Name: Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies – Guilt-Free Goodness!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, smooth or chunky); 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup sugar-free sweetener (like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol); 1/2 tsp baking soda; A pinch of salt

Craving a sweet treat without added sugar or flour? These Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect answer! Packed with rich, natural peanut butter and crunchy pecans, these Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies offer a satisfying and guilt-free snack experience. Whether you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, these Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies are easy to make and deliver a deliciously wholesome treat you can enjoy anytime.

Ingredients:

1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, smooth or chunky)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar-free sweetener (like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol)
1/2 tsp baking soda
A pinch of salt

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make clean-up easier.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, egg, sugar-free sweetener, vanilla extract, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and a smooth dough forms. The mixture should be thick and easy to shape. Gently fold in the chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the dough, adding a crunchy texture in every bite.

Step 3: Form the Cookies

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Press down gently on each cookie with a fork to create a crisscross pattern, flattening them slightly to ensure they bake evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as these cookies can brown quickly due to the natural oils in the peanut butter. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying. These cookies are best once they’ve cooled, as they’ll be firm yet deliciously chewy and crunchy.

Variation:

Here are some fun variations to try with these peanut butter pecan cookies:

Add Dark Chocolate Chips: For a richer treat, fold in 1/4 cup of sugar-free dark chocolate chips before baking.
Cinnamon Spice: Add 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the pecans.
Coconut Flakes: Add 1 tbsp of unsweetened coconut flakes for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Cooking Note:

These cookies are naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making them suitable for various dietary needs. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, adjust the amount of sugar-free sweetener to taste, or choose a sweetener blend that best suits your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

These cookies make a great on-the-go snack or a healthy dessert. Pair them with:

A Hot Beverage: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy treat.
Fresh Fruit: Serve with apple or pear slices for a balanced, refreshing snack.
A Scoop of Greek Yogurt: For added protein, serve a cookie or two alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt.

Tips:

Use Natural Peanut Butter: For the best texture and flavor, use natural, unsweetened peanut butter with no added oils or sugar. Stir it well before measuring to incorporate any separated oils.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Experiment with the type and amount of sugar-free sweetener to find your perfect level of sweetness.
Store Properly: Keep these cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them to keep them fresh even longer.

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Time:

12 minutes

Total Time:

17 minutes

Nutritional Information (per cookie):

Calories: 130
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 85mg

FAQs:

1. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens). This will slightly alter the texture, but they’ll still taste delicious.

2. Which sugar-free sweetener is best for baking?

Erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia blends work well in this recipe. Each may have a slightly different level of sweetness, so start with 1/4 cup and adjust to your taste.

3. How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

4. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter makes a great substitute, offering a milder flavor that pairs well with pecans. Just ensure the almond butter is natural and unsweetened.

Conclusion:

These Healthy No-Sugar, No-Flour Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect blend of crunchy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors without the guilt! Ideal for anyone following a low-carb, gluten-free, or refined sugar-free diet, these cookies prove that healthier treats can still be indulgent. Easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, these cookies are a delicious option for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying on track with your health goals.