Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
These Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Made with only peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk, they come together in minutes and are perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
- Total Time: 17 Minutes
- Yield: 12 Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk.
- Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Scoop small portions of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly using a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.
Notes
Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture.
Do not overbake; cookies continue to set while cooling.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For extra flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 12 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are one of the easiest homemade treats you can make. With just peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk, these cookies come together in minutes and deliver a rich peanut butter flavor with a soft, chewy texture. Whether you’re a beginner baker or simply looking for a quick dessert, this recipe offers an easy solution without sacrificing taste.
If you enjoy simple homemade desserts, you may also like this guide to 3 Ingredient Banana Bread or learn more about Banana Bread Preparation.
For additional baking information, trusted resources such as USDA FoodData Central and King Arthur Baking provide useful ingredient references and baking guidance.
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What Are Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?
Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a simplified version of traditional peanut butter cookies. Most classic recipes require flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and leavening agents. This version skips all of those ingredients while still producing a satisfying cookie.
The recipe uses:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
These two ingredients work together to create a cookie dough that bakes into soft, flavorful treats with very little effort.
Because the ingredient list is short, the peanut butter flavor becomes the star of the recipe.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
There are many reasons bakers love Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies.
Quick Preparation
The dough takes only a few minutes to mix.
Minimal Ingredients
Most households already have peanut butter on hand.
Beginner Friendly
No advanced baking skills are required.
Budget Friendly
Only two ingredients are needed.
Great Flavor
Peanut butter lovers appreciate the rich and creamy taste.
Easy Cleanup
Fewer ingredients mean fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients Overview
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps achieve the best results.
Creamy Peanut Butter
Peanut butter provides:
- Flavor
- Structure
- Protein
- Fat
Smooth peanut butter produces the softest texture.
Natural peanut butter can work but should be thoroughly mixed before use.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk contributes:
- Sweetness
- Moisture
- Binding properties
Do not substitute evaporated milk because it contains significantly less sugar and a different consistency.
Equipment Needed
You do not need special equipment for this recipe.
Basic tools include:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
- Cooling rack
These simple tools make the recipe accessible for almost anyone.
How to Make Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to:
350°F (175°C)
Allow the oven to fully preheat before baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Benefits include:
- Easier cleanup
- Reduced sticking
- More even baking
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Combine:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
The dough should be thick and creamy.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough.
Place each portion on the prepared baking sheet.
Leave enough space between cookies.
Step 5: Create the Crisscross Pattern
Using a fork, gently flatten each dough ball.
Press in one direction.
Rotate the fork and press again.
This creates the traditional peanut butter cookie pattern.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for:
10 to 12 minutes
The edges should appear lightly golden.
The centers may still look soft.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to remain on the baking sheet for five minutes.
Transfer them to a cooling rack.
Let them cool completely before serving.
Expert Baking Tips
A few simple techniques can improve results.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ingredients blend more smoothly when they are not cold.
Measure Carefully
Accurate measurements help create consistent texture.
Avoid Overbaking
Overbaked cookies become dry.
Remove them when the edges are lightly golden.
Allow Proper Cooling
Fresh cookies are delicate.
Cooling helps them set properly.
Delicious Variations
This recipe can easily be customized.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Add:
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Sea Salt Peanut Butter Cookies
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Cinnamon Peanut Butter Cookies
Add:
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Chocolate Drizzled Cookies
Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Version
Replace creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage helps maintain freshness.
Room Temperature Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container.
Freshness:
- Up to 5 days
Place parchment paper between layers.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in a sealed container.
Freshness:
- Up to 2 weeks
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing Guide
These cookies freeze very well.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Cool completely.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper.
Storage time:
- Up to 3 months
Freezing Cookie Dough
You can freeze the dough before baking.
When ready:
- Thaw slightly
- Shape cookies
- Bake as directed
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values vary depending on cookie size.
Approximate values per cookie:
- Calories: 90–120
- Protein: 3–4 grams
- Fat: 6–8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6–10 grams
- Sugar: 4–7 grams
For exact nutritional analysis, consult ingredient packaging information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Milk
Regular milk and evaporated milk are not suitable replacements.
Overmixing the Dough
Mix only until ingredients are combined.
Overbaking
This is the most common mistake.
Cookies continue cooking after removal from the oven.
Skipping Parchment Paper
Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with many beverages and desserts.
Drinks
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
- Hot chocolate
Dessert Boards
Serve alongside:
- Brownies
- Banana bread
- Mini cupcakes
You may also enjoy reading about ways to improve banana flavor in baked goods with this guide: https://recipesmind.com/banana-flavor-boost/
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Place vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
Freeze briefly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and works well in this recipe.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely. Both baked cookies and cookie dough freeze successfully for up to three months.
Are These Cookies Gluten-Free?
The primary ingredients do not contain gluten. Always check labels if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Why Are My Cookies Falling Apart?
They may need additional cooling time before handling.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips?
Yes. Chocolate chips are one of the most popular additions.
How Long Do Peanut Butter Cookies Last?
- 5 days at room temperature
- 2 weeks in the refrigerator
- 3 months in the freezer
Can Children Help Make This Recipe?
Yes. This simple recipe is ideal for supervised baking with children.
Final Thoughts
Two-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies prove that simple recipes can produce delicious results. With only peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk, these cookies offer rich flavor, a soft texture, and quick preparation.
Whether you need a last-minute dessert, a beginner-friendly baking project, or a simple homemade snack, this recipe delivers reliable results every time. Keep these two pantry staples on hand and you can prepare fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.