Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones, and nothing proves that more than a dish made with just three ingredients. With minimal effort and almost no grocery list, you can whip up desserts, snacks, sides, or even full meals that taste like they took far more work. These recipes cover everything from cookies, fudge, and pie to hearty soups, casseroles, and savory wings. Whether you’re short on time or just love the idea of keeping things fuss-free, these three-ingredient ideas show that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies mix peanut butter, sugar, and an egg into a dough that bakes up chewy and rich. They’re soft in the center with a little crispness around the edges. The peanut butter flavor comes through bold and simple. An easy classic that never fails.
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3 Ingredient Shortbread
Buttery shortbread needs only flour, sugar, and butter to come together. The cookies are tender, crumbly, and melt in your mouth. They’re perfect plain or with a dusting of sugar on top. A timeless recipe made simple.
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3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies
Nutella, flour, and egg combine to make fudgy, chocolate-hazelnut cookies. They bake up soft and chewy with a rich flavor. Quick to mix and quick to eat. Perfect for Nutella fans who want a fast treat.
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3 Ingredient Fudge
Sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, and butter melt together into smooth fudge squares. The texture is creamy and rich, just like old-fashioned versions. You can add nuts or keep it plain. It’s a quick way to get fudge without the fuss.
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Three Ingredient Peach Pie
This pie uses pie crust, canned peaches, and sugar for a simple dessert. The peaches bubble into a syrupy filling as the crust bakes golden. It’s sweet, juicy, and comforting. A pie that feels homemade without much effort.
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Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies (Only 3 Ingredients!)
Ready-made pie crust, apple pie filling, and a sprinkle of sugar create these handheld treats. The air fryer makes the crust golden and flaky in minutes. They’re warm, sweet, and portable. A fast, fun dessert.
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3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup bake into a creamy casserole. The broccoli softens while the cheese melts into every bite. It’s rich, comforting, and easy. A classic side dish without the long list of ingredients.
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3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
These cookies combine peanut butter cookie dough with a chocolate kiss pressed on top. The peanut butter and chocolate balance perfectly. They look festive but are incredibly simple. A holiday cookie made easy.
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3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings
Chicken wings slow cook with BBQ sauce and soda until tender and saucy. The sauce thickens into a sticky glaze. They’re juicy and flavorful with little prep. A simple wing recipe for game day or dinner.
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3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
Self-rising flour, buttermilk, and butter make tender, flaky biscuits. They bake up golden on the outside and soft inside. Perfect with butter, jam, or gravy. A quick way to get fresh bread on the table.
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3 Ingredient Keto Strawberry Ice Cream
Strawberries, cream, and a low-carb sweetener blend into creamy ice cream. It freezes smooth and scoopable with fresh berry flavor. It’s sweet without being heavy. A fast treat for anyone eating low carb.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Keto Strawberry Ice Cream
3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe (Quick and Easy)
This variation on Nutella cookies mixes up fast with just three pantry staples. They bake soft with a chewy center and rich chocolate taste. The recipe is easy to double or customize. A go-to for fast desserts.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe (Quick and Easy)