I’ve spent the past several months quarantined with my boyfriend, Sam, so when he headed up to the Northeast to see his family for the week, I found myself looking for ways to fill the time I previously spent on walks, cooking or watching Breaking Bad with him in the evenings. And what better way to make the most of this rare alone time than with some baking?!
Though I love a good healthy sweet treat, sometimes I’m just not in the mood to grocery shop for an extensive list of ingredients or dirty every dish in the kitchen. When you’re feeling the same way, these 5-Ingredients Peanut Butter Cookies are for you!
Plus, this recipe comes in perfect time for Sam’s birthday considering he’s absolutely peanut butter crazy. If you’re the same way, don’t hesitate to try out a few more of his favorites and check out these yummy recipes:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Chickpea Blondies
- PB&J Maca Overnight Oats
- Copycat “Perfect” Bars
- Breakfast PBJ & Banana “Quesadilla”
- Healthy Snickers Bars
Personally, PB cookies have been one of my favorites since childhood, and this recipe goes to show you that those nostalgic comfort foods can be enjoyed on the more nutritious side. But shhhh, you’d never know that this version is gluten, dairy and refined sugar free! They truly give the real, sugar-filled deal a run for their money.
Despite the incredibly dreamy taste, perhaps the best part about this recipe is just how EASY it is! Only a handful of ingredients are needed, and they go from the bowl to the oven to your tummy in the blink of an eye – my type of dessert, let me tell ya.
Of course, peanut butter is the key ingredient, but you’re more than welcome to use any other nut butter of your choice if you have a peanut allergy or just want to use up whatever’s available. And as with all nut butters, look for raw (organic if possible) with nuts as the only ingredient.
For a fill run down on why nuts are an essential part of my diet and tips for purchasing them the right way, take a peek at my Why I’m Nuts About Nuts (& You Should be Too) post.
Peanut butter isn’t just one of the most delicious sources of childhood joy, it’s actually quite nutritious as well! Peanuts are a rich source of plant-based protein, low in carbohydrates, packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and provide a decent amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
While PB is the star of the show, the other ingredients in these are likewise simple and might already be sitting in your pantry, ready to rock. For instance, almond flour is my personal favorite gluten-free baking alternative that I always seem to have on hand.
And, *pro tip*, look in the bulk section of your grocery store to snag a larger quantity of almond flour (and peanut butter) for a much more reasonable price than you’ll find on the shelf. For more helpful grocery shopping tips, be sure to read G’s Essential Grocery Guide.
As for the touch of natural sweetness, maple syrup is one of my baking go-tos (along with dates), as I always seem to have a bottle in the fridge and it makes just about anything taste better. Plus, maple syrup is a healthier alternative to sugar that provides a variety of benefits. According to Dr. Axe, maple syrup:
- Contains numerous antioxidants
- Has a lower score on the glycemic index
- May help fight inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases
- May help protect against cancer
- Helps protect skin health
- Alternative to sugar for improved digestion
- Supplies important vitamins and minerals
- Healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners
- May enhance antibiotic effects
I encourage you to look for raw, organic and unrefined maple syrup if possible in order to reap the maximum benefits!
Once you mix all of your ingredients together, roll into balls and press with a fork to create the pattern that makes peanut butter cookies, well, peanut butter cookies . Though they only take 12 minutes to get golden and perfect, the smell of these babies baking will have you waiting anxiously next to the oven. I’m truly salivating just thinking about it…
So next time you’re in the mood to bake something delicious and that you know everyone will love, these simple, nutritious 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are just what your sweet tooth is asking for.
Be sure to let me know if you give this recipe at try by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram @goodness_with_g. Enjoy, friends!
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup runny, natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt (if PB is unsalted)
Wet your fork with water to keep it from sticking to the dough if needed.
Enjoy!
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