Sneaky Healthy Snack: Peanut Butter Cookies

I’m always on a mission to get my kids to eat healthier. While nothing may ever top the excitement of Flaming Hot Cheetos (honestly, fair enough!), I still want to sneak in as many wholesome and nutritious foods as possible. I experiment a lot, and only the kid-approved recipes make the cut—like these peanut butter cookies!

These Peanut Butter Cookies are a total game-changer in our house. They’re:

• Low in sugar
  
• High in healthy fats and protein
  
• Made with just five wholesome ingredients
  
• Naturally gluten- and dairy-free
  
• Easily customizable for allergies or picky eaters
  

And best of all? They passed the ultimate test: my kids asked for seconds.

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Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
  
• ¾ cup peanut butter (or sunbutter for a nut-free version)
  
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (I recommend these!)
  
• ¼ cup cacao nibs (I put these in everything)
  
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 225°F (about 107°C).
   
2. Blend the banana in a food processor until smooth.
   
3. Add the peanut butter and coconut flakes. Blend until well combined.
   
4. Mix in the cacao nibs and maple syrup until evenly incorporated.
   
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet.
   
6. Bake for about 20 minutes.
   
7. Cool completely before serving.
   

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💡 Pro Tip: These are easiest to make in a food processor, but a mixing bowl and fork will work in a pinch.

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Nutrition at a Glance (Per Cookie, Approx. 12 per batch)

• 145 calories
  
• 4g protein
  
• 11g fat (with 4g saturated)
  
• 8g carbs
  
  • 3g fiber
    
  • 3g natural sugar
    
• 40mg sodium
  

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Why These Work

These cookies strike the perfect balance between treat and fuel. The banana and maple syrup give just the right hint of sweetness, while the peanut butter and coconut provide sustained energy and satiety. Plus, the cacao nibs add a little crunch and a mild chocolatey kick—no sugar rush required.

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Make It Your Own

• Nut-free? Swap in sunbutter or tahini.
  
• Need more sweetness? Add a second tablespoon of maple syrup or a handful of mini chocolate chips.
  
• Don’t love coconut? Try quick oats instead.
  

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Whether you’re tossing them in lunchboxes or offering one up as an after-school snack, these peanut butter cookies are a small but mighty win in the wholesome snack department.

Let me know if you try them—I love hearing what your crew thinks!