I’ve always loved simple, hearty treats, and this recipe is my go-to! The aroma of warm peanut butter baking promises perfectly crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. Tired of complicated baking? This peanut butter cookie recipe no brown sugar is your answer! It skips brown sugar for a simpler, healthier indulgence. Busy families and health-minded cooks adore these quick treats. Transform basic pantry staples into chewy, delicious cookies in minutes. I often bake a double batch of these on a Sunday for quick, family-friendly snacks. This recipe is a family favorite.
What You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Cookies No Brown Sugar
Gathering your ingredients first makes this easy dinner dessert (or any time snack!) even smoother. For a truly family-friendly treat, I often opt for organic ingredients when possible.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 240 g (1 cup) – The heart of your cookies, provides rich flavor and healthy fats. Choose natural, no-sugar-added for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: 100 g (½ cup) – To sweeten and create that classic cookie texture. (Or use coconut sugar for a different flavor profile).
- Egg: 1 large – Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: 5 ml (1 tsp) – Enhances all the sweet flavors. (Alcohol-free is great for kids!).
- Baking Soda: 2.5 g (½ tsp) – Helps the cookies rise slightly and become tender.
- Fine Sea Salt: 1.25 g (¼ tsp) – Balances sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor.
Premium Upgrades
Use organic peanut butter for a richer flavor, or try almond or cashew butter for a twist. For gluten-free needs, ensure your peanut butter is certified GF.
Budget-Friendly Swaps
Store-brand creamy peanut butter works just fine for these easy dinner ideas! You can also use a generic vanilla extract without sacrificing much flavor.
Freshness Insights
Ensure your peanut butter isn’t old or separated; whisk it well if it is. Fresh eggs always bake best, creating a lighter texture.
Step-by-Step Method Made Simple
Whipping up this quick peanut butter cookie recipe no brown sugar is simpler than you think. Let’s make a batch for healthy eating or a quick meal prep snack!
- Preheat Oven (10 minutes): Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, leading to perfectly golden edges.
- Mix Wet Ingredients (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until just combined and smooth, looking cohesive. For this delicious peanut butter cookie recipe no brown sugar, ensure your ingredients are ready.
- Add Dry Ingredients (2 minutes): Gently mix in the baking soda and fine sea salt until just incorporated. The dough should be soft but cohesive. If your dough for this peanut butter cookie recipe no brown sugar seems too dry, a splash (1-2 tsp) of milk can help.
- Form Cookies (5-7 minutes): Roll the dough into approximately 2.5 cm (1-inch) balls. Place them about 5 cm (2 inches) apart on the prepared baking sheets. Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball to create the classic criss-cross pattern, flattening them slightly. I often use a small cookie scoop for consistent size and faster rolling.
- Bake (10-12 minutes): Bake this delightful peanut butter cookie recipe no brown sugar for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool. They should have slightly firm edges but still be soft to the touch in the center when done.
Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration
These quick peanut butter cookies no brown sugar are perfect for family dinners or a casual treat.
- Serve When: Weeknight dessert, after-school snack, lunchbox, coffee break.
- Pair With: Milk, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream.
- Storage/Reheating: Airtight container, room temp up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months. Thaw or microwave briefly. Great for easy meal prep!
Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits
Enjoy these peanut butter cookies no brown sugar to support wellness goals and healthy eating.
- Weight-Friendly: Controls sweetener amount.
- High-Protein: Peanut butter for satiety; a smart quick protein snack.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: From peanut butter, support heart health.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally GF (ensure certified GF peanut butter).
Why This Recipe Works for You
This peanut butter cookie recipe no brown sugar fits your busy life, saving time for delicious family meals.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, inexpensive pantry staples.
- Lightning Fast: Bowl to oven in under 20 minutes; quick meals.
- Diet-Friendly: Easily adaptable for GF, low-carb.
- Kid-Approved: Universally loved flavor.
Smart Upgrades and Adjustments
Elevate your cookies with simple tweaks for family preferences and dietary needs.
- Technique Tips: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Bake a minute longer for crispier cookies.
- Flavor Variations: Add cinnamon, chocolate chips, nuts, or almond extract.
- Diet Adaptations:
- Low-Carb: Use equal granulated erythritol or monk fruit blend.
- Vegan: Use a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Kid-Friendly: Let kids help roll and press fork marks!
Reader Q&A
Can I prepare peanut butter cookies no brown sugar ahead of time?
Yes, chill the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days; I often do this for neater cookie edges, just let it warm slightly before baking.
Is peanut butter cookie recipe no brown sugar good for meal prep?
Absolutely; bake a batch on Sunday for quick, satisfying snacks and easy meal prep throughout the week.
What’s the best way to store peanut butter cookies no brown sugar?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, or freeze for longer storage up to 3 months.
Are there healthier substitutes for this peanut butter cookie recipe?
Reduce granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup or use a sugar alternative; adding 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or ½ cup of rolled oats also boosts nutrition.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works wonderfully and adds fantastic extra texture to your peanut butter cookies no brown sugar.
Why are my peanut butter cookies no brown sugar crumbly?
This usually results from overmixing the dough or overbaking; mix just until combined and remove from oven when edges are golden.
Conclusion
Whip up these delightful peanut butter cookies no brown sugar for a truly simple, quick, and satisfying sweet treat! Save this easy, family-friendly recipe to your Pinterest boards for future quick meals and healthy eating inspiration.
Print
peanut butter cookie recipe no brown sugar
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This easy peanut butter cookie recipe skips brown sugar for a simpler, healthier indulgence, yielding crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. It is a quick, family-friendly treat made from basic pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no-sugar-added)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free is great for kids)
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350(degrees)F (175(degrees)C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until just combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in the baking soda and fine sea salt until just incorporated. The dough should be soft but cohesive. (If dough seems too dry, a splash (1-2 tsp) of milk can help.)
- Form Cookies: Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls. Place them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets. Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball to create the classic criss-cross pattern, flattening them slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.
Notes
Use organic peanut butter for a richer flavor, or try almond or cashew butter for a twist. Ensure your peanut butter is certified gluten-free for gluten-free needs. Store-brand creamy peanut butter and generic vanilla extract work well for budget-friendly swaps. Ensure your peanut butter is fresh and whisked if separated; fresh eggs bake best for a lighter texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (35 g)
- Calories: 110 calories
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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