15 Easy 3-Ingredient Cookies to Make When You’re Short on Time in 2025

When life gets busy and you’re craving something sweet, these 15 easy 3-ingredient cookie recipes are here to save the day!

Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time, these cookies require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

From classic chocolate treats to fruity delights, there’s something for everyone in this list. Let’s dive into these quick and delicious recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without stressing you out!

1. Peanut Butter Bliss Cookies

These no-bake cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness. They’re perfect for satisfying cravings in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough.
2. Shape Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon to form small discs.
3. Chill: Place the cookies on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
4. Serve: Once chilled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

2. Oatmeal Banana Energy Bites

Healthy yet indulgent, these oatmeal banana bites are naturally sweetened and make a great snack or dessert option.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Mixture: In a mixing bowl, mash the banana thoroughly. Add the rolled oats and honey (if using), then mix well until combined. The dough should hold together when pressed.
2. Form Balls: Use your hands to shape the mixture into bite-sized balls. If the dough feels too sticky, add more oats, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Set: Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to set.
4. Enjoy: Serve as is or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decadence. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

3. Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

A sophisticated twist on a classic favorite, these thumbprint cookies feature a rich hazelnut base topped with gooey chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hazelnut flour
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Make Dough: Combine the hazelnut flour and maple syrup in a bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
2. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create a well.
3. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
4. Add Chocolate: Once cooled, fill the thumbprints with melted dark chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

4. Coconut Macaroons

Simple yet irresistible, these coconut macaroons are light, chewy, and bursting with tropical flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and almond extract until evenly coated.
2. Form Macaroons: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Shape them into mounds if desired.
3. Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
4. Cool and Serve: Let the macaroons cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy plain or dip the bottoms in melted chocolate for added flair.

5. No-Bake Nutella Cookie Cups

These adorable mini cookie cups are filled with creamy Nutella and require zero baking—perfect for last-minute desserts!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup Nutella
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, Nutella, and melted butter until smooth. The batter should resemble a thick cookie dough.
2. Shape Cups: Grease a mini muffin tin lightly. Press small portions of the dough into the bottom and sides of each cavity to form shallow cups.
3. Chill: Refrigerate the tin for 30 minutes to allow the cups to firm up.
4. Fill and Serve: Remove the cups from the tin and fill each one with additional Nutella or whipped cream. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

6. Almond Joy Cookies

These cookies bring the classic flavors of an Almond Joy candy bar into a simple, no-bake treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix Base: In a bowl, combine the shredded coconut and almond butter until evenly mixed. The mixture should be slightly sticky.
2. Shape Cookies: Roll the mixture into small balls and press a single almond into the top of each ball. Flatten slightly if desired.
3. Add Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies.
4. Set: Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden. Store in an airtight container.

7. Shortbread Thumbprints with Jam

Buttery shortbread cookies filled with your favorite jam make these thumbprints a timeless classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work well)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream the butter and flour together in a bowl until a crumbly dough forms.
2. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a well in the center of each ball.
3. Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of jam into each well. Be careful not to overfill.
4. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.

8. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Cookies

Salty and sweet collide in these addictive pretzel cookies dipped in rich chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag mini pretzels
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Melt Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring frequently to ensure smoothness.
2. Dip Pretzels: Dip half of each pretzel into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Decorate: If desired, sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the chocolate while it’s still wet.
4. Set: Place the dipped pretzels on a sheet of parchment paper and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to set the chocolate.

9. Lemon Sugar Cookies

Bright and zesty, these lemon sugar cookies are bursting with citrus flavor and require just three ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Form Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar for a decorative touch.
4. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

10. Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bites

Warm and comforting, these cinnamon sugar bites are like little donut holes in cookie form.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Cut and Roll Dough: Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
3. Coat Balls: Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
4. Bake: Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown.

11. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Drops

Chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened, these peanut butter oatmeal drops are a wholesome treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup honey

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, rolled oats, and honey until well combined.
2. Drop Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with a fork.
3. Chill: Refrigerate the cookies for 20–30 minutes to firm up. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

12. Double Chocolate Avocado Cookies

Rich and fudgy, these cookies use avocado for a healthy twist without compromising on taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
  ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Blend Ingredients: In a bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Add the cocoa powder and maple syrup, mixing until a thick batter forms.
2. Scoop Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly.
3. Chill: Refrigerate the cookies for 30 minutes to set. Serve cold for best results.

13. Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treat Cookies

A playful take on rice krispie treats, these cookies are gooey, crunchy, and utterly delightful.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
2. Combine with Cereal: Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
3. Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Flatten slightly with a spatula.
4. Set: Allow the cookies to cool and set for 15–20 minutes before serving.

14. Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Creamy cheesecake filling meets tart cherry flavor in these no-bake cookies.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup chopped dried cherries

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, graham cracker crumbs, and dried cherries. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Roll Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly.
3. Chill: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Serve chilled.

15. Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups

Soft and buttery snickerdoodle cookies baked into cute little cups—perfect for portion control!

Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Shape Cups: Separate the cinnamon roll dough into individual pieces. Press each piece into the bottom and sides of a greased mini muffin tin.
3. Sprinkle Topping: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the tops of the cups.
4. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool before removing from the tin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Gluten-Free Flours in 3-Ingredient Cookies?

You can definitely experiment with gluten-free flours, enjoying the benefits of inclusivity and flexibility in your baking. Try substituting with almond, coconut, or rice flour for a unique taste and texture that everyone can enjoy.

How to Store Cookies to Maintain Freshness?

You can keep cookies fresh by storing them in airtight cookie containers. These seal out moisture and other flavors. Consider investing in glass or plastic containers for the best results, you won’t regret it.

Can I Make 3-Ingredient Cookies in Advance?

You can make cookies in advance, enjoying make-ahead benefits like reduced stress. Simply prepare dough, store it in the freezer for up to 3 months, and bake when needed, thanks to convenient freezer storage.

Are 3-Ingredient Cookies Suitable for Diabetics?

When managing blood sugar, you’re likely wondering if 3-ingredient cookies fit into your diet. They can be a challenge for sugar control, but you can adapt recipes to make them more diabetic-friendly by using sugar substitutes.

Can I Substitute Ingredients With Healthier Alternatives?

When swapping ingredients for healthier options, you can try coconut sugar for refined sugars, oat flour for all-purpose flour, and almond butter for regular butter – they’ll not only boost nutrition but also flavor your treats.

FInal Verdict

You’ve made it through the list of the best easy 3-ingredient cookies to make when you’re short on time. From classic peanut butter-based treats to oat-based and decadent chocolate delights, these recipes offer something for everyone.

They’re perfect for busy days when time is scarce, saving you time without compromising on flavor. Try one or try them all – you’ll be enjoying delicious homemade cookies in no time, even on your busiest days.