Are you craving a delicious cookie but watching your sugar intake? This recipe delivers the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter cookies without the diabetic-unfriendly sugar spike. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can create healthy meals that are both satisfying and delicious. These easy recipes are perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a satisfying afternoon snack! Prepare to be amazed at how simple it is to make these best recipes, even for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (natural, no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup erythritol or your preferred sugar substitute (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts) for added texture and healthy fats
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the peanut butter, sugar substitute, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure there are no lumps of peanut butter.
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Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
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Optional Mix-ins: If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie – this is a classic peanut butter cookie touch!
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Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
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Peanut Butter Matters: Natural peanut butter, without added sugar or oils, is key to keeping these cookies healthy.
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Sugar Substitute: Experiment with different sugar substitutes to find your preferred sweetness and texture. Erythritol and stevia are popular choices.
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Chill Time (Optional): For firmer cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
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Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Seed Power: Swap the nuts for sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added nutrition.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 (depending on sugar substitute and add-ins)
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Fat: Approximately 7-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-10g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
These peanut butter cookies offer a guilt-free indulgence, proving that healthy eating and delicious desserts can go hand in hand. Enjoy these easy and healthy recipes as a quick dinner treat or a satisfying snack anytime! They’re a perfect example of delicious dishes achievable with homemade cooking.