Name: 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups white sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups peanut butter, such as Jiff or Skippy; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that comes together in a flash with barely any fuss, these 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies might just become your new go-to. They have the perfect texture—crisp on the outside and delightfully chewy in the center—and they don’t skimp on pure peanut butter flavor. With no need for flour or fancy tools, you’ll have a batch ready to share (or secretly snack on) before you know it. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself bookmarking for those “I-need-cookies-now” days.

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about these cookies is their simplicity—just five staple pantry ingredients, each pulling its weight. You’ll be amazed by how much rich peanut butter flavor and spot-on cookie texture you can achieve with such a short shopping list!

Peanut butter: Go for a creamy, mainstream brand like Jif or Skippy for consistency and maximum peanut butter punch.
White sugar: This sweetens the deal and helps the edges caramelize into that irresistible, crisp shell.
Large eggs: They bind everything together and add a subtle, lovely richness to each bite.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash lifts the peanut butter flavor and offers a background note of warmth.
Salt: This is the magic touch that intensifies all the other flavors—don’t skip it!

How to Make 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This extra step guarantees your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—no scraping needed!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in all five ingredients: peanut butter, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a sturdy spoon to stir everything together until a thick, cohesive dough forms. Resist the urge to overmix; stop as soon as there’s no visible streak of sugar or eggs.

Step 3: Shape and Pattern the Cookies

Scoop out chunks of dough—about 1 ½ tablespoons each—and roll them between your palms into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, giving each cookie a little personal space (about 2 inches apart). With a fork, gently press each ball down, then rotate the fork 90 degrees and press again to make that signature criss-cross pattern. It’s a small step, but those grooves crisp up beautifully and tell everyone exactly what kind of cookie they’re about to enjoy!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 minutes. The cookies should look lightly golden at the edges but still slightly soft in the middle—they’ll firm up as they cool. If you bake them too long, you’ll lose that chewy magic!

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. This gives them time to set, so they’re easier to move. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, if you sneak one warm, you won’t regret it!

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies truly shine on their own, you can absolutely dress them up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a quick drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. If you want a playful crunch, try a sprinkle of chopped, toasted peanuts over the top right after baking.

Side Dishes

Pair your 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk (classic, for a reason!), or serve them alongside fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness. For a more grown-up pairing, try them with a robust cup of coffee or a cozy mug of hot cocoa—it’s pure comfort food bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

For bake sales or special occasions, stack a few cookies in clear cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for an adorable homemade gift. You could also use them as the base for ice cream sandwiches—just spread ice cream between two cookies and freeze. Or, crumble them on top of a sundae for the ultimate peanut butter crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your cookies cool completely before storing. Pop them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to a week. I find that keeping a small piece of bread in the container helps maintain softness by absorbing extra moisture.

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their winning flavor and texture for up to three months—great for surprise cravings!

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, microwave one for about 10 seconds straight from the counter (or 20-30 seconds from frozen) to revive that just-baked freshness. The edges will crisp while the center gets a little gooey—so comforting, so good.

FAQs

Can I use natural or chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Creamy mainstream brands, like Jif or Skippy, offer the best structure, but if you want extra texture, go for chunky. Natural peanut butters may make the dough a touch oily or crumbly, so stir well and be prepared for a softer cookie.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar for a less sweet cookie?

You can reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup if you prefer a mild sweetness, but keep in mind the texture might be a bit less crisp. The cookies will still hold together and taste delicious—it’s all about your personal preference!

Can I make 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Since the recipe doesn’t call for flour at all, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your chosen peanut butter and vanilla are safe. Perfect for sharing with gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts?

Yes! Feel free to stir in a handful of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped walnuts right before shaping the dough balls. Just don’t overload them—about 1/2 cup of mix-ins is plenty for the batch.

How do I make these cookies softer or chewier?

If you love a really chewy cookie, underbake them by just a minute (11 minutes instead of 12), and take care not to let the edges brown too much. Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a bit longer also helps lock in moisture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely magical about how quick and satisfyingly delicious these 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are. Whether you’re an experienced baker or brand new to the kitchen, this recipe is a guaranteed win. I hope you give them a try and share the joy—they’re bound to be a hit with everyone lucky enough to grab one!