peanut butter oatmeal cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet

PEANUT BUTTER WITH OATMEAL COOKIES

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If you’re on the lookout for a healthy cookie recipe that is as easy to make as it is delicious, these Peanut Butter with Oatmeal Cookies are a must try! They use few and simple ingredients and have no refined sugar, flour, or eggs.

If you know me at all or have ever read any of my dessert recipes blog or social media posts, you’d likely already know that I almost always make it a point to firmly state that I ain’t no baker. And, well, that’s because I’m not. And yes, that’s despite being the former owner of a cheesecake business where I’ve personally baked and sold thousands of different cheesecakes to several different people AND restaurants.

So, while it may be an ironic thing to say, I still quite firmly believe that I’d have to learn a few more tips and tricks to reeeeally consider myself a baker and/or a dessert/pastry chef. I’m way more of a cook, as I always say and have never been much of a dessert person, to boot.

cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet with more cookies on a plate in the background

But, I mean, all that changes when you run a food blog. Am I right?! Suddenly, you’re finding yourself needing a different array of recipes for the blog – from breakfast, to lunch, dinner, and of course, dessert which seems to be everyone else in the world’s favourite category.

And when you have a snack loving boyfriend like I do, who’s most common questions include “what do we have for snacks?!” or most recently, “where are the cookies?!” you feel obligated to deliver. Needless to say, a few of these healthy peanut butter oatmeal cookies were shoved down his piehole shortly thereafter. And now, neither of us are complaining.

So, if you’re a peanut butter lover, are in the market for a guilt free cookie recipe that also delivers on flavour, or if you, too, have been blessed with having a snack loving boyfriend *insert eye roll here* then these oatmeal peanut butter cookies are about to become your new best friend!

Not only do they deliver on flavour but they’re so easy and quick to make, you can whip them up faster than your S/O can ask for their next snack fix!

WHAT YOU’RE GONNA NEED TO MAKE THESE PEANUT BUTTER WITH OATMEAL COOKIES

ingredients for peanut butter with oatmeal cookies - rolled oats, peanut butter, vanilla extract, honey, salt, applesauce
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Simple and healthy is the name of the game when it comes to the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of these peanut butter with oatmeal cookies. Let’s discuss them in a little bit more detail down below:

  • Rolled Oats: Provide a hearty texture and a nutty flavour to the cookies. Oats are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to this peanut butter cookie recipe. You can use quick oats instead, if you prefer. However, keep in mind that quick oats are smaller and finer than rolled oats which may slightly affect the overall texture of the cookie.

  • Peanut Butter: Provides the peanut flavour in the cookies and also adds healthy fats and protein. Look for varieties with no added sugars or oils for the healthiest option. You can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter for this recipe.

  • Honey: Adds sweetness to the cookies. It also provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. You can use maple syrup instead, if you prefer.

  • Applesauce: Adds moisture to the cookies while also acting as a binder. It helps keep the cookies soft and chewy without the need for added fats like butter or oil. Additionally, applesauce can provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for additional sweeteners. Unsweetened apple sauce works best in this recipe.

  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavour of the cookies, providing a warm and aromatic undertone. It complements the other ingredients well and adds depth to the overall taste.

  • Salt: A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness in the cookies and enhances their flavour. It also helps to bring out the other flavours in the ingredients.
plate of peanut butter with oatmeal cookies stacked on a plate

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER WITH OATMEAL COOKIES (KEY TIPS)

hand holding a peanut butter oatmeal cookie above a plate with more

You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy recipe for peanut butter oatmeal cookies in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Use fresh ingredients. Make sure your ingredients, especially the peanut butter and rolled oats, are fresh and not expired. Fresh ingredients will contribute to better flavour and texture in your cookies.

  • Measure accurately. Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the ingredients, especially the oats and peanut butter. Precise measurements help ensure the right consistency and texture of the dough.

  • Ensure all the ingredients are well combined to distribute the flavours evenly throughout the dough. Pay attention to mixing the wet and dry ingredients together until no dry spots remain. No need to use a hand mixer! A simple spoon, spatula or even your clean hands will get the job done just fine!

    EXTRA TIP: Depending on the type of peanut butter and other ingredients used, you may need to adjust the consistency of the dough. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a little more peanut butter or applesauce. If it’s too wet, you can add a bit more oats.

    EXTRA EXTRA TIP: Feel free to experiment with optional add-ins. Things like dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit make great options. Dark chocolate chips add richness and a hint of bitterness, while nuts add crunch and additional protein and healthy fats. Dried fruit can add natural sweetness and chewiness to the cookies.

  • Try your best to make all of the cookies the same size. This will ensure even baking in the same amount of time. EXTRA TIP: Use a fork to flatten the tops of the cookies before baking as they don’t spread much in the oven.

  • Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re in the oven, as they can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone. Bake just until the edges are lightly golden brown for soft and chewy cookies.

  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and prevents them from crumbling when you move them.

  • RECIPE NOTE: This recipe for peanut butter cookies with oatmeal is small batch in that it only makes about 7 cookies. If you want more cookies, either double the recipe or make the cookies smaller (1 tbsp of dough instead of 2).
6 peanut butter oatmeal cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW HEALTHY IS OATMEAL WITH PEANUT BUTTER?

Oatmeal is a whole grain that’s rich in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. It also provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and various vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium and B vitamins.

Peanut butter is a good source of plant-based protein, healthy fats and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. However, it’s also calorie-dense, so portion control is important, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Oatmeal with peanut butter can be a nutrient-dense meal, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, it’s important to consider the overall nutrient profile of your diet and ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients from other food sources as well.

WHY ARE MY HOMEMADE OATMEAL COOKIES HARD?

Homemade oatmeal cookies can sometimes turn out hard for several reasons:

Overbaking: One of the most common reasons for hard cookies is overbaking. If you leave the cookies in the oven for too long, they can become dry and hard. Make sure to follow the recommended baking time in the recipe and keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking. Similarly, allowing the cookies to cool too long on the baking sheet can cause them to continue cooking and become hard. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely once they’re done baking.

Not enough moisture: If the dough is too dry, the cookies may turn out hard. This can happen if you don’t use enough wet ingredients like liquid sweeteners. Make sure to follow the recipe closely and adjust the wet ingredients if needed to achieve the right consistency.

Not enough fat: Fat helps keep cookies soft and moist. If you use too little fat in the recipe, the cookies may end up hard. Make sure to use the recommended amount of fats like oil or nut butter in the recipe.

HOW SHOULD I STORE MY HOMEMADE OATMEAL PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES?

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. Then, store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid to keep air and moisture out. If you plan to consume the cookies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is fine.

Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If you want to extend the shelf life of the cookies, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or ziploc bag and store them in the fridge for up to a week.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating the layers with parchment paper. Frozen cookies can last for several months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

plate of peanut butter with oatmeal cookies stacked on a plate

MORE TASTY RECIPES FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER LOVER

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CHOCOLATE COVERED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

3 INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE

ALL PURPOSE THAI PEANUT SAUCE

HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE

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peanut butter oatmeal cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet

PEANUT BUTTER WITH OATMEAL COOKIES

Yield: ~7 Cookies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes

If you're on the lookout for a healthy cookie recipe that is as easy to make as it is delicious, these Peanut Butter with Oatmeal Cookies are a must try! They use few and simple ingredients and have no refined sugar, flour or eggs.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Rolled Oats
  • 1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 cup Honey or Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 tsp Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, applesauce, vanilla extract and salt. Stir until well combined.
    bowl of honey, oats and applesauce unmixed
    oats and peanut butter mixed in a bowl with a fork
  3. Scoop out 2 tablespoon-sized portions* of dough, roll into a ball and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork or the back of a spoon.
    6 balls of oatmeal cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet
    6 peanut butter oatmeal cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet, hand with a fork pressing one down
    6 peanut butter oatmeal cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    6 peanut butter oatmeal cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet

Notes

This recipe for peanut butter cookies with oatmeal is small batch in that it only makes about 7 cookies. If you want more cookies, either double the recipe or make the cookies smaller (1 tbsp of dough instead of 2).

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 7 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 208Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 153mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 3gSugar: 14gProtein: 6g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.

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4 Comments

  1. Hey Bryan,

    You must have missed them. They’re written out in the recipe card above. Enjoy!

  2. Bryan Claypool
    Click on the link that says “ show full article “
    Then scroll down and its in there
    Or, just message Jan DoSew on Facebook and ill give it to ya. I took a picture of it

  3. Thanks Jan! I actually just realized that people might be seeing different things come up on their end while it looks normal for others. No idea why this is but I’m working to fix it!

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