Maple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful dessert treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, the warmth of cinnamon, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. Let’s dive into the details:
History:
The exact origin of Maple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Cookies is not well-documented, but they likely evolved as a variation of traditional peanut butter cookies with the addition of maple syrup and cinnamon for enhanced flavor. Peanut butter cookies themselves have a long history, dating back to the early 20th century when peanut butter first gained popularity.
Components:
To make Maple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll need the following components:
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate the ingredients.
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Shape the Cookies: Take spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
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Flatten and Bake: Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie ball, creating a crisscross pattern. This is a classic peanut butter cookie design. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
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Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can enjoy your Maple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Cookies!
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for these cookies is approximately 15 minutes, and the baking time is around 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you can have these delicious cookies ready in about 25-27 minutes.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to bring a smile to your face with their sweet, nutty, and cinnamon-spiced flavor. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Maple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Cookies:
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie):
- Calories: Approximately 130-150 calories per cookie, depending on size.
- Total Fat: 7-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 5-10 milligrams
- Sodium: 70-90 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 13-15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
- Protein: 3-4 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: Maple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Cookies are relatively moderate in calories per serving, making them a suitable dessert option when consumed in moderation.
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Healthy Fats: These cookies contain healthy fats from peanut butter, which are a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can be part of a balanced diet.
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Low in Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content is generally low, especially if you use natural peanut butter without added fats.
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Low Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is low, which is good for heart health.
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Limited Sodium: The sodium content is moderate and can be managed by controlling your overall salt intake throughout the day.
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Carbohydrates and Sugar: These cookies contain carbohydrates and sugars, mainly from the maple syrup and brown sugar. While they provide quick energy, it’s advisable to enjoy them in moderation if you’re watching your sugar intake.
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Protein: There’s a small amount of protein in these cookies, thanks to the peanut butter. Protein is important for muscle health and can help you feel full.
Health Tips:
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As with any treat, moderation is key. Enjoy Maple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Cookies as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.
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If you’re concerned about the sugar content, you can consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe.
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For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour to increase fiber content.
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Peanut butter provides some essential nutrients, including healthy fats and protein, but it’s calorie-dense, so be mindful of portion sizes.
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You can also experiment with adding other nutritious ingredients like chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Remember that while these cookies can be enjoyed as a treat, they should be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods for overall health and well-being.