Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect guilt-free treat for cookie lovers! Made with all-natural peanut butter, a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit, and just a handful of simple ingredients, these cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich peanut buttery flavor.
They’re ideal for anyone looking to cut back on sugar, manage diabetes, or follow a keto-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing taste. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a batch of homemade cookies that satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things healthy. Simple, delicious, and totally crave-worthy!
Table of Contents
What are Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies?
Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies are a modified version of the traditional peanut butter cookie recipe, designed to minimize or eliminate added sugar. Instead of granulated sugar and brown sugar, this recipe utilizes sugar substitutes like erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia to provide sweetness without the blood sugar impact.
They retain the classic nutty flavor and chewy texture we all love about peanut butter cookies, making them a perfect treat for individuals managing diabetes, following a low-carb diet, or simply trying to reduce their sugar intake. They are a delicious and healthy way to have your cookie and eat it too! Ready to indulge in these guilt-free goodies? Let’s get baking!
Key Ingredients for Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- 1 cup (240g) Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a smooth, all-natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for the best flavor and texture.
- ½ cup (100g) Erythritol or Monk Fruit Sweetener: This provides the sweetness without impacting blood sugar levels. Different brands may vary in sweetness, so taste the batter and adjust accordingly.
- 1 large Egg: This binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a slightly chewy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- Optional: Sugar-free chocolate chips: Add a touch of chocolatey goodness if desired.
How to Make Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe delivers a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It is simple and delicious thanks to the combination of creamy peanut butter and your choice of sugar-free sweetener. Baking these cookies only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, so you’ll quickly have a batch of guilt-free cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream the Peanut Butter and Sweetener: In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter and erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener) with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Form the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Press with a Fork: Flatten each cookie slightly with the tines of a fork in a criss-cross pattern. This helps the cookies bake evenly and creates the classic peanut butter cookie design.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still be soft.
- 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. This allows them to firm up properly.
Why You’ll Love These Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
These Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies are a game-changer for those seeking healthy and delicious treats. The main highlight is the guilt-free indulgence – you can actually enjoy a cookie without worrying about a blood sugar spike. Making these at home is also a massive cost-saver compared to buying pre-made sugar-free treats. Lastly, the optional sugar-free chocolate chips make these cookies irresistible. The rich peanut buttery flavor combined with the touch of chocolate creates a symphony of flavors that you won’t be able to resist!
If you are seeking a richer indulgence, you might also like Chocolate Keto Cookies as an alternative. But, for the classic flavor with health benefits, try this one today!
What to Serve Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies With
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- A glass of unsweetened almond milk: A classic combination that complements the peanut butter flavor.
- A cup of sugar-free hot chocolate: Perfect for a cozy evening treat.
- A dollop of unsweetened whipped cream: Adds a touch of richness and indulgence.
- A handful of berries: Provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.
- Keto-friendly ice cream: A great dessert combination of sweetness and richness.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- Choose the Right Sweetener: Experiment with different sugar substitutes (erythritol, monk fruit, stevia) to find the one you like best. Some sweeteners have a cooling aftertaste that some people are sensitive to. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your preference.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping. This will make the cookies easier to shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: Stick to all-natural peanut butter that does not have added sugar or oils for the optimum results. This type of peanut butter also has a more intense flavor.
- Adjust Baking Time: You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking.
- Prevent Spreading: If your cookies spread too much, try adding a tablespoon or two of almond flour to the dough. This will help absorb some of the excess moisture.
- Add Some Flair: Add unsweetened sprinkles or coarse sea salt before baking for an extra touch of elegance.
Health Benefits of Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
These Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies offer several health benefits compared to traditional cookies:
- Diabetic-Friendly: The use of sugar substitutes helps to control blood sugar levels, making them suitable for individuals with diabetes.
- Low-Carb Option: Many sugar substitutes are low in carbohydrates, making these cookies a good choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
- Reduced Sugar Intake: By eliminating added sugar, you can reduce your overall sugar intake, which can benefit your health in various ways.
- Source of Protein and Fiber: Peanut butter provides a good source of protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
- Can aid weight management: These cookies can be enjoyed with less impact on your diet goals.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating (if applicable): Cookies do not usually need to be reheated, but if you do, you can microwave them for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature. This will make them soft and chewy again.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: These cookies can be stored as dough in the freezer for several months. Simply wrap the dough well or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Final Thoughts:
These Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies are a delicious and guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your health goals. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they are perfect for anyone looking for a healthier cookie option. Enjoy the classic taste of peanut butter cookies without the added sugar! So, put on your apron and get baking today!
Read also :
- Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites
- Honey Oatmeal Cookies with Coconut Twist Recipe
- Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe
- Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
- Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal
- Chewy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
- More in Pinterest
Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- In a medium bowl, beat peanut butter and sweetener with an electric mixer until smooth (2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- In a small bowl, whisk baking soda and salt. Add to peanut butter mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball gently with a fork in a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden and centers still soft. Do not overbake.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.