4 ingredient pb cookies are the ultimate quick bake, perfectly chewy, rich in peanut butter flavour, and ready in just 15 minutes with one bowl. These easy peanut butter cookies (4 ingredients only!) are naturally gluten-free and pantry-friendly, making them a go-to treat for busy days.
I first made these when I needed a last-minute dessert before a weekend picnic, and they disappeared fast! Retested & Updated: October 2025 for perfect texture, better nutrition notes, and healthy swaps like natural peanut butter and coconut sugar options. You’ll love that these simple cookies bake soft in the centre, crisp at the edges, and freeze beautifully for snack emergencies.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
These 4 ingredient pb cookies are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies made with just peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla, no flour needed. They mix in one bowl and bake in under 15 minutes for a quick, gluten-free treat.
For more egg-free and easy dessert ideas, visit our recipe collection on Medium for additional baking inspiration.
What are 4 Ingredient PB Cookies?
4 ingredient pb cookies are classic flourless peanut butter cookies made with just peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. According to Healthline, peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein, making these cookies a satisfying, naturally gluten-free treat without added flour or butter.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast weeknight-friendly: From bowl to bite in just 15 minutes, no chilling or special tools.
- Crowd-pleaser flavour: Buttery, nutty, and perfectly chewy with that nostalgic peanut butter taste.
- Pantry ingredients: You only need peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla, all basics you likely have.
- Easy substitutions: Works great with natural PB, almond butter, or coconut sugar for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead friendly: Freeze baked or unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Kid-approved & party-ready: Perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or quick dessert platters.
Ingredients (+ Substitutions)
These 4 ingredient pb cookies come together with simple pantry staples you probably already have. Each ingredient plays a key role in texture and flavour, and there are easy swaps for any diet or preference.
| Ingredient | Substitution / Diet Note |
|---|---|
| 1 cup creamy peanut butter | Use natural or no-stir peanut butter; almond butter works for a nutty twist. |
| 1/2 cup granulated white sugar | Swap with coconut sugar or a keto-friendly sweetener for a lower glycemic option. |
| 1 large egg | Replace with 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan-friendly version. |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | Optional, but adds warm flavour, try almond extract for variation. |
Tip: For extra texture, stir in mini chocolate chips, oats, or sea salt flakes before baking — perfect for custom cookie variations.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic tools to make these 4 ingredient pb cookies, no stand mixer or fancy gadgets required. A mixing bowl and sturdy spoon work perfectly for combining ingredients. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. A fork is essential for the classic crisscross pattern, and a cooling rack helps the cookies firm up without overbaking. Optional: a cookie scoop for evenly sized portions and a silicone spatula for scraping every bit of dough.
How to Make 4 Ingredient PB Cookies with Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Tips (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to make perfect four ingredient peanut butter cookies every time, chewy in the centre and crisp at the edges.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Tip: Preheating ensures even baking and prevents spreading.
Step 2: Mix Peanut Butter & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and sugar until smooth.
Note: Don’t overmix; too much air can make cookies crumbly.
Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla until just combined.
Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate ingredients.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Roll dough into walnut-sized balls, place on the baking sheet, and flatten gently with a fork to make the signature crisscross.
Note: Dip the fork in sugar to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Bake & Cool
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies rest 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Common Mistake: Overbaking makes them dry; they firm up as they cool.
Quick Fix: If your dough feels too oily, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling.
Related Recipes: Try our 3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies or Flourless Chocolate Cookies for more easy dessert ideas.
Variations & Serving Ideas
These easy peanut butter cookies (4 ingredients) are endlessly adaptable — perfect for every craving or season.
- Extra-Chewy: Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for moisture.
- Slow Cooker Version: Shape dough into small balls, press lightly, and cook on low for 1 hour.
- Air Fryer Version: Air fry at 330°F for 6–7 minutes for crisp edges.
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top.
- Holiday Cookies: Roll dough in colored sugar for festive flair.
- Nutty Mix: Fold in chopped peanuts or almond bits for crunch.
Serve with: a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies and Oatmeal No-Bake Bites for a cookie platter.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead
These 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies stay soft and delicious for days — perfect for planning ahead.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked dough balls up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3 minutes to refresh texture.
Mini Q&A:
Can you freeze 4 ingredient pb cookies?
Yes! Freeze them up to 3 months in airtight bags or containers.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Microwave for a few seconds or bake briefly to restore chewiness.
FAQs
What are three ingredients for peanut butter cookies?
The classic version uses peanut butter, sugar, and egg but this recipe adds vanilla for extra flavour depth.
What are the four main ingredients in cookies?
For these 4 ingredient pb cookies, you’ll need peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Simple and satisfying.
What are the basic ingredients for peanut butter cookies?
Peanut butter, sugar, and egg form the base. Vanilla enhances the aroma and flavour.
Which cookie is the easiest to make?
Flourless cookies like these are the easiest: mix, scoop, and bake, no chilling or sifting required.
What is the #1 cookie in the world?
Chocolate chip cookies remain the global favourite, but peanut butter cookies are a close second for nut lovers.
What are the 5 basic types of cookies?
Drop, bar, moulded, pressed, and refrigerated cookies; these PB cookies fall under the “drop cookie” type.
Why did my peanut butter cookies turn out crumbly?
You may have overbaked or used too much sugar. Chill the dough briefly and bake just until the edges set for soft centres.
Nutrition (With Disclaimer)
Here’s a closer look at the nutrition breakdown per cookie (approximate, based on 12 cookies per batch):
| Nutrient | Amount (per cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the peanut butter brand, sugar type, and portion size.
For a lighter option, use natural peanut butter and coconut sugar to reduce refined sugar and boost nutrients.
If you avoid eggs, check out [easy peanut butter cookies without eggs].
Recipe Cost
These 4 ingredient pb cookies are budget-friendly and use items you likely already have. A full batch costs roughly $2.50–$3.00 total or about $0.25 per cookie. Prices vary slightly depending on your peanut butter and sugar brands. Using organic or natural peanut butter slightly increases the cost, while store-brand ingredients help keep the price low.
Easy 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe (Printable Card)
4 Ingredient PB Cookies
How to Make 4 Ingredient PB Cookies at Home
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl For combining peanut butter, sugar, and egg
- 1 Baking sheet Line with parchment paper
- 1 Fork Create the crisscross cookie pattern
- 1 Cooling rack Helps cookies firm up evenly
- 1 Measuring cup & spoons For accurate ingredient amounts
- 1 Silicone spatula (optional) Scrape the bowl clean with ease
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix peanut butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Roll into walnut-sized balls and press with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then enjoy!
Notes
Reviews & Reader Tips
⭐ 4.9 from 120+ reviews, readers can’t get enough of these chewy, flourless peanut butter cookies!
Reader Highlights:
- “So easy my kids made them themselves!”
- “Used coconut sugar and they turned out perfectly soft.”
- “Added chocolate chips tasted like Reese’s!”
💬 Your Turn:
Tried these 4 ingredient pb cookies? Leave a comment below with your rating and any personal tweaks! Did you make them gluten-free, sugar-free, or add a fun mix-in? Your feedback helps others bake with confidence.
Conclusion
These 4 ingredient pb cookies prove that simple really is best: soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness, using just pantry staples. They’re the kind of quick dessert that fits every occasion, from after-school snacks to last-minute guests.
If you want the simplest 3-ingredient version, try 3 ingredient sugar cookies.
Save this recipe on Pinterest so you can bake a batch anytime the craving hits. Want more easy dessert inspiration? Try our No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bites for another effortless, crowd-pleasing treat.
Tested Notes: Retested & updated October 2025 for improved texture, healthy swaps, and added storage options.
