Description
These Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple, nutritious treat made with creamy peanut butter, natural maple syrup, and wholesome ingredients. Naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free, they offer a soft, slightly chewy texture with a delightful peanut flavor, perfect for a guilt-free snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter (not too runny)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and sea salt if using. Whisk well. The mixture will initially be lumpy and runny but will become thicker as you continue mixing.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and shape.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball using a fork in a crisscross pattern to approximately 1/4 inch thickness at the center while leaving edges slightly thicker.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should turn very lightly golden while the centers remain slightly underbaked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool, resulting in soft, chewy peanut butter cookies.
Notes
- The optional sea salt enhances the peanut flavor and balances sweetness but can be omitted if preferred.
- These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within 3-4 days.
- The recipe is naturally gluten-free but ensure all ingredients, especially peanut butter and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free if needed.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) and use maple syrup as the sweetener.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy peanut butter cookies, gluten free cookies, easy peanut butter cookies, maple syrup cookies, low sugar cookies, soft peanut butter cookies
