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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the nut butter, coconut sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine until smooth and creamy. If you’re using a liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup, you may need to adjust the flour ratio to account for the extra moisture.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients**: Add the rolled oats (if using), salt, baking soda, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir to combine. The mixture should be thick and easy to handle. If you find that the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit of flour to thicken it.
4. **Fold in Optional Mix-ins**: If you’re adding chocolate chips, raisins, or any other mix-ins, fold them into the dough now.
5. **Form the Cookies**: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. You can also use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie, similar to traditional peanut butter cookies.
6. **Bake**: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center may still look soft, but it will firm up as the cookies cool.
7. **Cool**: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow them to firm up and hold their shape.
8. **Enjoy**: Your nut butter cookies are now ready to enjoy! Serve them with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk for the perfect treat.
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### Variations to Try
While the basic nut butter cookie recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to get creative and customize it to your taste. Here are a few variations to try:
#### 1. **Chocolate Chip Nut Butter Cookies**:
For a classic treat, add 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips to your cookie dough. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy nut butter is a timeless favorite.
#### 2. **Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies**:
For a fun twist, create a peanut butter and jelly version by adding a small spoonful of your favorite jam to the center of each cookie before baking. The jam will warm up and create a gooey, delicious surprise inside.
#### 3. **Vegan Nut Butter Cookies**:
If you prefer a vegan version, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the dough. You can also use maple syrup instead of coconut sugar.
#### 4. **Nut-Free Nut Butter Cookies**:
For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative that still offers a similar texture and flavor to traditional nut butters.
#### 5. **Cinnamon Spice Nut Butter Cookies**:
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor. These cookies are perfect for fall or winter.
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### Storing and Freezing Nut Butter Cookies
Nut butter cookies store well, making them a great option for meal prep or for having a sweet treat ready to go at any time. Here are some tips on storing and freezing your cookies:
– **Storing**: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too soft.
– **Freezing**: If you want to make a big batch of cookies, freezing the dough or baked cookies is a great option. To freeze cookie dough, roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at the same temperature, adding an extra minute or two of baking time.
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### Final Thoughts
Nut butter cookies are a perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert or a protein-packed snack, nut butter cookies can satisfy your sweet cravings without compromising your dietary goals. With the ability to experiment with different nut butters, mix-ins, and flavors, you can create a variety of unique cookies that will please everyone in your family.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a cookie, skip the store-bought options and make a batch of homemade nut butter cookies. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and delicious, making them a perfect treat for any occasion!
