Healthier Easy Peanut Butter Cookies: Soft, Sweet & Guilt-Free with Truvía
Discover the ultimate recipe for easy peanut butter cookies that are not only incredibly soft and delightfully crumbly but also bursting with authentic peanut butter flavor. This cherished family recipe has been reimagined to be healthier, incorporating mindful ingredient choices like coconut oil, light butter, natural peanut butter, and the game-changing Truvía®sugars. Get ready to indulge in a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the extra calories, making it a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Truvía®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Are you, like me, someone who believes there’s no such thing as “too many cookies”? While some might reach their cookie saturation point, I’m convinced that the joy of a freshly baked cookie, especially one that’s both delicious and a bit healthier, is boundless. As a passionate baker and dessert enthusiast, I’m always seeking ways to make our favorite treats more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, without sacrificing taste or texture. These healthier peanut butter cookies are a testament to that philosophy, offering all the classic comfort you crave in a smarter package. They are incredibly easy to make, ensuring that even busy individuals can whip up a batch in no time.
Remember our epic “Cookie Week” celebration? We explored a delightful array of innovative cookie creations, each bringing its own unique charm. From the festive flair of Candy Cane Cookies to a comprehensive Roundup of 30+ Healthier Cookie Recipes, and the surprisingly addictive Eggnog Cookies with their ridiculously awesome eggnog glaze, leading up to the innovative Homemade Peppermint Oreos. It was a week packed with pure deliciousness! Now, we’re rounding out that legacy with these incredibly easy and healthy peanut butter cookies, proving that indulgent flavors can coexist with mindful eating, making them ideal for anyone looking for low calorie peanut butter cookies.
The Secret to Healthier, Delicious Peanut Butter Cookies
What makes these peanut butter cookies healthier without compromising on the classic taste and texture we all adore? It’s a thoughtful combination of ingredient swaps that make a big impact. We start by using coconut oil and light butter, which contribute to a wonderful texture while being lighter alternatives to traditional butter. The choice of natural peanut butter is crucial, providing that intense, unadulterated peanut flavor without the added sugars and oils often found in conventional varieties. Natural peanut butter also contributes healthy fats and protein, enhancing the nutritional value of each cookie. But the true star, in my opinion, is Truvía®sugars. As a regular baker, I’ve found Truvía to be an indispensable pantry staple for reducing calories and sugar without sacrificing the sweetness or the way ingredients interact in baking. It just makes perfect sense!
Baking with Truvía: A Game Changer for Sweet Treats
For this particular recipe, I’ve utilized both Truvía Brown Sugar Blend and Truvía Baking Blend. The Brown Sugar Blend delivers a rich, molasses-like depth that mimics traditional brown sugar, while the Baking Blend provides the familiar sweetness and structure of granulated sugar. The synergy of these two blends is what truly elevates these cookies. They emerge from the oven with that desired soft center, beautifully crispy edges, and just a hint of delicious crumbliness that makes every bite a pleasure. The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter shines through perfectly, complemented by the subtle sweetness provided by Truvía. And that delicate, crispy sugar coating on the outside? Absolutely irresistible! It adds a delightful textural contrast that makes these cookies truly special.
Incorporating Truvía into your baking isn’t just about cutting calories; it’s about making smarter choices that don’t compromise on the quality or enjoyment of your homemade treats. Each of these delightful cookies contains only about 104 calories and offers a respectable 3.3 grams of protein. For a cookie, that’s an impressive nutritional profile that allows you to indulge a little more freely. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking a sugar substitute for baking without sacrificing flavor. Have you experienced the versatility and benefits of baking with Truvía yet? If not, this recipe is the perfect introduction to a world of guilt-free sweetness, proving that Truvía peanut butter cookies are a treat you won’t want to miss.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Holiday Cookies and Everyday Delights
These aren’t just any peanut butter cookies; they are destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Their simplicity and incredible taste mean I’ll be baking them again and again. While they are absolutely fantastic for holiday gatherings, bringing a touch of homemade warmth to any festive spread, they are equally wonderful for an everyday treat. Imagine whipping up a batch for an afternoon snack, packing them in lunchboxes, or simply enjoying one with your coffee. Their wholesome ingredients and reduced sugar content make them a sensible choice for satisfying those spontaneous cookie cravings without overdoing it. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday, these easy and healthier peanut butter cookies are a true crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. They are also an excellent option for those exploring coconut oil cookies recipes for their unique texture and benefits.
Tips for Baking Your Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Achieving the perfect soft, crumbly peanut butter cookie is easier than you think. Start by ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the egg. This helps them combine more smoothly and creates a consistent dough. When mixing the coconut oil, light butter, and natural peanut butter, beat them until they are truly light and fluffy – this aeration is key to a tender cookie. Gradually adding the Truvía blends ensures they are fully incorporated, contributing to an even sweetness throughout. Don’t be shy with the vanilla extract; it enhances the rich flavors. Once your dough is ready, roll it into uniform balls. The classic fork crosshatch isn’t just for looks; it helps flatten the cookies evenly, allowing them to bake perfectly and achieve those desired crispy edges while keeping the center soft. Remember to keep an eye on them in the oven; 15 minutes is usually perfect for a golden-brown finish, but oven temperatures can vary.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward nature, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The use of white whole wheat flour adds a touch of extra fiber compared to regular all-purpose flour, further boosting the “healthier” aspect. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly special and satisfying. It’s all about smart substitutions and a love for good food. These lower calorie peanut butter cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a statement that healthy can be incredibly tasty. Plus, the simple preparation makes these an ideal easy dessert for any home cook looking to enjoy a sweet treat with less guilt.
Healthier Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
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Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp. light butter I used Land O’Lakes Light Butter with canola oil
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter I used Skippy Natural Creamy
- 1/4 cup Truvia Brown Sugar Blend or 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Truvia Baking Blend or 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or ensure it’s nonstick.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the coconut oil, light butter, and natural peanut butter for about 1 minute. Continue mixing until the blend is very smooth and well combined.
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Add both the Truvía Brown Sugar Blend and Truvía Baking Blend to the mixture. Beat for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes lighter in color and fully incorporated.
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Gradually beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until they are smoothly blended into the dough. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
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Incorporate the white whole wheat flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
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Take about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a neat ball between your palms. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in granulated sugar to coat the exterior. Place the sugared balls onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring adequate space between each.
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Using the tines of a fork, gently flatten each cookie dough ball, creating the classic crosshatch pattern (as seen in the accompanying photos). This traditional step helps ensure even baking and that signature peanut butter cookie look.
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Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set. The cookies will firm up more as they cool. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your healthier, easy peanut butter cookies!
Nutrition
Explore More Easy & Healthier Cookie Recipes
If you’re as passionate about healthier baking as I am, you’ll love these other simple yet satisfying cookie recipes. They’re perfect for expanding your repertoire of guilt-free treats that are both delicious and mindful of your dietary goals!
Discover additional easy cookie recipes to try:
Eggnog Cookies with Eggnog Glaze
Carrot Oatmeal Cookies
Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
You might also enjoy these wonderful peanut butter cookie recipes from my talented friends across the web:
- Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles from Crazy for Crust
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies from Will Cook for Smiles
- Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies from Kristine’s Kitchen
I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these healthier easy peanut butter cookies as much as I do. They’re proof that you can savor your favorite indulgences while still making smart choices for your health. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe offers a simple and rewarding experience. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations!