There’s nothing better than a quick homemade treat, and these no bake peanut butter cookies deliver every time.
This recipe originally began as an attempt to create peanut butter protein cookies. After at least five rounds of testing (I lost track at some point), I still couldn’t nail the texture while keeping the protein high. So I switched directions and went the no-bake route, and it turned out to be the perfect solution.
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These no-bake peanut butter cookies come together in just 10 minutes, require only one bowl, and deliver an irresistibly rich peanut butter flavor. We double up on the peanut butter goodness by using both natural peanut butter and peanut butter flour. Each cookie naturally packs 5 grams of protein!
They’re great for both kids and adults, and they make a perfect sweet-tooth-satisfying snack. Whip up a batch to keep on hand, or double (even triple!) the recipe and stash some in the freezer for later.
Why you’ll love this no bake peanut butter cookie recipe
- rich peanut butter taste!
- made with just 4 simple ingredients (plus salt)
- each one has 5 grams of protein!
Ingredients
- natural peanut butter – make sure the ingredients are just peanuts and salt.
- maple syrup – for a touch of sweetness.
- vanilla extract
- peanut butter powder – for more peanut butter flavor and to help form a dough.
- salt
How to make no bake peanut butter cookies
- Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients. To a medium-large mixing bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt, and mix well to combine. Add peanut butter flour and stir well to combine until a dough forms. The mixture will be a little sticky.
- Form into balls. Using a tablespoon as a cookie scoop, form 8 equal-sized balls, placing them on your parchment paper. Using the back of a fork, create a cross-hatch on the top of the cookies. If your fork is sticking to the dough, wet it with a little water.
- Chill. Place in the fridge for 30-60 minutes until firm.
- Enjoy! Store in the refrigerator.
Why are my no bake cookies so sticky?
If, for some reason, the batter is sticky or too wet and not coming together, there is too much liquid and not enough binder. This can happen depending on the peanut butter you are using. You can either add more flour to help it come together. Add little by little until the desired texture.
Why are my peanut butter cookies crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, you do not have enough liquid/moisture in it. This could be due to the kind of peanut butter you are using and how much oil it has in it. I recommend using all-natural as it is oily. If you need more liquid, you can add more sweetener, milk, or water until the desired consistency.
Storage
- fridge – store in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container to keep the air out. If exposed to the air for too long, they will dry out a bit.
- freezer – store in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 6 months. I suggest freezing individually and then defrosting the night before you want to eat. Thaw in the fridge when ready to consume.
Substitutions and additions
- peanut butter – You need to use all-natural with ingredients of just peanuts and salt. This will provide enough oil/liquid to help them come together. Brands like JIF or Skippy will not work as they aren’t runny enough. Creamy or crunchy will work. If you don’t like peanut butter, a different nut butter will work, but the flavor will change. Try almond butter or cashew butter. Tahini or sunflower seed butter works great if you can’t have nuts.
- maple syrup – honey will work instead.
- vanilla extract – vanilla bean paste would be delicious. You can also leave it out if you don’t have any.
- peanut butter powder – rolled oats or oat flour will work if you don’t have peanut butter powder. You can also substitute protein powder to give them more of a protein boost. If substituting something else, the amount will have to be adjusted slightly.
Here are some additions you can add:
- cocoa powder – for a chocolate peanut butter cookie!
- chocolate chips or cacao nibs – stir some into the batter. Or you could melt your chocolate and drizzle some on top!
- shredded coconut
- dried fruit – dried cranberries would work great.
- flaky sea salt – for topping!
More easy no bake recipes
- chocolate protein balls
- no bake apple peanut butter bars
- peanut butter oatmeal protein balls
- no bake protein cookies
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter (it needs to be runny – 128 grams)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter powder (19 grams)
- pinch of salt
instructions
- Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients. To a medium-large mixing bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt, and mix well to combine. Add peanut butter flour and stir well to combine until a dough forms. The mixture will be a little sticky.
- Form into balls. Using a tablespoon as a cookie scoop, form 8 equal-sized balls, placing them on your parchment paper. Using the back of a fork, create a cross-hatch on the top of the cookies. If your fork is sticking to the dough, wet it with a little water.
- Chill. Place in the fridge for 30-60 minutes until firm.
- Enjoy! Store in the refrigerator.
nutrition
Recipe by Kelly Nardo, Eat the Gains | Photography by Sierra Inn
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