Introduction
Who doesn’t love a good peanut butter cookie? The sweet and nutty flavor, combined with the soft, chewy texture, is the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. But if you’re watching your calorie intake, you might be hesitant to indulge in this delicious dessert. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with two low-calorie recipes that will let you enjoy the goodness of peanut butter cookies without worrying about your waistline.
Recipe 1: Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter – 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 1/2 cup brown sugar – 1 large egg – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth. 3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until well combined. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. 6. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. 8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
– Servings: 24 cookies – Calories per serving: 120 – Total Fat: 6g – Saturated Fat: 1g – Cholesterol: 10mg – Sodium: 110mg – Total Carbohydrates: 14g – Dietary Fiber: 1g – Sugars: 9g – Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
– Prep Time: 15 minutes – Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Equipment
– Mixing bowls – Whisk – Spoon or cookie scoop – Baking sheet – Parchment paper – Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These classic peanut butter cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a simple and satisfying dessert.
Variations
– Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture. – Swap out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you prefer. – Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated and brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
Substitutions
– Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia instead of granulated and brown sugar for a lower glycemic index. – Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour if you have a gluten intolerance.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Tips
– Make sure your peanut butter is creamy and not too dry or thick. – Don’t overmix the dough, or your cookies may turn out tough. – If you want your cookies to be extra chewy, underbake them slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and follow the instructions above. Q: Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter? A: Yes, but make sure to stir the natural peanut butter well before using it, as the oil can separate.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter – 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 1/2 cup brown sugar – 1 large egg – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth. 3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until well combined. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and flour. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. 6. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. 8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
– Servings: 24 cookies – Calories per serving: 130 – Total Fat: 6g – Saturated Fat: 1g – Cholesterol: 10mg – Sodium: 120mg – Total Carbohydrates: 16g – Dietary Fiber: 1g – Sugars: 10g – Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
– Prep Time: 15 minutes – Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Equipment
– Mixing bowls – Whisk – Spoon or cookie scoop – Baking sheet – Parchment paper – Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate peanut butter cookies are a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Variations
– Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra crunch. – Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor. – Substitute white whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Substitutions
– Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol instead of granulated and brown sugar for a lower calorie option. – Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for all-purpose flour if you’re following a low-carb diet.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Tips
– Make sure your peanut butter is creamy and not too dry or thick. – If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, you can add more cocoa powder to the dough. – These cookies are best served warm, so you can reheat them in the oven or microwave if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter? A: Yes, but make sure to stir the natural peanut butter well before using it, as the oil can separate. Q: Can I use a sugar substitute instead of granulated and brown sugar? A: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cookies may be slightly different.
Conclusion
Peanut butter cookies are a classic dessert that’s loved by many, but they can be high in calories and sugar. With these two low-calorie recipes, you can indulge in the deliciousness of peanut butter cookies without sabotaging your diet. Whether you prefer the classic version or the chocolate version, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your waistline in check. So why not try them out for yourself and see how delicious low-calorie can be?