The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
When it comes to simple desserts that truly deliver, few recipes can compete with 3-Ingredient Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, rich, and deeply satisfying—without flour, refined sugar, or complicated steps. If you love classic peanut butter cookies but want a lighter, low-carb alternative, this recipe is exactly what you need.
These cookies are proof that baking does not have to be complicated to be delicious. With just three everyday ingredients, you can create bakery-style cookies that melt in your mouth and satisfy even the strongest sweet cravings. They’re perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle, cutting back on sugar, or simply looking for an easy homemade treat.
What makes this recipe special is how it balances simplicity with texture. Many sugar-free or flourless cookies turn out dry or crumbly. These, however, stay soft in the center with lightly crisp edges. The natural oils in peanut butter do all the work, creating structure, moisture, and flavor without the need for flour or butter.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn exactly how these cookies work, how to choose the right ingredients, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to customize them to fit keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe you can make anytime a cookie craving hits.
Why 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Are So Popular
Minimalist baking has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. Recipes with fewer ingredients are faster, more affordable, and easier to master. But not all simple recipes taste good—this one does.
These sugar-free peanut butter cookies have become a favorite because they offer:
- Big flavor from just peanut butter
- No flour or butter required
- Naturally gluten-free
- No refined sugar
- One bowl and minimal cleanup
They’re especially popular among busy home bakers, keto followers, and parents who want quick treats without long ingredient lists.
How These Cookies Work Without Flour
Traditional cookies rely on flour for structure. In this recipe, peanut butter replaces flour entirely. Natural peanut butter contains fats and proteins that bind together when baked, creating a sturdy but tender cookie.
The egg provides additional structure and chewiness, while the sugar-free sweetener adds sweetness and helps with browning. When combined, these three ingredients form a dough that bakes into cookies with classic texture—no flour needed.
This is why ingredient quality matters so much in such a simple recipe.
Are These Cookies Keto-Friendly?
Yes—when made with the right sweetener. By using a powdered keto sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit, these cookies stay very low in net carbs and fit easily into a ketogenic lifestyle.
They are also:
- Low carb
- Sugar-free
- Gluten-free
- Grain-free
Because peanut butter contains healthy fats and protein, these cookies are surprisingly filling, making portion control easier.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, no added sugar)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar-free sweetener (erythritol or monk fruit)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, egg, and powdered sweetener.
- Mix until a smooth, thick dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Place dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Press each cookie gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring.
The Key to Soft & Chewy Texture
The secret to soft cookies is not overbaking. These cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
Another important factor is the type of peanut butter used. Natural peanut butter with a smooth consistency works best. If the peanut butter is too dry or separated, the dough can crumble.
Stir your peanut butter thoroughly before measuring to ensure proper fat distribution.
Choosing the Best Peanut Butter
Not all peanut butter is created equal. For the best results, choose:
- Unsweetened peanut butter
- Smooth texture
- No added oils or sugar
- Stirred well before use
Crunchy peanut butter can be used, but it will slightly alter the texture and make the cookies more fragile.
Sweetener Tips for Sugar-Free Baking
Powdered sweetener is essential. Granulated sweetener may not dissolve fully and can result in gritty cookies. If you only have granulated sweetener, blend it into a powder first.
Different sweeteners behave differently:
- Erythritol: Classic keto choice, clean sweetness
- Monk fruit blends: Slightly sweeter, very smooth
- Allulose: Softer cookies, less cooling effect
Choose based on your taste preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with three ingredients, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Overbaking: Leads to dry, crumbly cookies
- Using sweetened peanut butter: Throws off sweetness balance
- Not powdering sweetener: Causes grainy texture
- Skipping parchment paper: Cookies may stick
Paying attention to these details ensures perfect cookies every time.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you master the base recipe, it’s easy to customize:
- Chocolate Chip: Add sugar-free chocolate chips
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Vanilla: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Peanut Butter & Cinnamon: Add a pinch of cinnamon
These additions keep the cookies exciting without complicating the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are versatile and satisfying on their own, but you can elevate them easily:
- Serve with unsweetened almond milk
- Pair with keto ice cream
- Crumble over yogurt or chia pudding
- Make mini cookie sandwiches with keto frosting
Their soft texture makes them perfect for layering or dipping.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
They also freeze well. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why These Cookies Are Great for Meal Prep
Because they’re filling and stable, these cookies work beautifully for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy a quick dessert or snack all week.
They don’t crumble easily, making them ideal for lunchboxes or on-the-go treats.
A Healthier Take on a Classic Cookie
These 3-Ingredient Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies offer everything people love about classic peanut butter cookies—without refined sugar, flour, or unnecessary additives. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly repeatable.
If you’re looking for a reliable, low-effort dessert that never disappoints, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen.
3-Ingredient Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies made with just three ingredients and no added sugar.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix peanut butter, egg, and sweetener until smooth.
- Form dough balls and place on baking sheet.
- Press with fork and bake 10–12 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
Do not overbake for best soft texture.
