3 Ingredient Cookies
If you’re looking for the easiest cookie recipe you’ll ever make, these 3 Ingredient Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in minutes, these soft and chewy cookies are perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute desserts, after-school snacks, or whenever a cookie craving strikes.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need flour, butter, or complicated ingredients. Just three simple ingredients come together to create delicious homemade cookies with a soft center and lightly crisp edges. They are naturally gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free oats and are incredibly easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Whether you’re baking with kids, need a quick dessert, or simply want something sweet without a trip to the grocery store, this easy 3 ingredient cookies recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only three pantry ingredients
- No mixer required
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Soft, chewy texture
- Naturally flourless
- Easy to customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit
- Perfect beginner baking recipe
What Are 3 Ingredient Cookies?
These cookies are often called peanut butter banana oat cookies because they’re traditionally made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, and old-fashioned oats. The combination creates a naturally sweet, soft cookie that tastes like a cross between a breakfast cookie and dessert.
Popular food blogs often highlight how versatile these cookies are, and for good reason. They’re simple enough for everyday baking but easily dressed up with endless flavor combinations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture. Natural peanut butter can also work but may create a softer cookie.
Old-fashioned oats provide the best chewy texture, although quick oats can be substituted in a pinch.
Ingredient Measurements
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
Optional additions:
- Chocolate chips
- Cinnamon
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt
How to Make 3 Ingredient Cookies
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
- Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the peanut butter and oats until fully combined.
- Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Step 6: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What Do These Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies have a soft, chewy texture with a lightly sweet banana flavor and rich peanut butter taste. They’re less sugary than traditional cookies, making them a wonderful option for breakfast, snacks, or healthier desserts.
For a sweeter cookie experience, adding mini chocolate chips transforms them into an irresistible treat.
Tips and Tricks for the Best 3 Ingredient Cookies
Use very ripe bananas. Brown spotted bananas provide the best sweetness and moisture.
Do not overbake. These cookies continue to set as they cool.
Use old-fashioned oats for the chewiest texture.
Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it seems too soft.
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for bakery-style flavor.
Mix in mini chocolate chips for a more dessert-like cookie.
Slightly flatten the cookies before baking since they do not spread much.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for an extra soft and chewy texture.
Variations to Try
Chocolate Chip Version
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter Lover’s Cookies
Add extra peanut butter drizzle after baking.
Cinnamon Raisin Cookies
Mix in raisins and a teaspoon of cinnamon.
Trail Mix Cookies
Stir in chopped nuts and dried fruit.
Double Chocolate Cookies
Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
Caraway
For these easy 3-ingredient cookies, I love using my Caraway Half Sheet Pan because it helps the cookies bake evenly while preventing overbrowning on the bottoms. The naturally slick ceramic coating means you can use less oil and enjoy easy cleanup afterward—perfect for quick baking recipes like this one. If you’re making multiple batches for meal prep or school snacks, the generous size of the baking sheet gives you plenty of room to bake all the cookies at once while still allowing enough airflow for perfectly chewy centers and lightly crisp edges. Click here for an extra savings on your order. Discount applied at checkout.
Storage Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
These cookies also freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Ahead?
Absolutely. The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious with:
- A glass of cold milk
- Morning coffee
- Afternoon tea
- Vanilla yogurt
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Packed school lunches
Why These Cookies Are So Popular
Simple recipes continue to dominate online searches because people are looking for quick, affordable desserts with minimal ingredients. These cookies are approachable, family-friendly, and incredibly forgiving, making them ideal for beginner bakers and experienced home cooks alike.
More Cookie Recipes to Try
If you loved these easy 3 ingredient cookies, be sure to try these reader favorites:
3 Ingredient Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter *natural peanut butter will work, however, they will spread more. Try adding 1/2 cup more oats.
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips optional, or standard sized chips
Other Optional Mix-In's
- shredded coconut
- raisins
- nuts
- M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
- Stir in peanut butter until combined.Fold in oats and optional chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet using a medium cookie scoop.
- Gently flatten cookies slightly since they do not spread much while baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookieServings: 14 cookies
- Calories: 165
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Potassium: 190mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add flavorings like vanilla extract or salt to this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While the base recipe only requires 3 ingredients to be completely delicious, adding 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or a pinch of salt takes the butter flavor profile to an even higher level.
Why is my dough too crumbly to roll into balls?
Because this recipe uses no eggs or liquid milk, the dough relies entirely on the butter fats for moisture. If it feels too dry or crumbly, gently knead the dough with your warm hands for 1 to 2 minutes—the natural heat from your palms will soften the butter fats and bring it into a workable ball.
How should I store 3-ingredient cookies?
Store your completely cooled cookies in an airtight container or cookie tin at room temperature. Because of their low moisture content, they stay exceptionally fresh, crisp, and delicious for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze this cookie dough?
Yes! You can roll the dough into balls, flatten them with a fork, and freeze them on a tray until solid. Transfer the frozen dough portions to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F, adding 2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I turn these into thumbprint cookies?
Yes! Instead of flattening the dough balls with a fork, press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create a small well. Fill the well with half a teaspoon of your favorite fruit jam or chocolate spread before baking!
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