How to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies — Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Discover the magic of 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies! This incredibly simple recipe is perfect for a quick, delicious, and screen-free family activity.
Quick answer
To make 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies, you need peanut butter, sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract, ready in about 20 minutes. Start by mixing the ingredients. This beginner-friendly activity has 8 steps and is perfect for families with kids.
On this page
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
- 3
Stir the peanut butter and sugar together until well combined and crumbly.
- 4
Add the 1 large egg to the bowl.
- 5
Pour in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- 6
Mix all the ingredients together until a cohesive dough forms. It might seem a little sticky, but that's okay!
- 7
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- 8
Gently press down on each cookie ball with a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern. This also helps them bake evenly.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- 1If your dough seems too dry, add a tiny splash (about 1/2 teaspoon) of water. If it's too wet, add a tablespoon of sugar.
- 2For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the dough, especially if you're using unsalted peanut butter.
- 3Experiment with different types of peanut butter, like crunchy or natural, but be aware they might affect the texture slightly.
- 4Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Related Activities You Might Enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 ingredients for peanut butter cookies?
The four essential ingredients for these simple peanut butter cookies are peanut butter, granulated sugar, a large egg, and vanilla extract. This minimal ingredient list makes them incredibly easy to whip up!
Can I make peanut butter cookies without eggs?
While this specific recipe calls for an egg, you can often substitute it with a 'flax egg' (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a mashed ripe banana for a vegan option. The texture might vary slightly.
How do I get the criss-cross pattern on peanut butter cookies?
The classic criss-cross pattern is made by gently pressing down on each cookie dough ball with the tines of a fork. You can press once in one direction and then once in the perpendicular direction to create the signature look.
Why are my peanut butter cookies spreading too much?
If your peanut butter cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to the peanut butter being too oily, the oven temperature being too low, or the dough being too warm. Ensure your oven is accurately preheated and consider chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking.
Free: 10 Paper Crafts Anyone Can Make in 5 Minutes
Get our beginner guide + new craft ideas weekly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Did you complete this activity?
Related
You might also like
Speedy 3-Ingredient Cookies
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Drops
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Drops
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Puffs
