3 (Okay, Maybe 4) Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
The easiest peanut butter cookies ever — just 3 ingredients (or 4 if you’re feeling fancy), totally gluten- and dairy-free, and secretly good for everyone.
You know those recipes that claim to have only three ingredients… and then quietly slip in “a pinch of this” or “a splash of that”? Yep, this is one of those. These cookies start with just peanut butter, almond flour, and maple syrup — simple, cozy, and wholesome. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably sneak in a touch of vanilla, a sprinkle of salt, and maybe even a handful of chocolate chips.
They’re soft, chewy, and come together in minutes — no mixer, no chill time, no stress. Just a little measuring, a quick hand mix, and the kind of peanut-buttery aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Are those ready yet?”
They’re also perfect for kids — soft, sweet, and full of good stuff you can actually feel good about. Plus, if your little ones aren’t into peanut butter (or can’t have it), almond butter works beautifully too!
Ingredients
1 ¼ cup superfine, blanched almond flour
⅔ cup natural, creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, but recommended!)
A handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional)
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, almond flour, and maple syrup until smooth. Add vanilla and chocolate chips if you’re using them.
* Mixing trick: I’ve tried using a whisk, but find that using my hands to mix the dough is the easiest and most effective!) *
3. Scoop and shape: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten gently with a fork for that classic criss-cross cookie look.
4. Bake: 10–12 minutes, until the edges look set and the tops are lightly golden.
5. Cool (if you can wait!): Remove them from the baking sheet to avoid overcooking. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Enjoy with a cup of tea, your favourite coffee, or a glass of milk :)
Ingredient Notes & Tips
Almond Flour: For the best texture, use superfine, blanched almond flour. You can also use unblanched, but cookies may be slightly more textured. Other flours haven’t been tested.
Peanut Butter: Choose an all-natural, creamy peanut butter made from 100% peanuts. Avoid thick or crunchy varieties — they’ll make cookies dense and dry. Let refrigerated peanut butter sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing. Almond butter works as a swap if needed.
Maple Syrup: Use 100% pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. Honey works as a substitute and gives a slightly chewier texture, but keep in mind honey isn’t vegan — use maple or another plant-based sweetener for vegan cookies.
Ground Flax: Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to the dough for a subtle nutty flavour and a boost of fiber and omega-3s. It’s a sneaky, healthy way to give your kids (or yourself) a little extra nutrition without changing the texture too much.
Nuts: Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add crunch and depth to these cookies. Mix in a handful when stirring in chocolate chips for a heartier version.
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan Notes
These cookies are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free thanks to almond flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Swap maple syrup for honey if desired (not vegan), or stick with maple or agave for a fully vegan-friendly version.
Storage & Freshness
At room temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy if sealed well (a piece of parchment between layers helps).In the fridge:
Keeps well for up to 1 week — the texture will firm slightly, but they stay delicious. Let them come to room temp before eating for the best bite.In the freezer:
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a sealed bag or airtight container. Thaw at room temp.
A Little Extra Love
Whether you stick to the classic 3 ingredients or sneak in a fourth, these cookies are impossible to mess up — and even harder to resist. Perfect for an afternoon snack, a cozy movie night, or a quick treat for the kids. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with peanut-buttery goodness. Go ahead, grab a spoon, mix a batch, and see for yourself… are they 3-ingredient cookies, or 4? Either way, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
