If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, you’ll absolutely adore these Peanut Butter Cookies! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also lower in sugar thanks to the use of a sugar substitute, making them perfect for anyone watching their sugar intake. These cookies have a rich, nutty flavor with that classic peanut butter crisscross pattern on top. Plus, with just six simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of warm, melt-in-your-mouth cookies in no time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low Sugar: This recipe uses a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, making it a great option if you’re looking to cut down on sugar.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Since there’s no flour in these cookies, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Quick and Easy: With just one bowl and no fancy equipment required, these cookies are a breeze to whip up.
Peanut Butter Heaven: Made with natural peanut butter, these cookies are full of rich, nutty flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup (250g) natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oil): The star of the show! Make sure to use a smooth, natural peanut butter for the best texture and flavor.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar substitute: You can use erythritol, stevia, or any other granulated sugar substitute that you prefer.
1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookies.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and gives the cookies a warm, comforting taste.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Provides a little lift and helps the cookies bake evenly.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated. The dough will be thick and creamy, just like peanut butter!

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until the baking soda and salt are fully mixed into the dough. This will help the cookies rise slightly as they bake, giving them a soft yet chewy texture.

4. Shape the Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into smooth balls using your hands. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one as they’ll spread slightly during baking.

5. Create the Classic Crisscross Pattern

Grab a fork and gently press down on each cookie dough ball to create a crisscross pattern on top. This not only gives the cookies their signature look but also helps flatten them slightly for even baking.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them—since there’s no flour, these cookies bake up quickly! They may seem a bit soft when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Enjoy!

Once the cookies are done baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free peanut butter cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk!

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Use Natural Peanut Butter: For the best flavor and texture, make sure to use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils. The oil separation is normal just give it a good stir before measuring.
Watch the Baking Time: These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. They may look soft when you take them out of the oven, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage just pop them in the freezer and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!

Pairing Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with:

Milk: A classic pairing! Nothing beats a cold glass of milk with warm peanut butter cookies.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon snack with your favorite hot beverage.
Fruit: For a balanced snack, serve these cookies with fresh fruit like apple slices or banana chunks.

Customization Ideas

Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra treat, fold in 1/2 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips into the dough before shaping the cookies.
Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some sugar-free chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you like a bit of texture, swap out the smooth peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter to add a little crunch to each bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Regular Sugar Instead of a Sugar Substitute?

Yes! If you’re not concerned about the sugar content, you can substitute the sugar substitute with regular granulated sugar in the same amount.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Definitely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just shape the cookies and bake them when you’re ready.

How Can I Make These Vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based peanut butter.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 5g (depending on the sugar substitute used)
Fat: 10g