute game-changer.

These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies beauties require no flour, no butter, and no nonsense. Just four simple ingredients: peanut butter, sugar, an egg or two, and a dash of vanilla extract, coming together in the easiest, most ridiculously delicious way. The result? A soft, chewy, peanut-buttery dream that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.

And because we know you’re probably already halfway to the kitchen (or at least contemplating it), let’s just clear up a few things about these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies:

• Yes, they’re gluten free, naturally gluten free, what more could you wish for?;
• Yes, they work with crunchy or smooth peanut butter, depending on your vibe or what you have in your pantry;
• Yes, you can add chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy, and I dare saying white chocolate chips would be the way to go here;
• No, you don’t need a stand mixer. A spoon, a bowl, and about 15 minutes of your life are all that’s required.

So whether you need a last-minute sweet treat, a quick fix for peanut butter cravings, or just an excuse to bake without overcomplicating things, these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies have your back. Let’s get to it before we start eating peanut butter straight from the jar (again).

Let’s make some delicious and rich peanut butter cookies

Get ready for a cookie recipe so easy, it almost feels like cheating. With just a handful of ingredients, these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with nutty goodness: no fancy techniques, no fuss, just pure deliciousness in flourless peanut butter cookie form. Let’s get baking!

What is peanut butter?

Peanut butter is that glorious, creamy – or crunchy, if you’re fancy – spread made from ground peanuts, usually with a bit of salt, oil, and sometimes sugar added to the mix. It’s rich, nutty, slightly salty, and dangerously addictive: seriously, try stopping at just one spoonful. We are lovers of creamy peanut butter, but you can get some delicious crunchy peanut butter too nowadays, so try them all if you can.

It’s been around for ages, originally popping up as a protein-rich food alternative in the late 1800s, and since then, it has secured its spot as a pantry essential. You’ll find it in everything from PB & jelly sandwiches to smoothies, cookies, and even savory dishes like satay sauce (we did use it in this Brussels Sprouts dish!). It’s naturally packed with protein, healthy fats, and a decent dose of vitamin E, making it a solid snack option (unless you’re the type to eat half the jar in one go, no judgment here though).

While the classic store-bought versions often contain added sugar and oils, natural peanut butter is just roasted peanuts blended into oblivion until they reach spreadable perfection. Want to level up? Make your own at home with just peanuts and a food processor, though fair warning, once you taste fresh homemade peanut butter, there’s no going back. Even though I would still hold on to my favorite snack of all: peanut butter cups.

Are peanuts good for you?

Peanuts are actually little nutritional powerhouses, despite their small size. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and a solid dose of vitamins and minerals that your body loves.

Here’s why peanuts are good for you:

• Protein-packed – A handful of peanuts (about 28g) gives you around 7g of protein, making them a great snack to keep you full and energized;
• Healthy fats – They’re high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, aka the good fats that help keep your heart happy and your cholesterol in check;
• Rich in nutrients – Peanuts are loaded with vitamin E, magnesium, folate, and niacin, all of which support brain function, heart health, and overall well-being;
• Good for your heart – Thanks to their fat profile and antioxidants like resveratrol, peanuts may help reduce the risk of heart disease;
• May help with weight management – Even though they’re calorie-dense, peanuts help keep you full longer due to their combo of protein and fiber, which can reduce mindless snacking.

But… just like with everything as delicious in life, there’s a catch:

• They’re high in calories, so if you’re eating them by the bucket, it might not be the best idea;
• Some peanut kinds of butter are loaded with added sugar and oils, so check the label if you’re aiming for the healthiest option;
• Allergies are a real thing – For some people, peanuts can trigger severe allergic reactions, so they’re not for everyone.

Bottom line: peanuts – and peanut butter – are a great snack in moderation, especially if you opt for the natural kind with minimal additives. Just don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself eating them straight from the jar: happens to the best of us.

What ingredients do I need to make these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies?

Alright, let’s talk about the real MVPs that make these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies ridiculously good, with that peanut butter flavor you just can’t resist. Because when a recipe is this simple, even for a peanut butter cookie recipe, every ingredient has to pull its weight, no passengers here.

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show, the glue that holds everything together, the reason we’re even making these cookies in the first place. Go for the good stuff, don’t skimp, not here. A smooth, creamy peanut butter gives you that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies so irresistible. Natural peanut butter works too, but keep in mind it’s usually a little runnier and can change the texture of these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies slightly, so you might need to tweak the consistency. And if you’re a crunchy peanut butter rebel, go for it, but expect some extra texture, which, honestly, isn’t a bad thing here at all;
• Granulated Sugar: Yes, these cookies need sugar, and no, we’re not apologizing for it. The sugar doesn’t just sweeten things up, it also helps with structure, giving you that slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Regular white granulated sugar does the job perfectly, but if you’re feeling experimental, you could swap in brown sugar for a slightly deeper, caramelized flavor. Just don’t blame us when you end up eating the entire batch in one go;
• Eggs: One large egg, one job: binding everything together. With no flour in sight, the egg steps in like the responsible friend holding the group together after one too many drinks. It keeps the 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies from falling apart, adds a little chewiness, and helps everything bake up perfectly. Room temperature eggs work best – and yes, it makes a difference – but let’s be real: if you forget and have to use a cold egg straight from the fridge, your cookies will survive;
• Vanilla Extract: This is where we fake the fancy. You might think vanilla is optional, but trust us, it rounds out the flavors and makes these cookies taste like you put way more effort in than you actually did. Just a teaspoon of vanilla adds warmth, depth, and a little extra magic that takes these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies from oh, these are good to holy crap, did you make these from scratch? good.

And that’s it. Four simple ingredients, zero flour, zero butter, and maximum peanut buttery goodness. No mixer is needed, and no chilling time is required, just mix, scoop, bake, and devour. Sounds like a solid plan, right? At least for these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies.

Can I replace the peanut butter with any other nut butter?

Yes, you can absolutely swap peanut butter for another nut butter, but there are a few things to keep in mind, mainly because not all nut butters are created equal:

• Almond Butter: A solid alternative that keeps things rich and nutty, but the texture can be a bit thinner than peanut butter, especially if you’re using a natural version. You might need to adjust the sugar slightly since almond butter tends to be a little less sweet. Expect a slightly milder, more delicate flavor, great if you love almonds, but don’t expect the same boldness as peanut butter;
• Cashew Butter: This one’s a little smoother and naturally sweeter, which makes it a delicious swap if you want a more buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. The texture will be a little softer, though, so the cookies might spread a bit more. If you’re okay with a slightly different consistency, cashew butter is a fantastic option;
• Sunflower Seed Butter: If you’re dealing with peanut or tree nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is your go-to. It has a similar consistency to peanut butter but heads up, it can sometimes react with baking soda and turn your bakes green, not in this case but it’s worth knowing. No, it’s not mold, just science doing its thing. If the Hulk cookies don’t bother you, go for it;
• Hazelnut Butter: Want to channel Nutella vibes without the chocolate? Hazelnut butter is a richer, toastier alternative that makes for an interesting flavor twist. It’s usually oilier than peanut butter, so you may need to adjust the texture with an extra tablespoon of sugar or a little flour if it gets too runny;
• Tahini (Sesame Butter): If you’re feeling adventurous, tahini adds a deep, slightly bitter nuttiness that works surprisingly well in cookies. Just be aware that tahini isn’t naturally sweet, so you might want to bump up the sugar slightly to balance the flavor. If you love sesame desserts, this could be a game-changer.

The bottom line, if you were to change the butter in these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies, is:

• Stick to thicker, well-stirred nut butters for the best texture;
• Natural nut butters work, but expect softer cookies that spread more;
• Flavors will change slightly, so pick a swap that matches your taste.

If you’re looking for a peanut-free but just-as-delicious cookie, cashew butter or almond butter will give you the best texture and flavor balance. But honestly? Any creamy nut butter will work—just expect a few small tweaks in taste and consistency.

How do I make these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies?

Making these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them on a weekly basis (or maybe you will after this). No fancy mixers, no chilling, and definitely no flour: just mix, scoop, bake, and devour. Let’s see together how to do it.

Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a prepared baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and eggs and stir everything until the eggs are fully combined with the peanut butter. Now add the sugar and vanilla, and knead by hand just enough to combine everything. The cookie dough will feel a little sticky, and that’s perfect.

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each cookie dough ball between your hands. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Use a fork to gently press down and create that classic criss cross pattern on your 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies.

Pop them in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centres still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.

Let the 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Or, you know, eat one straight from the tray and burn your mouth, we won’t judge.

Can I freeze the four ingredient peanut butter cookies?

You can indeed! We love a recipe that doubles easily and you can keep it in the freezer for later when you need just that sweet comfort food at the ready! Just bake from frozen and allow a few minutes longer for them to be ready!

Do you have more easy cookie recipes?

Let’s say that we have a slight obsession for cookies, so yes we got plenty of easy recipes to share! Some of our favourites:

• chocolate chip cookies: a classic and one you can’t never have enough of!
• coffee bean cookies: these have been such an obsession and for coffee lovers like us, they couldn’t be any better!
• vegan biscoff cookies: tell me you don’t eat biscoff by the spoon, just me? I have to admit I had a period where everything was biscoff made, cheesecake, blondies, oats, cakes, cookies, ice cream, you call it I tried!
• 3 ingredient nutella cookies: the ones I love to call easy, quick and with zero effort, except for eating them!
• vegan hot chocolate cookies: perfect for the colder weather, with marshmallow on top, best to dunk in hot chocolate or stuff your face with!

Shop the 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies recipe

And just like that, you’ve got a batch of soft, chewy, 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies with zero fuss and maximum flavor. No flour, no complicated steps: just four simple ingredients doing their thing and proving that sometimes, less really is more.

Whether you’re making these 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies for a last-minute sweet fix, a quick snack, or just an excuse to eat peanut butter in a slightly more socially acceptable way, these cookies always deliver. Plus, they stay fresh for a few days (if they even last that long), so you can bake a batch and pretend you have self-control.

Pin the 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies recipe for later!