Have you ever found yourself staring into the pantry, wishing for a sweet treat that won’t completely derail your healthy eating goals? I know I have. It can be tough to find snacks that are both delicious and good for you. That’s where the magic of Healthy Baking Recipes comes in.
Well, get ready to meet your new favorite recipe. These peanut butter oat cookies are a game changer. They are one of those Healthy Cookie Recipes that actually taste amazing. Seriously, they are packed with wholesome ingredients and so much flavor. You won’t even miss the extra sugar and flour.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there are so many reasons to adore these cookies. First off, they are incredibly simple to make. You do not need any fancy mixers or special equipment. Just a couple of bowls and a spatula will do the trick. This makes them perfect for beginner bakers or a fun afternoon activity with the kids.
These are truly Easy Healthy Cookies. The whole process is quick, from mixing the dough to pulling them out of the oven. It’s a no fuss recipe that delivers big on taste. Perfect for a weeknight when you need a little something sweet without a lot of effort.
Another great thing is the ingredient list. It is full of wholesome, simple ingredients you can feel good about. We are talking oats, natural peanut butter, and pure maple syrup. These cookies are naturally gluten free and vegan, so they are great for sharing with friends and family who have dietary restrictions.
They are also super satisfying. The combination of protein from the peanut butter and fiber from the oats will keep you full and happy. They make a wonderful afternoon snack with a cup of tea or a post workout refuel. This is one of those Healthy Dessert Ideas that works any time of day.
And let’s not forget how customizable they are. You can easily tweak the recipe to make it your own. We will get into more tips later, but the possibilities are endless. This is one of those foundational Healthy Cookie Recipes you will come back to again and again.
Ingredients
The beauty of these Easy Healthy Cookies lies in their simple, pantry friendly ingredients. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
- ¼ cup gluten free oat flour
- 2 tablespoons golden ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
- 6 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (or unsalted natural peanut butter)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup peanuts (finely chopped)
Let’s talk a little more about these ingredients. For the peanut butter, a natural, drippy kind works best. The kind where the oil separates at the top is perfect. It mixes into the dough much more easily than thicker, processed peanut butters.
The combination of pure maple syrup and coconut sugar provides a wonderful, caramel like sweetness without being overwhelming. If you only have one, you can adjust, but the mix is really lovely. This balance is key for great Healthy Cookie Recipes.
And the ground flaxseed? It is not just for health. It acts as a binder, helping to hold the cookies together in place of an egg. It is a fantastic trick for many Healthy Baking Recipes.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? This process is so straightforward. Let’s walk through it together. You will see just how simple making Healthy Cookie Recipes can be.
Step 1: Get Ready To Bake
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step. A properly heated oven ensures your cookies bake evenly from the start.
Next, prepare your baking sheet. I like to use parchment paper for easy cleanup. Greased foil works well too. Just line your sheet and set it aside for later. This simple prep makes life so much easier.
Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl. In it, you will whisk together all of your dry ingredients. That is the rolled oats, oat flour, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking them together helps distribute everything evenly. You want a little bit of cinnamon and salt in every single bite.
Step 3: Combine The Wet Ingredients
Now for the wet ingredients. In a separate, medium sized bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. It should look creamy and smell absolutely divine.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir and fold everything together. You want to mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and a little sticky. Once it is mixed, fold in the chopped peanuts.
Step 5: Scoop And Flatten
This is the fun part. Using a medium cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out evenly. A cookie scoop helps make sure all your cookies are the same size, so they bake at the same rate.
Now, here is a key tip for these Easy Healthy Cookies. They will not spread in the oven. You need to flatten them yourself. Use the back of a fork to gently press each cookie down to your desired thickness. If any bits come loose around the edges, just press them back together.
Step 6: Bake And Cool
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them. Mine were perfect at 13 minutes. They should look lightly golden around the edges.
Once they are done, place the entire baking sheet on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. This lets the cookies set up a bit. After 10 minutes, you can transfer the cookies directly onto the rack to finish cooling completely. Trying to move them too soon might cause them to crumble.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any cookies left over, storing them is a breeze. The best way to keep them fresh is in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to five days. But let’s be honest, they probably will not last that long.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, you can transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready for a treat, just let one thaw on the counter for a few minutes.
Tips
Want to make these Healthy Cookie Recipes even better? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to add about half a cup of dark chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- DIY Oat Flour: No oat flour? No problem. Just blend rolled oats in a blender until they reach a fine, flour like consistency. It is that simple.
- Watch The Clock: Do not overbake these cookies. They might look a little soft when you pull them out, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them dry.
- Peanut Butter Matters: As I mentioned, a natural, runny peanut butter is best for easy mixing. If your peanut butter is thick, you can warm it slightly to help it combine better.
- Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add a lovely warm note to these cookies.
Following these little suggestions can elevate your Healthy Baking Recipes from good to great. It is all about making them work for you and your family’s tastes.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and satisfying recipe for healthy peanut butter oat cookies. These are proof that you do not have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a wholesome treat. This is one of the best Healthy Dessert Ideas for any occasion.
I really hope you give these Healthy Cookie Recipes a try. They are a staple in my kitchen for a reason. They are quick, they are easy, and they always hit the spot. Happy baking, and I hope you enjoy every single bite of these wonderful cookies.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Nut Butter?
Absolutely. Almond butter or cashew butter would be fantastic substitutes for peanut butter in this recipe. Just make sure to use a smooth, natural variety for the best texture.
Are These Cookies Vegan?
Yes, they are. This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses no eggs or dairy. The ground flaxseed acts as the binder, making it a perfect plant based treat and one of my favorite Healthy Cookie Recipes.
How Can I Make These Nut Free?
For a nut free version, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of the peanut butter. Also, be sure to omit the chopped peanuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or chocolate chips.
What If I Don’t Have Oat Flour?
Making your own oat flour is super easy. Simply add some gluten free rolled oats to a high speed blender and blend until you have a fine powder. Measure it out after blending for accuracy.
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead Of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but it will change the texture slightly. Rolled oats give the cookies a chewier, more substantial texture. Quick oats will result in a softer, more uniform cookie. Both are delicious, so it is just a matter of preference.
Healthy Peanut Butter Oat Cookies
A quick and easy recipe for wholesome peanut butter oat cookies. They’re naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect no-fuss sweet treat for any busy weeknight.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, oat flour, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in the chopped peanuts.
- Scoop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie, as they will not spread while baking.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Feel free to add up to 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
A natural, runny peanut butter works best for easy mixing. If yours is thick, warm it slightly.
Do not overbake. The cookies will firm up as they cool, and overbaking can make them dry.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
