3-Ingredient Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies (Soft & Chewy)
There’s something magical about a cookie recipe that doesn’t require a mixer, a long ingredient list, or a special occasion. These 3-Ingredient Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies are one of those recipes — simple, comforting, and endlessly reliable. Soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and rich with peanut butter flavor, they prove that great cookies don’t need flour, refined sugar, or complicated steps.
Whether you’re baking for a healthier lifestyle, cutting back on sugar, or just craving a quick homemade treat, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe you memorize after making once, the kind you throw together on a quiet afternoon or when a sudden cookie craving hits.
Why These Cookies Are So Popular
Peanut butter cookies have been around for generations, but this version strips things back to the essentials. No flour means they’re naturally gluten-free. No sugar means they’re friendly for anyone avoiding refined sweeteners. And with just three ingredients, they’re accessible even on your busiest days.
What really makes these cookies special is their texture. They’re soft and chewy in the center, with just enough structure to hold together beautifully. The peanut butter flavor is front and center — rich, nutty, and deeply satisfying.
The Beauty of Baking with Fewer Ingredients
When a recipe has only three ingredients, every single one matters. There’s no room for fillers or distractions, which means quality and balance are everything. In this case, peanut butter provides richness and structure, the egg binds everything together, and the sugar-free sweetener adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the natural nuttiness.
This simplicity also makes the recipe incredibly forgiving. It’s perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone who wants a homemade treat without a sink full of dishes afterward.
Ingredients
- Natural peanut butter (unsweetened, no added sugar)
- Sugar-free granulated sweetener
- Egg
That’s it. Three pantry staples, one bowl, and you’re on your way to soft, chewy cookies.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, add the peanut butter, sugar-free sweetener, and egg.
- Mix until fully combined and smooth, forming a thick cookie dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll gently into balls.
- Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use a fork to gently press each cookie, creating a classic crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
3-Ingredient Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies (Soft & Chewy)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix peanut butter, sugar-free sweetener, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
- Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheet.
- Press with fork to create crisscross pattern.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
What Makes These Cookies Soft & Chewy
The key to that soft, chewy texture is not overbaking. These cookies may look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven — that’s exactly what you want. As they cool, they firm up just enough while staying tender inside.
Using natural peanut butter also plays a big role. Its natural oils keep the cookies moist, while the egg provides structure without drying them out.
Tips for Perfect Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use natural peanut butter: Look for one with just peanuts (and maybe salt). Stir well before using.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cookies.
- Watch the bake time: Even one extra minute can make them crumbly instead of chewy.
- Let them rest: Cooling helps the cookies set properly without drying out.
Sweetener Options Explained
Not all sugar-free sweeteners behave the same way in baking. Granulated monk fruit or erythritol blends work best here because they mimic the structure of sugar. If your sweetener is very fine or powdered, the cookies may spread more.
Choose a sweetener you already enjoy the taste of, since its flavor will come through clearly in such a simple recipe.
Easy Variations (Still Simple!)
Even though the base recipe uses just three ingredients, you can customize it easily:
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Adds texture and extra peanut flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in a small amount of sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Vanilla Twist: Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth.
- Salted Finish: Sprinkle flaky salt on top before baking for contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:
- A glass of cold milk or dairy-free alternative
- Coffee or espresso for an afternoon treat
- Crumbled over yogurt for a dessert-style snack
- Sandwiched with sugar-free chocolate spread for a fun twist
They’re versatile enough for breakfast-adjacent snacking or a simple dessert after dinner.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also freeze the baked cookies or the raw dough balls. Frozen dough can be baked straight from the freezer — just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
A Little Peanut Butter History
Peanut butter has been a pantry favorite for over a century, prized for its protein content, affordability, and rich flavor. It became especially popular in baking during times when ingredients were limited — making recipes like this one a modern echo of classic, resourceful home cooking.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The balance of fat, protein, and binding power makes this recipe almost foolproof. Peanut butter provides structure and moisture, the egg binds everything together, and the sweetener balances the richness. No flour means no overworking gluten, which helps keep the cookies tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s fast, simple, and genuinely satisfying, these 3-Ingredient Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies (Soft & Chewy) check every box. They’re proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something comforting and delicious.
Once you try them, you’ll always want to keep peanut butter, an egg, and sweetener on hand — just in case.
