Healthy 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the simplicity and delight of these healthy peanut butter cookies, crafted with just four wholesome ingredients. Ideal for a quick snack or a light dessert, these cookies are naturally gluten-free and free from refined sugars. The optional addition of organic roasted salted peanuts offers an extra layer of crunch and flavor, making them an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter (crunchy preferred, recipe calls for creamy)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup almond flour (finely ground from blanched almonds)
• 1/3 cup organic roasted salted peanuts (optional)
• Salt flakes for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2. Add Peanuts: If you opt for the additional crunch, fold in 1/3 cup of organic roasted salted peanuts.
3. Incorporate Almond Flour: Gradually mix in 1 cup of finely ground almond flour until a soft dough forms.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, creating a classic crisscross pattern on top.
4. Sprinkle Salt: If desired, lightly sprinkle salt flakes on top of each cookie for an added flavor dimension.

Baking

1. Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Peanut Butter Choice: While creamy peanut butter is recommended, using crunchy peanut butter can add a delightful texture.
• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for extended freshness.
• Custom Add-ins: Experiment with additional ingredients like dark chocolate chips or dried fruit to create your own unique variation.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 6 g

Additional Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Pair these cookies with a glass of almond milk or a warm cup of tea for a satisfying snack.
• Health Benefits: These cookies not only taste great but also provide a source of healthy fats and protein from the peanut butter and almond flour.

These healthy peanut butter cookies are a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create a nutritious and satisfying treat. Whip up a batch and enjoy them without the guilt!