The TOP 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies recipe crafted with basic pantry staples and no flour, butter, or oil! Soft, chewy cookies boasting a rich peanut butter taste make for the ideal gluten-free dessert.
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Attention peanut butter enthusiasts! You’re going to adore these incredibly easy yet scrumptious classic peanut butter cookies! Whether you’re in need of a quick snack, an emergency dessert, or a gluten-free indulgence, this classic peanut butter cookie recipe can be ready in less than 20 minutes. The greatest part is you require just 5 straightforward ingredients. The ultimate peanut butter cookies that I assure the entire family will enjoy!
Reasons You’ll Adore These
- Fast and easy – you only need 5 household ingredients and a single bowl to prepare these hassle-free peanut butter cookies. Done in under 20 minutes.
- Made healthier – these cookies do not use flour, butter, or oil, and they are naturally sweetened with cane sugar.
- Soft and chewy – these tender peanut butter cookies feature the perfect texture and rich peanut butter essence in every bite.
- Naturally gluten-free – with no flour included, these cookies are an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Essential Ingredients
- peanut butter – I opted for creamy natural peanut butter devoid of any added sugar. Ensure you give it a good stir before utilizing. Regular creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy, chunky peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut variations could also be used.
- egg – you will need 1 large egg for this recipe to bind all the ingredients.
- baking soda – serves as a leavening agent and contributes to the chewy texture of these cookies. Baking powder could be an alternative as well.
- cane sugar – this natural sweetener makes these cookies delightful without refined sugar. You could substitute it with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or any granulated sugar.
- vanilla – one teaspoon of vanilla extract is needed to amplify the flavor of these cookies.
You can also easily simplify this recipe further by making 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies! All you need is peanut butter, egg, and sugar, but the baking soda really provides their chewy texture while the vanilla offers an extra flavor kick!
Steps to Create Peanut Butter Cookies
- Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together one cup of peanut butter, egg, baking soda, cane sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer on medium speed or your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, blend all the ingredients thoroughly until fully combined. The peanut butter mixture will be thick and sticky.
- Shape cookies. Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the dough mixture (I prefer using this small cookie scoop) and roll into balls. Arrange them on lined baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring space between each cookie. Use a fork to gently create a crisscross pattern on each ball, slightly flattening them. I also like to tidy the edges with my finger.
- Bake. Place in the oven and bake cookies for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to firm as they cool.
- Cool and savor. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully move the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Advice and Alternatives
- Peanut butter – both creamy and crunchy peanut butter work nicely, though natural peanut butter may make the dough a bit looser, so stir thoroughly for the best outcome.
- Sweetener – I only suggest using granulated sugar for these cookies, such as cane sugar, coconut sugar, white sugar, or brown sugar. Honey or maple syrup will alter the texture of these cookies.
- Vegan – you can easily make these cookies vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg, which consists of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water, mixed in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Crisscross pattern – the traditional fork crisscross pattern helps flatten the cookies slightly for uniform baking. Since these cookies do not have flour, they won’t spread much on their own, making the fork impressions essential for the right texture.
- Avoid overbaking – we desire a chewy peanut butter cookie that remains slightly soft in the center with set edges, so refrain from overcooking them. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Customize – feel free to mix in fun extras like chocolate chips (akin to peanut butter blossoms), peanut butter chips, chopped peanuts or other nuts, top with flaky sea salt, or even drizzle melted chocolate.
Preparation and Storage
To Store: These homemade peanut butter cookies will remain fresh at room temperature when kept in a sealed, airtight container or plastic wrap on the counter for up to 5 days. You may also refrigerate them for a firmer texture and to extend their shelf life.
To Freeze: For prolonged storage, these cookies can be placed in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, move the frozen cookies to the fridge to thaw overnight or allow them to thaw completely on the countertop at room temperature.
Freezing cookie dough: I enjoy preparing the peanut butter cookie dough, rolling them into balls, and freezing them on a baking sheet. Later, simply transfer the frozen cookie dough balls into a freezer bag, and when you’re ready to bake them, thaw slightly and bake as instructed.
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Hope you all savor the TOP Peanut Butter Cookie recipe! If you adore these as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love seeing all your scrumptious recreations!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, egg, baking soda, cane sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well mixed. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Form the cookies. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough mixture (I like using a small cookie scoop) and shape into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, ensuring enough space between each cookie. Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to slightly flatten it, forming a crisscross pattern. I also like to tidy the edges with my finger.
Bake. Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm as they cool.
Cool and relish. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.5g | Protein: 3.9g | Fat: 7.4g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Cholesterol: 10.3mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 2.3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be taken as an approximation.
**5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: A Simplistic Pleasure**
Peanut butter cookies represent a timeless treat cherished for their rich flavor and satisfying texture. The best aspect? You can prepare a batch with just five straightforward ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is both easy and delicious. Let’s explore how to make these enjoyable cookies with minimal effort.
**Ingredients:**
1. **Peanut Butter (1 cup):** The main ingredient, peanut butter offers the rich, nutty essence characterizing these cookies. Choose creamy or chunky based on your texture preference. Natural peanut butter works well, just make sure it’s stirred sufficiently to blend the oils.
2. **Granulated Sugar (1 cup):** This ingredient provides the essential sweetness needed to balance the savory elements of the peanut butter. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, feel free to decrease the sugar to 3/4 cup.
3. **Egg (1 large):** The egg acts as a binder, bringing the cookies together while providing a chewy texture. Use a room-temperature egg for optimal results.
4. **Baking Soda (1 teaspoon):** This leavening agent allows the cookies to rise ever so slightly, contributing a light and fluffy texture. It also aids in browning, giving the cookies their attractive golden hue.
5. **Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):** Though optional, vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a gentle depth that beautifully complements the peanut butter.
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all components are thoroughly mixed together. The dough will appear thick and somewhat sticky.
3. **Shape the Cookies:** Utilizing a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Position each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining roughly 2 inches of space in between.
4. **Establish the Traditional Criss-Cross Pattern:** With a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to slightly flatten it, forming a crisscross pattern. This not only gives the cookies their hallmark appearance but also facilitates even baking.
5. **Bake:** Insert the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are light brown. The centers might appear slightly undercooked, but they will solidify as they cool.
6. **Cool and Savor:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes prior to transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later consumption.
**Success Tips:**
– **Texture Variation:** For an additional textural element, consider folding in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before baking.
– **Storage:** Cookies can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. For longer conservation, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
– **Customization:** Feel free to explore different kinds of nut butters, like almond or cashew, for a unique take on the classic recipe.
This 5-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe serves to satisfy your sweet cravings with minimal hassle. With its simple ingredients and easy process, it makes an ideal choice for quick baking occasions or sudden gatherings. Relish the delightful fusion of flavors and textures in every mouthful!