Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

January is the time to really reset your diet and get back on track. Since I am still craving some sweets, I wanted to find a way to sweeten my day without as many calories. I love having something sweet with my afternoon tea, but I know that the Christmas cookies full of butter and sugar cannot be apart of that equation any longer!

There are so many ways to sweeten food without the use of plain sugar and one of my favorite products is Truvia.

Ryan and I have been using Truvia to sweeten our coffee and tea for years because it is naturally grown, but still tastes great. It has definitely become our favorite zero-calorie sweetener in our house.  Whenever browsing the aisle that houses Truvia at Target, I ran across their baking blend, which I was really excited to try. It promised to brown and bake just like sugar but with 75% fewer calories.

While I was at Target, I walked over to the tea aisle to see if I could find something different then my normal black tea, and I found Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea, which I picked up immediately because I love Chai Tea! After the tea aisle I made a quick swing by the Dollar Spot, which was all 50 percent off!! It was a dream come true!! Anyone that says they don’t love Target and the Dollar Spot, is lying, its. the. best. No Question.

When I sat down to make this recipe, I ended up just throwing a little of this and that into the mixing bowl, trying to keep it as healthy and light as possible, and I have to say I was pleased with the results of these Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies!

These Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are sweet enough to fix any sugar craving and they pair perfectly with my new Bigelow Chai. I am now looking forward to my late afternoon tea and cookie! I am not skilled enough to figure out actual nutrition facts, but I can tell you that these are full of protein and fiber and kept me full until dinner time.

I knew I had a winner whenever my toddler came running into the kitchen, saw chocolate chips, and grabbed a cookie. Even more promising was when she came running back, stole another cookie, and kept on going. She thought I was going to tell her no more cookies, but little did she know, I would be happy for her to eat these!

And I can’t go without talking about the tea. I do my best not to drink my calories, but one of my weaknesses is Chai Tea. I love a big frothy chai from a coffeeshop, but that isn’t good for your waistline or your wallet. Bigelow’s Chai was delicious. With a splash of milk, it was creamy and spicy, just like my favorite coffee shop ones. This tea was the perfect counterpart to my sweet cookie.

I hope you give these a try. You can really vary the mix ins to customize them to your family’s taste! I used coconut because we love it, but skip it if you aren’t a fan! These are perfect for breakfast, before or after a workout, or as a quick snack whenever you want something healthy to hold you over to dinner.

Healthy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Makes 16 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or nut butter of your choice
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional, but adds great moisture)
• 3 heaping teaspoons chopped almonds
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 3 tbsp. Truvia Baking Blend
• 2 eggs (If using applesauce, reduce to one egg)

Step by Step:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line baking sheet with silpat or parchment paper.
2. Mix together all ingredients with a spatula, and then by hand to make sure everything is well incorporated.
3. Roll batter into desired size ball and then press gentle to flatten. I used about 1 heaping tbsp. of dough.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until set and starting to slightly brown. Don’t overcook.
5. Let cool on baking pan and then remove to cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Ways to Customize and Elevate Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Healthy peanut butter oatmeal cookies are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your wellness goals. Packed with fiber-rich oats and protein from peanut butter, these cookies offer the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. With a few thoughtful additions and variations, you can tailor them to different tastes, dietary needs, and occasions.

Nutritious Mix-Ins and Add-Ons

• Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: Add a tablespoon of seeds for a boost of omega-3s and added fiber without altering the flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: For a touch of indulgence, mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Look for 70 percent cacao or higher for antioxidant benefits.
• Dried Fruit: Raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries pair perfectly with peanut butter and add natural sweetness and texture.
• Shredded Coconut: Unsweetened coconut adds healthy fats and a chewy texture that complements the oats.
• Chopped Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans bring satisfying crunch and additional heart-healthy fats.

Ingredient Alternatives for Different Dietary Preferences

• Almond or Cashew Butter: Swap the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a milder flavor or to accommodate peanut allergies.
• Gluten-Free Oats: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a cleaner ingredient list.
• Mashed Banana or Applesauce: Use as a substitute for some of the fat or sugar to reduce calories and add natural moisture.
• Egg Substitutes: Use a flax egg or chia egg to make the recipe vegan while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.

Creative Ways to Dress Them Up

• Drizzle with Melted Dark Chocolate: Add a thin drizzle over the top for a bakery-style finish and a bit of extra richness.
• Sandwich with Greek Yogurt Filling: Spread a layer of sweetened Greek yogurt between two cookies for a healthy twist on sandwich cookies.
• Dip in Coconut or Crushed Nuts: Roll the edges of each cookie in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut after baking for added texture and visual appeal.
• Use Cookie Cutters: Shape the dough into fun designs using cookie cutters to make them appealing for kids or seasonal events.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds a gourmet touch.

These customizations allow your healthy peanut butter oatmeal cookies to fit a variety of lifestyles, from gluten-free and vegan to protein-packed and low-sugar. Whether you’re making snacks for school lunches, prepping a post-workout treat, or baking for a health-conscious holiday gathering, these cookies can be easily adapted without sacrificing their wholesome appeal.