Hey there, fellow busy moms! Juliette here, from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition, ready to share one of my all-time favorite sanity-savers: homemade soft peanut butter cookies. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a hug in dessert form, packed with enough protein and healthy fats to keep little bellies full and those hangry meltdowns at bay. I remember the first time I baked homemade soft peanut butter cookies for my family. My youngest was going through a seriously picky phase, and I was desperate for a snack that wasn’t processed junk. These cookies were a total game-changer. They devoured them! It was such a dinnertime nutrition win for this mama!
These homemade soft peanut butter cookies became a regular feature in our kitchen, not just because they’re delicious, but because I can whip them up with ingredients I almost always have on hand. I’m all about simple nutrition, and let me tell you, this recipe fits the bill. If you’re a mom juggling a million things and craving a simple, nourishing treat for your family, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get baking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s the ingredient lineup for our homemade soft peanut butter cookies. Trust me, this is a short list, perfect for those days when you need a quick nutrition win!
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides healthy fats and protein. For a nutrition boost, use natural peanut butter. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, but you can reduce it slightly if you prefer. I sometimes substitute half of it with coconut sugar.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.
No worries if you don’t have vanilla extract – I use a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth in my homemade soft peanut butter cookies. These ingredients are pretty standard, so you can find them at your regular grocery store. This homemade soft peanut butter cookies proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, fellow nutrition-seekers!
Here’s a homemade soft peanut butter cookies nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: use natural peanut butter and coconut sugar. So much better for you!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to transform these simple ingredients into delicious homemade soft peanut butter cookies? Here’s how we do it in my busy kitchen:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your homemade soft peanut butter cookies don’t stick.
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little thick – that’s perfectly normal. Trust me, this easy peanut butter cookie recipe is foolproof.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious homemade soft peanut butter cookies usually takes me about 10 minutes to prepare.
- Use a fork to flatten each cookie in a criss-cross pattern. This not only looks cute but also helps the cookies bake evenly. Don’t worry if your homemade soft peanut butter cookies looks a little rustic – that’s part of their charm.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Your homemade soft peanut butter cookies should smell nourishing by now.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Be patient – letting them cool slightly on the baking sheet helps them set properly.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my homemade soft peanut butter cookies – I always overbaked them! Learn from my experience: keep a close eye on them in the oven.
While your homemade soft peanut butter cookies is baking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! This classic peanut butter cookie recipe is a real sanity-saver.
How We Love to Eat This!
Now, for the best part – enjoying our homemade soft peanut butter cookies! Here’s how my family loves to devour these treats:
- With a glass of milk. A classic combination that’s always a hit with the kids. This nutritious homemade soft peanut butter cookies reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, peanut butter pumpkin bites recipe.
- As an after-school snack. A perfect way to refuel after a long day of learning. The kids devour this nutritious homemade soft peanut butter cookies when I serve it with sliced apples.
- In lunchboxes. A special treat that makes lunchtime a little brighter. This homemade soft peanut butter cookies is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!
- As a dessert after dinner. A sweet ending to a nourishing meal. For a fun twist, I sometimes add chocolate chips to the dough.
These homemade soft peanut butter cookies are also great for parties and gatherings. They’re always a crowd-pleaser, and everyone loves that they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients. We also like to make these for bake sales because they are a safe bet for kids.
For a festive touch, try adding sprinkles or colored sugar before baking. This easy peanut butter cookie recipe is so adaptable.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers, let’s tackle some common questions I get about these homemade soft peanut butter cookies:
Is this homemade soft peanut butter cookies really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, which are essential for growing bodies. Plus, you can always sneak in some extra nutrition by using natural peanut butter and adding ingredients like flaxseed meal.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy homemade soft peanut butter cookies?
I get it – picky eaters are a challenge! Try starting with a small bite and emphasizing how yummy they are. You can also get them involved in the baking process, which often makes them more willing to try new things. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for zucchini chocolate chip cookies.
Can I meal prep this homemade soft peanut butter cookies for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely! These homemade soft peanut butter cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them out before serving.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking.
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Of course! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter would all work well in this recipe.
Are these cookies suitable for people with peanut allergies?
No, these cookies contain peanut butter and are not suitable for people with peanut allergies.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar by up to ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture or flavor of the cookies.
This chewy peanut butter cookies recipe is a favorite among my friends and family. It’s the 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies that I changed up to make healthier.
Final Thoughts:
These homemade soft peanut butter cookies are more than just a treat – they’re a symbol of simple nutrition in our busy lives. They remind us that we can nourish our families without spending hours in the kitchen.
My homemade soft peanut butter cookies Nutrition Hacks
- Use natural peanut butter for added nutrients.
- Add flaxseed meal for extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Reduce the amount of sugar or substitute with coconut sugar.
Family-Tested Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Add chocolate chips to the dough.
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Add rolled oats for a heartier texture.
- Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies: Top each cookie with a chocolate kiss after baking.
My oldest prefers the chocolate chip version, while my youngest loves the classic soft baked peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk.
I hope you and your family enjoy these homemade soft peanut butter cookies as much as we do. Remember, it’s all about finding simple, nourishing solutions that work for your unique needs. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out these Halloween crinkle cookies.
Go ahead and give this homemade soft peanut butter cookies recipe a try, fellow moms. You’ve got this! Need another super simple recipe? Here’s an easy peanut butter cookie recipe. Also, check out these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies – Just so Tasty! You can also visit allrecipes for another version of the 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Another option for you to try is this recipe from The Kitchn: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
homemade soft peanut butter cookies
These homemade soft peanut butter cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and incredibly easy to make. With a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. Serve warm with a glass of milk!