2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies are easy to make and need no eggs, flour, dairy, or leavening agents. They are soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor.
My family adores peanut butter cookies. Luckily, I always have the two ingredients I need for this version. With only peanut butter and maple syrup, I can make golden brown, crispy cookies with a crunchy bite and a melt-in-your-mouth center.
They aren’t as crisp or firm as classic PB cookies, but they satisfy the cravings and can be made with your eyes closed. Seriously.
Why I love this recipe
No baking staples. That means no flour, no eggs, and no leavening agents whatsoever.
No mixers. And no fancy kitchen gadgets are needed. All you need is one bowl and a wooden spoon, and that’s it.
Customizable. Yes, you read that right. Even with only two ingredients, you can still customize these cookies to suit your taste buds.
Looking for peanut butter cookie recipes? Try my
“Yummy! I can’t believe I can now make delicious peanut butter cookies without eggs, butter, or flour. These are a game changer.” – Sierra
Key Ingredients
Peanut butter. Smooth and creamy peanut butter with no added sugar. For a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter. I find using mainstream brands like Jiff’s or Skippy’s natural peanut butter yields the best cookies (shocker, I know!).
Pure maple syrup. Thickens the peanut butter to create a dough. It also adds sweetness. You can also use honey, golden syrup, or, to keep the sugar low,
How to make 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the
Step 1- Make the dough. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with the maple syrup.
Step 4- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.
Arman’s recipe tips
Swap the nut butter. If you don’t have peanut butter, you can use a different nut butter, like cashew butter or almond butter. For a nut-free version, use tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Thicken the dough. I’ve noticed that depending on the type of peanut butter I’m using, sometimes the dough is too thin. If this happens to you, add a few tablespoons of powdered sugar, just enough to thicken the dough.
Lightly oil your hands or use a cookie scoop. Since these cookies do not contain leavening agents or flour, the dough will be very sticky, so add some oil to your hands before shaping the cookie dough balls.
Let them cool completely. These cookies are very delicate, and if you try to move them or pick them up while they’re still warm, they’ll crumble and fall apart.
Add some mix-ins. Like chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, toasted coconut, or a drop of strawberry jam for a PB&J flavor combo.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a granulated sugar?
Can I use dates instead of sugar?
2 ingredient desserts to try
If you tried this 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
5 from 546 votes
These 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies are easy to make and need no eggs, flour, dairy, or leavening agents. I love their addictive, chewy texture. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings:
Prep:5minutes mins
Cook:15minutes mins
Total:20minutes mins
Ingredients
-
1 cup
1/3 cup maple syrup * See notes
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with the maple syrup until combined. Cover the bowl and freeze for 45 minutes or refrigerate for two hours.
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove the chilled cookie dough from the freezer or fridge. Using your hands, roll out balls of cookie dough and place them onto the parchment paper. Press each cookie dough ball down into a cookie shape. Use a fork to do a crisscross pattern on each side.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges look golden brown.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely before carefully removing from the baking sheet.
Notes
TO STORE: Cookies will keep at room temperature, covered, for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to keep longer, cover them and place them in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
TO FREEZE: Place leftover cookies in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Avoid using a ziplock bag as they are prone to breaking apart.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 143kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSodium: 101mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 11g
The Untapped Bounty: Unlocking the Nutritional Riches of Acorns
In the tapestry of autumn’s bounty, amidst the vibrant hues of falling leaves, lies a humble, often overlooked treasure: the acorn. This modest nut, the fruit of the majestic oak tree, has nourished a wide array of creatures and cultures throughout history. Yet, in modern times, its value has been largely forgotten, overshadowed by more conventional food sources. This article aims to rediscover the acorn’s potential, not only as a sustainable food source but as a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits. As we delve into the world of acorns, we uncover the secrets to transforming these nuts into a palatable delight, along with exploring the myriad benefits they offer. Embracing acorns in our diet is not merely a nod to our foraging ancestors but a step forward in our journey towards sustainable living and nutritional wellness.
The Nutritional and Health Benefits of Acorns
Acorns are more than just a survival food; they are a testament to nature’s abundance, offering a wealth of health benefits that deserve recognition. Here is a comprehensive list of the many virtues these nuts hold:
Rich Nutrient Profile: Acorns are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, which are vital for immune function and skin health, respectively. They also offer a good dose of B vitamins, crucial for energy metabolism and brain health.
Mineral-Rich: These nuts are a source of important minerals such as potassium, which regulates blood pressure; calcium, essential for bone health; and magnesium, necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
High in Fiber: With a high fiber content, acorns can aid in digestion, helping to prevent constipation and promoting a healthy gut. Fiber is also key for maintaining a healthy weight and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidant Properties: Acorns contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Heart Health: The unsaturated fats in acorns can contribute to a healthy heart by lowering bad cholesterol levels and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Acorn flour offers a gluten-free alternative for baking and cooking, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Energy Boosting: Being energy-dense, acorns can provide a sustained release of energy, making them an excellent addition to an active lifestyle.
Sustainable Food Source: Foraging for acorns encourages a connection with nature and promotes a sustainable approach to food, reducing reliance on processed and imported goods.
Cultural and Historical Significance: Incorporating acorns into modern diets honors the traditions of many indigenous and ancient cultures for whom acorns were a staple food, fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural world and its history.
Versatile Culinary Uses: From flours to oils, acorns offer a versatile base for a variety of culinary creations, enabling the exploration of new flavors and textures in cooking and baking.
Economic Advantage: Foraging acorns can offer economic benefits, reducing grocery bills and fostering self-sufficiency.
Weight Management: The combination of fiber, healthy fats, and protein in acorns can help in feeling fuller longer, aiding in weight management efforts.
The benefits of acorns extend far beyond their nutritional value, encompassing environmental sustainability, economic savings, and a reconnection with nature’s rhythms. As we turn to the practical aspects of harvesting and preparing acorns, we embark on a journey not just to rediscover an ancient food source but to embrace a lifestyle that values the bounty nature provides. Stay tuned for the next segment, where we will explore how to unlock the edible potential of acorns, ensuring they can be enjoyed safely and deliciously.
Harvesting and Selecting Acorns
The first step in utilizing acorns is gathering them, a task best undertaken in the early autumn when they are ripe and plentiful. Look for acorns that are firm, without any holes or cracks, as these imperfections may indicate the presence of insects or rot. Green acorns are immature and should be left to ripen, while those that are brown and detach easily from their caps are ready for use. It’s a sustainable practice to gather from the ground, leaving enough acorns for wildlife and the regeneration of the oak forest.
Processing Acorns to Remove Tannins
Shelling: Begin by removing the acorns from their shells. This can be done manually or with the aid of a nutcracker. It’s a labor-intensive step but crucial for accessing the nut meat within.
Leaching Out the Tannins: The most critical step in making acorns edible is leaching out the tannins, which are compounds that give raw acorns their bitter taste and can be harmful in large quantities. There are two primary methods for leaching: cold and hot leaching.
Cold Leaching: This method involves soaking the shelled acorns in cold water. The water should be changed when it becomes discolored, approximately every 12 to 24 hours, until the water remains clear, indicating that the tannins have been removed. This process can take several days to a week, depending on the acorn variety.
Hot Leaching: Hot leaching is faster than cold leaching but requires more active management. Boil the acorns in water, and change the water when it turns dark, repeating this process until the water remains mostly clear. This method can remove the tannins in a matter of hours.
Drying: After leaching, the acorns need to be dried to prevent mold and prepare them for grinding. Spread the acorns on a baking sheet and dry them in an oven at a low temperature, in a dehydrator, or air-dry them in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
Making Acorn Flour
Once dried, the acorns can be ground into flour using a food processor, blender, or hand grinder. The resulting flour should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or frozen for extended storage. Acorn flour can be used as a substitute for traditional flours in baking, offering a nutty flavor and nutritional boost to bread, pancakes, and other baked goods.
Incorporating acorns into our diets is a journey back to the roots of human sustenance, a nod to the wisdom of our ancestors who relied on the natural world for their dietary needs. This journey is not just about adding a new ingredient to our pantry but about embracing a deeper connection with nature, understanding the cycles of growth and renewal, and appreciating the abundance that surrounds us. As we integrate acorns into our meals, we partake in a tradition that spans centuries and cultures, celebrating the oak tree’s gift and its enduring significance to both the environment and our health. Let the humble acorn inspire you to explore, innovate, and appreciate the simple, yet profound, pleasures of foraging and feasting from the land.