Easy & Healthy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Hello, fellow foodies and peanut butter lovers!

It’s me, your go-to gal for all things yummy yet guilt-free. 

I’m a foodie, but fitness is a huge part of my life. And although exercise is a crucial aspect of healthy living, I firmly believe it’s okay to indulge here and there. I can’t help it, I’ve got a sweet tooth!

Today, I’m super excited to share a little baked treat from my kitchen: healthy three-ingredient peanut butter cookies!

That’s right—only three ingredients, and we’re talking big flavor with a side of health benefits. Let’s dive in!

The Wonders of Peanut Butter

First up, let’s talk about the star of the show: peanut butter. When I say I’m picky about my peanut butter, I mean it! I always reach for natural peanut butter—you know, the kind with just peanuts and maybe a dash of salt.

Why? Because it’s just healthier—no added oil or unnecessary sugars to worry about. 

Plus, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats that keep our hearts ticking. Choosing the right kind of peanut butter not only amps up the health quotient but also ensures that peanut butter flavor we all love so much.

My all-time favorite peanut butter is from Trader Joe’s. I don’t know why it’s so good, but it’s the best I’ve ever had, and I always have it on hand.

Peanut vs. Almond Butter

Now, you might wonder, why not almond butter? Well, almond butter is great too, rich in nutrients and a tad sweeter.

But today, it’s all about that classic peanutty flavor. And between us, nothing beats the nostalgic taste of peanut butter for me, especially when whipping up some classic peanut butter cookies.

The Main Ingredients

Here’s the scoop on our three simple ingredients:

1. Peanut Butter: The creamy peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter debate is real, folks! I choose creamy for that smooth, velvety texture in cookies. 
2. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar will lend you a chewier cookie and ad a caramel-like sweetness.
3. Egg: The egg acts as a binder and gives our cookies a little lift.

Baking Essentials

Let’s talk gear! Every baker, pro or novice, needs the right tools:

• Electric Mixer: Makes combining our ingredients a breeze.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Go for a large bowl for less spillage when mixing.
• Cookie Sheet and Parchment Paper: For easy baking and even easier cleanup.
• Cookie Scoop: Perfect for getting those cookie sizes just right.
• Wire Rack: Because we want our cookies crisp and cool to perfection.

Pairings for Peanut Butter Cookies

These peanut butter cuties are perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Whether it’s breakfast or a snack, they fit right in. Plus, they’re fantastic for sharing, so maybe double the batch?

Let’s Get Baking!

Alright, let’s dive into how we can whip up these scrumptious three-ingredient peanut butter cookies!

First up, grab your favorite big bowl. This is where it all begins. Toss in your peanut butter—creamy or chunky, whatever floats your boat! Now, scoop in your sweetener. 

Next, crack an egg over the bowl. This egg is going to act like the glue that holds all our ingredients together.

Now, with your electric mixer or just a good old-fashioned spoon (let’s get that arm workout!), mix everything until it’s beautifully combined and looks like cookie dough.

Once your dough is ready, let’s turn that dough into perfect cookie balls. If you’ve got a cookie scoop, now’s its time to shine. Scoop out even portions and roll them into cookie dough balls.

Line them up on your cookie sheet that you’ve prepared with parchment paper—no sticky situations here!

Now, here’s the fun part. Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it a bit.

Let’s get fancy and give them that iconic criss-cross pattern. 

Pop that cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or just until they’re just turning golden brown.

Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack while and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Cookie Storage

Once these easy peanut butter cookies have come to room temperature, you can pop them into an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you’re like me and bake more than you can eat, just toss them in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container—they’ll keep for months.

Variations and Substitutions

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-sensitive, or just watching your sugar intake, there’s always room to tweak this simple recipe. Here are some easy substitutions to help customize these cookies to your liking:

1. Vegan-Friendly: For vegan peanut butter cookies, you can replace the egg with a flax egg or mashed banana. Both alternatives bind the ingredients effectively and add a subtle, natural sweetness.
2. Low-Sugar Alternatives: Reduce sugar by using coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, or opt for pure maple syrup for a hint of natural sweetness without the refined sugars.
3. Nut Variations: Almond butter or cashew butter can be a nice alternative to peanut butter, offering different nutritional profiles and flavors. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free option that still gives that creamy texture.
4. Flour Choices: For a bit of texture or to extend the dough a bit, consider adding almond flour or oat flour. Both are gluten-free and provide additional nutrients like fiber and protein.
5. Extra Toppings: Add a few chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt to each cookie for added flavor. 

I’m so excited for you to try these delicious peanut butter cookies. And hey, I wouldn’t blame you if you ate a little bit of the peanut butter cookie dough while you’ wait for them to bake! 

Trust me, I always do it.

Remember, it’s totally fine to treat yourself. Eating healthy doesn’t mean skipping the sweet stuff. It’s all about balance, right? 

There you have it! Easy, delicious, and downright healthy three-ingredient peanut butter cookies that anyone can make. Happy baking, my friends! 

Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

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• Author: Christina Orso

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the peanut butter, brown sugar, and egg in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
4. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
6. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.