These healthy peanut butter cookies are naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like natural peanut butter, coconut sugar, and almond flour, they are soft, chewy, and full of nutty goodness. Perfect for a quick snack or a guilt-free dessert, these cookies are both nutritious and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with natural ingredients – no refined sugar or processed additives
- Gluten-free and dairy-free – great for those with dietary restrictions
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients
- Soft and chewy texture thanks to almond flour
- Customizable – add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oil)
- ½ cup coconut sugar or honey
- 1 egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ½ cup almond flour (for extra softness)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, coconut sugar (or honey), egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the baking soda, salt (if using), and almond flour, then mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 15-18 cookies
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies – Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies – Mix in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies – Add ¼ cup of chopped peanuts for a crunchy texture.
- Banana Peanut Butter Cookies – Replace half of the sweetener with mashed banana for natural sweetness.
- Spiced Peanut Butter Cookies – Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, comforting flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration – Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing – Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Let cookies thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter works as a great substitute for peanut butter in this recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free since they use almond flour instead of wheat flour.
Can I make these cookies without sugar?
You can use mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for a natural sweetener alternative, though the texture may be slightly different.
How do I make these cookies chewier?
For a chewier texture, slightly underbake them by removing them from the oven at the 10-minute mark.
Can I use a sugar-free sweetener?
Yes, you can use monk fruit sweetener or stevia, but it may slightly affect the texture.
Why did my cookies turn out too dry?
Overbaking or using peanut butter that is too thick can make them dry. Try adding a splash of milk to the dough if needed.
Can I add oats to these cookies?
Yes, adding ¼ cup of rolled oats will give them a heartier texture.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Are these cookies safe for kids?
Yes, they are made with wholesome ingredients and are a great treat for kids.
Conclusion
These healthy peanut butter cookies are an easy, nutritious, and delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. With no refined sugar, gluten, or dairy, they are a great alternative to traditional cookies. Whether you enjoy them plain or with added mix-ins, they are sure to become a favorite in your household!
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These healthy peanut butter cookies are naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and packed with protein! Made with natural peanut butter, coconut sugar (or honey), and almond flour, they are soft, chewy, and perfect for a guilt-free treat. This easy healthy cookie recipe can also be made vegan using a flax egg. Enjoy these delicious, nutritious peanut butter snacks anytime!
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oil)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or honey
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/2 cup almond flour (for extra softness)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, coconut sugar, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract.
- Stir in baking soda, salt, and almond flour until well combined.
- Scoop dough into small balls, place them on the baking sheet, and flatten with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
- Cool completely before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- For a crunchier cookie, bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- To make these vegan, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Healthy Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
