Keto Peanut Butter Cookies

Right, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good peanut butter cookie? I’ve been tinkering away in my kitchen for months now, trying to create the perfect keto-friendly version that doesn’t taste like, well, cardboard. After countless attempts and brutally honest feedback from my two little darlings (they’re my toughest critics!), I’ve finally cracked it. These Keto Peanut Butter Cookies are not only incredibly easy to make, but they’re also utterly delicious, with only 3g of carbs per cookie. I promise you, even the non-keto eaters in your family will gobble these up. Get ready for smiles all around!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mum, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and actually work. These Keto Peanut Butter Cookies tick all the boxes. After 8+ years of juggling work, school runs, and everything else, I’ve learned that simplicity is key.

• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry. No need for fancy, hard-to-find items.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, from start to finish. Perfect for those last-minute sweet cravings or bake sales.
• Kid-Approved: My children absolutely adore these. If they pass the kid test, you know they’re a winner!

I won’t lie, getting the texture just right was a bit of a challenge. But after tweaking the ratios and playing with different sweeteners, I’ve landed on a recipe that’s perfectly soft and chewy. You’re going to love it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) smooth peanut butter (no sugar added)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sweetener (erythritol, xylitol, or your favourite keto-friendly sweetener)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes

Peanut Butter: It’s crucial to use a natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils. Check the label carefully! If you can only find sweetened peanut butter, you’ll need to reduce the amount of sweetener in the recipe.

Sweetener: I prefer erythritol as it’s easily available in most supermarkets and doesn’t have a strong aftertaste. Xylitol works well too, but be mindful if you have pets as it’s toxic to dogs.

Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It really enhances the flavour of the cookies. Pure vanilla extract is best, but a good quality vanilla essence will do in a pinch.

Baking Powder: Just a touch of baking powder helps to give the cookies a slightly softer texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4). Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. This is essential, trust me; nobody wants stuck-on cookies!

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and sweetener. I find it easiest to use an electric mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned wooden spoon will do the trick too. Mix until the sweetener is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and the batter is nice and creamy.

Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking powder and salt. Add this to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cookie. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that this size is perfect for a satisfying treat.

Step 6: Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern. This not only looks pretty but also helps the cookies to bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centres are set. Keep a close eye on them – they can go from perfect to burnt very quickly! My children prefer when I bake them for exactly 9 minutes, not a second longer!

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they’re slightly soft in the middle. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls.
• Sweetener Adjustments: If you’re using a different keto-friendly sweetener, adjust the amount to your taste. Some sweeteners are sweeter than others.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra treat, add a handful of sugar-free chocolate chips to the dough. My kids absolutely love this!
• Make-Ahead Magic: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
• Peanut Butter Power: Ensure your peanut butter is well-stirred before using it. Separation can affect the texture of the cookies.
• Texture Trouble: If your cookies are too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of coconut flour to the dough next time.

Storage & Meal Prep

These Keto Peanut Butter Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, although they rarely last that long in my house!

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours.

These cookies are perfect for meal prepping. You can bake a batch on Sunday and have a healthy, delicious treat ready for the entire week.

Substitutions & Variations

I’m all about making recipes work for everyone, so here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no changes needed!
• Nut-Free: If you have a peanut allergy, you can try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead. The flavour will be different, but still delicious. I haven’t personally tested this, but I’ve heard it works well.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warmer, spicier flavour. My family loves this during the autumn months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. In fact, I often do this on Sunday evenings before the busy school week. Simply prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking, and you’ll save yourself precious morning time.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centres should be set but still slightly soft. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can. Erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit sweetener, and stevia all work well. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to the sweetness of the sweetener you’re using.

How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Definitely! My children absolutely love these cookies, and I’m sure yours will too. Just be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up or down to suit your needs. Just be sure to adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly.

What if my dough is too dry?

If your dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water or unsweetened almond milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These Keto Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

• Enjoy them with a glass of unsweetened almond milk or a cup of tea.
• Serve them as a dessert after a light keto-friendly meal.
• Pack them in your children’s lunchboxes for a healthy and delicious treat.

I usually serve these cookies with a simple cup of tea. Nothing fancy, just a classic pairing that everyone enjoys. Portion sizes depend on how many little hands are grabbing them, but I usually aim for two cookies per person.

Right then, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Keto Peanut Butter Cookies. I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we do. They’re the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings without derailing your keto diet. And let’s be honest, a little bit of peanut butter goodness can make even the rainiest afternoon a bit brighter. Now, go on, give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! I’m always eager to hear your honest feedback and see your variations. And don’t forget to browse my other recipes at FamiliesRecipes.com. Perhaps you’ll find your new favourite!

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