The Viral 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie: The Easiest, Flourless Recipe Taking Over The Internet

As of December 13, 2025, the 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie remains one of the most searched-for and viral dessert recipes online, and for good reason: it’s a naturally gluten-free, flourless wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This simple, pantry-staple recipe has exploded in popularity across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, proving that you don't need a dozen ingredients or hours of work to achieve a perfectly chewy, rich, and satisfying cookie. It is the ultimate quick fix for a sudden sweet craving, going from zero to warm, delicious cookie in under 20 minutes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the chemical magic that happens when a few core ingredients—primarily peanut butter, sugar, and egg—are combined. This trifecta creates a dough that bakes up beautifully without the need for traditional flour or a separate leavening agent in many versions, though the most popular modern iteration often includes a small amount of baking soda or vanilla to enhance the texture and flavor. We've compiled the definitive, updated guide to this viral treat, including the exact recipe, crucial expert tips, and five game-changing ingredient swaps to elevate your baking.

The Viral 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe (Flourless & Gluten-Free)

The core concept of the 5-ingredient peanut butter cookie is a variation on the classic "3-ingredient" formula (peanut butter, sugar, egg), with the addition of vanilla and a leavening agent or a flavor booster like chocolate chips to complete the list. This flourless approach makes it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a simple, reliable dessert.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Essential Ingredients List

For the definitive, most-loved version of this quick cookie, you will need:

• 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter: The quality and type of peanut butter are critical. Use a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for the best results, as natural peanut butter separates too much oil and can cause the cookies to spread excessively.
• 1 Cup Granulated Sugar OR Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is often preferred for a chewier, more moist cookie, but white granulated sugar works perfectly for a slightly crispier edge.
• 1 Large Egg: This is the crucial binder that holds the flourless dough together.
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Essential for rounding out the flavor profile and adding depth.
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda OR ½ Cup Chocolate Chips: This is the fifth ingredient. Baking soda provides a slight lift, while chocolate chips make it a "TikTok Viral" chocolate chip peanut butter cookie.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, aggressively whisk the egg and sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is a secret tip for a better texture.
3. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until a thick, uniform dough forms.
4. Incorporate the Fifth Ingredient: Mix in your chosen fifth ingredient (baking soda or chocolate chips).
5. Scoop and Shape: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. The Crisscross: Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each cookie. This traditional step helps flatten the cookie for even baking and is a signature mark of a peanut butter cookie.
7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies will look soft when you take them out, but they will set as they cool.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to fully set and prevents them from crumbling.

Expert Secrets: 5 Ways to Guarantee Perfect Cookies Every Time

While the 5-ingredient recipe is incredibly simple, a few common mistakes can turn a chewy, soft cookie into a flat, greasy mess. Mastering these five tips will ensure your baking success and elevate your status as a home baker.

1. Use Processed, Commercial Peanut Butter

This is the most critical tip. Natural peanut butters, which often separate oil and are runnier, contain too much oil for this specific flourless formula. They will cause your cookies to spread out into thin, greasy puddles. Stick to commercial, stabilized brands like Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan for the best structure and texture.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

2. Don't Skip the Aggressive Whisking

Before adding the peanut butter, take the time to really whisk the sugar and egg together. This process, known as "creaming" in traditional baking, helps to dissolve some of the sugar crystals and incorporates air, leading to a lighter, chewier final product.

3. The Power of the Crisscross

The iconic fork marks on peanut butter cookies aren't just for looks. Because this dough is dense and flourless, the crisscross physically flattens the dough, ensuring it bakes evenly and prevents the center from remaining raw while the edges burn. Always dip your fork in a little sugar between cookies to prevent sticking.

4. Do Not Overbake

The 5-ingredient cookie is delicate. After 10–12 minutes at 350°F, they should still look slightly underdone and soft in the center. Overbaking is a common mistake that results in a dry, crumbly cookie. They will continue to cook and set on the hot baking sheet once removed from the oven. Trust the process!

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

5. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

While not strictly necessary, bringing your egg to room temperature allows it to mix more evenly with the sugar and peanut butter, creating a smoother dough consistency. This is a general rule of thumb that improves the texture of nearly all baked goods.

Flavor Upgrades: 5 Simple Ingredient Swaps for Next-Level Cookies

The foundation of this simple recipe provides a blank canvas for endless customization. By swapping out one or two of the core ingredients, you can dramatically change the flavor and texture, creating a new dessert every time.

1. Swap Peanut Butter for Almond or Cashew Butter

For a different nutty profile, replace the peanut butter with an equal amount of almond butter or cashew butter. Ensure the nut butter you choose is the stabilized, commercial-style (not the runny, natural kind) to maintain the correct dough structure. This immediately creates a "5-ingredient almond butter cookie" that is just as easy.

2. Swap Granulated Sugar for Maple Syrup (The Keto/Paleo Swap)

For a low-carb or refined sugar-free version, replace the sugar with a granular sweetener like Erythritol or Monk Fruit Sweetener. Alternatively, you can attempt a swap with a liquid sweetener like pure maple syrup or honey, though you may need to chill the dough for 30 minutes to compensate for the added moisture.

3. Swap Vanilla Extract for Almond Extract

A small change with a big impact. Replacing vanilla with almond extract adds a sophisticated, marzipan-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the peanut butter. Use a slightly smaller amount (e.g., ½ teaspoon) as almond extract is more potent than vanilla.

4. Swap the Egg for a Flax Egg (The Vegan Swap)

To make this recipe fully vegan, replace the large egg with a "flax egg" (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes until gelled). This swap maintains the binding power of the egg while keeping the recipe dairy and animal-product free.

5. Swap Baking Soda/Chocolate Chips for Mini Pretzels or Toffee Bits

Instead of the standard chocolate chips, get creative with your fifth ingredient. Adding mini pretzel pieces introduces a salty-sweet crunch, while toffee bits or butterscotch chips provide a caramel-like chewiness. You can also mix in a pinch of sea salt to the top of the cookies before baking to further enhance the classic flavor contrast.

The 5-ingredient peanut butter cookie is a testament to the fact that the best desserts are often the simplest. From its roots in American baking tradition, which owes a debt to George Washington Carver's promotion of peanuts, to its current status as a viral internet sensation, this recipe is a timeless classic. By following the core recipe and incorporating these expert tips and flavor swaps, you can effortlessly create a batch of perfect, chewy, and satisfying cookies that will impress everyone, all while keeping your ingredient list—and your effort—to a bare minimum.