Peanut butter is a pantry staple for many families. While this nut spread may be best known for its use in sandwiches with a layer of jam, it is also an excellent baking ingredient thanks to its healthy fats. Here’s a heart-healthy version of a holiday cookie: peanut butter oat bran cookies sweetened with maple syrup. For some extra holiday magic, the cookie gets half-dipped in dark chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup oat bran
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- Optional – ¼ cup dark chocolate melting wafers
- Optional – 2 Tbsp. red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until smooth, then add all other ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Roll 2 tablespoons into balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets; flatten with a fork.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Warm dark chocolate wafers until texture is smooth and runny. Dip half of the cookie in the chocolate, then drizzle over green and red sprinkles on the chocolate part only.
Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.
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