There are days when you just need a treat—something sweet, simple, and satisfying that doesn’t require a trip to the store or a sink full of dishes. These healthy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies for toddlers are my go-to for those moments.​ Made with pantry staples, they come together in minutes and bake up into soft, chewy cookies that everyone in the family will love. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert after dinner or need a snack to brighten up the afternoon, these cookies have you covered.​ Plus, they’re naturally egg-free, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free, making them a great option for dietary needs.​

Why These Peanut Butter Cookies are Great for Toddlers

So Easy – Just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep. Even a toddler can help make these.
Naturally Gluten-Free – As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is completely gluten-free with no special flours required.
Crowd-Pleaser – These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor. Add-ins like chocolate chips or a pinch of salt take them even further.
Freezer-Friendly – Bake a double batch and keep extras in the freezer for when you need a quick snack or lunchbox treat.

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What You Will Need

1. 1/2 cup Peanut butter – I use creamy peanut butter
2. 1/4 cup Maple syrup – you need this to add sweetness to the cookies
3. 1/2 cup Rolled Oats

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How to Make Toddler Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Blend the oats in a food processor or blender until they resemble flour.

3. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, and oat flour until a sticky dough forms.

4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place on the sheet.

6. Press each cookie down with a fork to make the classic crisscross pattern.

7. Bake for 11–12 minutes or until the edges are set.

8. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Substitutions

Peanut butter – you can use any nut butter, or sunflower seed butter.

Oats – you can use almond flour.

Maple Syrup – swap for the same amount of mashed banana or applesauce.

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Storing Extra 3-Ingredient Toddler Cookies

After completely cooling, these cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week at room temp. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.

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Common Questions

Are these peanut butter cookies gluten-free?

• Yes! These cookies are naturally gluten-free since they contain no flour. Just make sure your peanut butter and maple syrup are certified gluten-free if there’s a severe allergy or sensitivity.

How do I make them nut-free?

• To make these cookies nut-free, swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. The taste will be slightly different, but the texture will stay similar.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

• You can use honey (for toddlers over 1 year old), mashed banana, applesauce. Keep in mind that each sweetener has a slightly different flavor and consistency, which may slightly affect the texture or sweetness of the cookies.

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More Easy Snack Recipes for Toddlers

Simple Date Bites – Naturally sweet and packed with energy, these no-bake date bites are made with just a few simple ingredients like dates, cashews, and chocolate chips. They’re the perfect size for toddlers, easy to prep ahead, and great for snack time or busy mornings on the go.

Banana Bars – Soft, moist, and full of real banana flavor, these banana bars are a fuss-free snack that’s easy for toddlers to hold and enjoy. Made with better-for-you ingredients and no added sugar, they’re a great option for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet addition to lunchboxes.

Easy Peanut Butter Banana Bites – These no-bake bites combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of banana, creating a satisfying snack in just minutes. They’re an easy, no-mess option toddlers will love.

Spinach Muffins – These vibrant green muffins sneak in a healthy dose of spinach without sacrificing flavor. Naturally sweetened with banana and made with whole ingredients, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a veggie-packed side that toddlers won’t turn down.

Yogurt Granola Bites – Cool, creamy, and just the right size for little hands, these yogurt granola bites are a freezer-friendly snack that’s perfect for warm days. With layers of yogurt, fruit, and crunchy granola, they’re a fun and nourishing way to serve up probiotics and whole grains to your toddler.

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These easy peanut butter cookies are my kids’ favorites! I hope you love this healthy snack recipe as much as my family does! If you do, tag me @reallittlemeals so I can see your yummy creations!