Stuck at home and craving something sweet? These Quarantine Peanut Butter Cookies are here to save the day! Made with just three pantry-friendly ingredients, they’re the perfect no-fuss treat for when you’re low on supplies but high on peanut butter cravings. Soft, chewy, and full of rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies come together in minutes with no mixer required. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, so everyone in the family can enjoy them! Let’s bake something comforting and delicious.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or chunky, if you like texture!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or light brown sugar for a softer texture)
- 1 large egg
Pro Tips
- Use Natural Peanut Butter Carefully: Natural peanut butter works, but it can make the cookies a bit crumbly. Stir it well before using to avoid excess oil separation.
- Don’t Skip the Fork Marks: The crisscross fork pattern isn’t just cute—it helps the cookies bake evenly by flattening them slightly.
- Chill for Stability: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to shape.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: If your peanut butter is unsalted, adding a small pinch of salt enhances the flavor.
- Customize It: Mix in chocolate chips, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for extra indulgence!
Substitutions and Variations
- Sugar Alternatives: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-carb option.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of peanut butter.
- Add a Twist: Toss in chopped peanuts, crushed pretzels, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Double the Batch: This recipe is easily scalable—just double or triple the ingredients to make more cookies.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply scoop, shape, and bake when ready.
- Baked cookies freeze beautifully! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 large egg. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is smooth and forms a dough.
3. Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball gently with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
4. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly crackled. Be careful not to overbake—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a glass of cold milk or enjoy them on their own!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.
Conclusion
These Quarantine Peanut Butter Cookies are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or elaborate techniques to make something delicious. They’re sweet, comforting, and just what you need to brighten your day or share with loved ones (even virtually!). Whip up a batch today, and let me know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy baking! 🥜✨
