These Peanut Butter Cookies are a perfect balance of rich, nutty flavor and sweetness, all while keeping things light and healthy. With just a few simple ingredients, they offer a satisfying treat without the guilt. Whether for an afternoon snack, a special dessert, or a post-workout bite, these cookies will hit the spot without derailing your goals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Classic peanut butter taste with a smooth, slightly sweet finish.
Simple & Quick: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make these cookies come together fast.
Lower in Sugar & Fat: Uses a healthier approach to traditional peanut butter cookies without sacrificing taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a snack or a treat for a gathering, these cookies are always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oils)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (for sweetness)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt (if your peanut butter is unsalted)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- The dough should be thick and easy to scoop.
Form the Cookies:
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls, then flatten each ball slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern to give it that classic peanut butter cookie shape.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be sure not to overbake.
Cool & Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Tips for Success
- Choose Natural Peanut Butter: Use peanut butter with no added sugar or oils for a healthier cookie.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake since they can burn quickly.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgence, add a few dark chocolate chips or chunks to the dough.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your sweetness preference.
Why This Recipe Works
- Healthy & Satisfying: The use of natural peanut butter and a minimal amount of sweetener keeps these cookies satisfying but balanced.
- Easy & Quick: The recipe is straightforward and comes together quickly for a fast homemade treat.
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the peanut butter and egg, these cookies provide a good amount of protein to help keep you full.
These Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Enjoy them as a quick snack, a treat with your coffee, or even a post-workout bite!
The BEST Peanut Butter Cookies You’ll Ever Make – Classic & Crispy
12
servings10
minutes10
minutes120
kcal20
minutesThese classic Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. With their iconic crisscross fork pattern and slightly crisp edges, they’re an easy, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for lunchboxes, dessert plates, or a quick sweet fix. Made with simple pantry staples, they’re gluten-free-friendly and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
1 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oils)
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (for sweetness)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt (if your peanut butter is unsalted)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
The dough should be thick and easy to scoop. - Form the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls, then flatten each ball slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern to give it that classic peanut butter cookie shape. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be sure not to overbake. - Cool & Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose Natural Peanut Butter: Use peanut butter with no added sugar or oils for a healthier cookie.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake since they can burn quickly.
Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgence, add a few dark chocolate chips or chunks to the dough.
Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your sweetness preference.