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How to Make Peanut Butter Cookies Your Heart Will Love

Warm cookies on a chilly afternoon? Yes, please. That nutty, roasted peanut butter smell swirling through the housethat’s my kinda cozy. Peanut Butter Cookies are having a moment again (looking at you, TikTok), and for good reason. They’re simple, nostalgic, and weirdly therapeutic to make.

This version comes together with just a few pantry basicsthink natural peanut butter, eggs, and a touch of vanilla. No flour, no butter, no fuss. It’s like your grandma’s recipe took off its apron and got practical. Great for those hunting 3 ingredient cookies or healthier no sugar swaps. Full details in the blog!

I first made these on a Sunday when we were out of everything but peanut butter and ambition. My teen called them “accidentally amazing.” That’s code for: they disappeared in eight minutes flat. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!

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Peanut Butter Cookies Simplified for Irresistible Joy


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  • Author: Anett Roettges
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Servings: 21 cookies
  • Diet: Standard

Description

Enjoy these Peanut Butter Cookies made with simple wholesome ingredients. Perfect for those seeking Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies No Sugar or 3 Ingredient Cookies No Butter. They offer an easy, tasty treat with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (256 g) unsweetened natural peanut butter
  • 1 large egg whisked
  • 1/4 cup (59 ml) pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to 350°F 177°C and prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Combine peanut butter, the whisked egg, and maple syrup in a large bowl, stirring until fully blended and dough thickens.
  3. Use a tablespoon scoop to drop dough balls spaced two inches apart on the sheets, then press each ball lightly into a thick disk and create a criss-cross pattern using a fork.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes until cookies crack slightly and surface looks dry.
  5. Allow cookies to cool completely on the sheets before removing.

Notes

  • Make sure to use natural peanut butter that has no added oils
  • This recipe will not work with the same with regular peanut butter
  • This recipe works best with pure maple syrup
  • Honey changes the texture of the cookies
  • You don’t have to make the criss-cross pattern across the surface, but if you choose to leave it off, then flatten your cookies a little more to the thickness you want the final outcome to be before baking
  • You can halve the recipe if you want to make less but you will need to make sure you only add half a whisked egg
  • If you add a full egg, the cookies will turn out oily and have a gummy texture
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 82kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 28mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re craving something sweet yet wholesome, these peanut butter cookies are about to become your go-to recipe. With just three ingredients and no refined sugar, they’re delightfully simple to make and surprisingly satisfying. Plus, they strike the perfect balance of soft and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor.

Why else will you love them? They’re gluten-free, flour-free, and butter-free, yet still feel indulgent. Perfect for a cozy treat to share or an easy snack for the family (if you don’t eat them all first!). These cookies are wonderfully beginner-friendly; no fancy equipment or tricky techniques herejust pure peanut butter joy.

Key Ingredients & Simple Swaps

With only three ingredients, every one plays an important role. Here are the stars of this recipe:

  • Natural Peanut Butter: Choose unsweetened, natural peanut butter with no added oils. The texture and flavor of the cookies depend on this!
  • Egg: Acts as the binder, creating a soft center while helping the cookies hold their shape.
  • Maple Syrup: A lovely natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the peanut butter.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey can be used, though it may slightly change the texture. For the best results, stick with maple syrup if you can!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients for peanut butter cookies arranged on a clean surface

Ready to make a batch of these irresistible cookies? Here’s how:

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, whisked egg, and maple syrup. Stir with a spatula until smooth and thickened into a cookie dough consistency.
  3. Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough onto prepared sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball down into a thick disc with your palm, then use a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern.
  4. Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, watching for slight cracks on the surface. They should look dry on top but still soft inside.
  5. Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before removing. They’ll firm up nicely as they cool!

Quick Timing Table

StepTime Needed
Prep Work10 minutes
Baking10 minutes
Cooling5–7 minutes

Pro Tips & Easy Twists

These cookies are incredibly versatile, so feel free to make them your own:

  • Skip the Criss-Cross: For a smoother cookie, press down a little more before baking and skip the fork pattern!
  • Halve the Recipe: Don’t need 21 cookies? Cut the recipe in half, but rememberyou’ll also need to halve your egg. Whisk the egg first, then measure out half.
  • Add Texture: Toss in some crushed peanuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra crunch or warmth.

Note: These cookies are naturally “rustic,” featuring little cracks on topdon’t worry, that means you nailed the texture!

Serving and Storing Your Cookies

Enjoy these cookies as they are or pair them with a cozy drink like coffee, hot cocoa, or a cold glass of almond milk. They’re bite-sized happiness in cookie form.

Storage & Reheating Guide

Storage MethodHow Long They Last
Room Temperature (in airtight container)3–4 days
RefrigeratedUp to 1 week
FrozenUp to 3 months

For best results, freeze cookies flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container to prevent sticking. When ready to indulge, simply thaw or warm one briefly in the microwave.

Expert Says

Peanut butter cookies benefit from the natural oils in peanut butter, which help create a tender, moist texture while reducing the need for additional fats. The protein and healthy fats also add satiety, making these cookies a more satisfying treat compared to traditional sugar-heavy recipes.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

The Long Road to Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

These peanut butter cookies took me several batches to perfect. Early on, I learned that adding even a spoonful too much baking soda turns them bittera lesson paid for by some very polite, if puckered, taste testers. After that, it was all about balance, and now I’m thrilled with this chewy, family-approved recipe.

FAQs ( Peanut Butter Cookies
)

How do I make peanut butter cookies healthier?

Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils and replace any added sweeteners with options like mashed banana or a touch of maple syrup. This recipe itself is designed to be healthy with no flour, refined sugar, butter, or oil. Baking them just until set keeps them soft and nutritious.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free since they contain no flour. Using only three simple ingredients guarantees no hidden gluten sources, making this recipe perfect for anyone avoiding gluten or following a grain-free diet.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help firm it up. Also, avoid using overly soft peanut butter and bake on a parchment-lined sheet with enough space between cookies. These steps will keep them from spreading and maintain their chewy texture.

Can I use other nut butters for this recipe?

This recipe works well with almond or cashew butter as substitutes, but note that flavor and texture will vary. Choosing creamy, unsweetened nut butters ensures the best consistency while keeping the cookies moist and tasty.

How should I store these cookies?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months, thawing before serving to retain their soft texture.

Finished peanut butter cookies on a plate with a clean background

Conclusion

After just about 20 minutes from mixing to cooling, these Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies No Sugar turn out soft, chewy, and utterly comfortinglike a little hug from your kitchen. The aroma of roasted peanut butter filling the air makes the wait worthwhile, and the straightforward ingredients strike the perfect balance between sweet and wholesome. You’ll love how effortlessly these cookies bake up with no flour or butter yet all the heart.

For a quick twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped peanuts for extra crunch. If you’re short on maple syrup, honey can do the trick, though the texture might shift slightly. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and warm one briefly before servinga cozy tip I learned from my aunt’s kitchen to keep that fresh-baked magic alive.

I’d love to heardo these remind you of any childhood cookie moments or family favorites? Please share your cookie pictures or stories in the comments; it’s always a joy to see how this simple recipe finds a home on your table. Don’t forget to save or share this easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies No Sugar recipe with someone who deserves a sweet, healthy treat today!

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