Keto Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250g) natural, no-sugar-added creamy peanut butter, at room temperature

• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated monk fruit-erythritol blend (like Lakanto)

• 1 large egg, at room temperature

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp sea salt (optional, omit if your peanut butter is already salted)

• 1-2 tbsp sugar-free dark chocolate chips (like Lily’s – optional)

Equipment Needed: One medium mixing bowl, a whisk or spatula, a baking sheet, and parchment paper.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (5 minutes)

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature peanut butter, granulated sweetener, egg, and vanilla extract. Using a spatula or whisk, mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and a thick, uniform dough forms.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and (if using) sea salt over the dough. Mix again until everything is well-blended. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

4. Fold in Chocolate: If using, gently fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Chill the Dough (30 minutes – Optional but Crucial)

This is the secret step for the perfect cookie texture! Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the peanut butter to firm up, making the dough easier to handle. More importantly, it prevents the cookies from spreading too quickly and turning flat in the oven. For the best results, don’t skip this step.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies (2 minutes)

1. Once chilled, use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.

2. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one as they will spread.

3. Create the Classic Criss-Cross: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly. Then, press down again in the opposite direction to create the classic peanut butter cookie cross-hatch pattern. If the fork sticks, dip it in a little water or coconut oil between presses.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection (10-12 minutes)

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers will still look very soft and underdone—this is exactly what you want!

2. Do not overbake. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool Completely (15-20 minutes)

1. This is the most important step for texture! Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for at least 10 minutes. They are extremely fragile when hot.

2. After 10 minutes, you can carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up into a delightfully soft and chewy texture as they cool.

Storage and Making Ahead

• Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 142 kcal

• Total Carbohydrates: 5g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 1g (0g added sugar)

• Sugar Alcohols: 4g (from erythritol)

• Net Carbohydrates: 2g

• Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Protein: 6g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the specific ingredients listed and will vary slightly depending on the brands you use. The sugar alcohol value (erythritol) is subtracted when calculating net carbs, as it does not impact blood sugar.

Final Baker’s Notes

These cookies are a testament to the fact that the best recipes are often the simplest. They are forgiving, fast, and fantastically delicious. The rich, salty-sweet flavor profile is deeply satisfying, making them the perfect companion to an afternoon coffee or a wholesome way to cap off your day. So, go ahead—preheat that oven and whip up a batch. Your keto journey just got a whole lot sweeter.

Hayyat

Hayyat is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.