Delicious & Healthy Peanut Butter Almond Oat Yogurt Bites: Flourless, No-Butter Cookies for Guilt-Free Snacking
Welcome back to the “30 Days of Cookies” series! If you’ve been following along on social media, you know that this entire month of November is dedicated to exploring the wonderful world of cookies. That’s 30 unique recipes, each developed, baked, photographed, edited, and written in just 30 days – a true labor of love for all cookie enthusiasts! For a complete overview of all the delightful treats in this series, make sure to visit our 30 Days of Cookies Archive page. Today marks Day 5, and we’re incredibly excited to share these amazing Peanut Butter Almond Oat Yogurt Bites, a truly special recipe that is completely flourless and butter-free. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at all the cookie-making madness, and be sure to link up your own cookie creations using the hashtag #30daysofcookies!
Now, I know what you might be thinking: another nut-based cookie recipe? I promise I’ll ease up on the nut-centric creations for next week’s posts, but I simply couldn’t hold back on sharing these fantastic bites. My journey into creating healthier, more mindful treats began a few months ago when I embarked on a kickboxing and strength training program. Part of this program involved adhering to a strict diet: high-protein, no butter, no refined sugar, no white flour, and absolutely no “bad” fats. As a passionate baker, my initial reaction was pure despair – it felt like a direct ban on all things delicious and cookie-related. My baking days seemed numbered.
However, it didn’t take long for that despair to transform into a challenge. I was determined to create a cookie that not only met these dietary guidelines but also satisfied my sweet tooth. The goal was to prove that “healthy” and “indulgent” aren’t mutually exclusive when it comes to baked goods. And so, these Peanut Butter Almond Oat Yogurt Bites were born! Before we dive too deep, let me clarify one crucial point: just because these cookies are made without flour, butter, or refined sugar, it doesn’t mean you should devour the entire batch in one sitting. While incredibly satisfying and made with wholesome ingredients, moderation is still key. But trust me, one or two of these delightful yogurt bites is perfectly enough to conquer any sudden peanut butter craving without an ounce of guilt.
The Secret to Flourless Baking: Harnessing the Power of Oats
For most of my baking life, white flour has been a staple in my pantry (and still is for many traditional recipes). So, the idea of crafting a delicious cookie without it presented a unique and exciting challenge. For these particular bites, I turned to oat flour, an ingredient that has become a game-changer in my healthier baking repertoire. What I love most about oat flour is how incredibly simple it is to make at home. All you need is a food processor and some quick oats. Just pulse the oats until they transform into a fine, powdery consistency, and voilà – you have fresh, homemade oat flour!
It’s important to note that oat flour tends to create a denser texture in baked goods compared to traditional wheat flour. So, if you’re envisioning a light and airy cookie, these might not be the exact ones you’re looking for. Instead, these Peanut Butter Almond Oat Yogurt Bites offer a wonderfully satisfying, chewy density that truly highlights their wholesome ingredients. They are the perfect solution when you’re deeply craving the rich, comforting taste of peanut butter but want to enjoy it in a way that aligns with your healthier eating goals, cutting back on the usual guilt associated with indulging in sweets.
Key Ingredients for Flavor, Moisture, and Structure
The magic behind these no-butter, flourless cookies lies in the clever combination of their simple, natural ingredients. The plain light yogurt and all-natural peanut butter play crucial roles, acting as the primary sources of moisture and healthy fats. Beyond just flavor, they are essential for binding the ingredients together, creating that perfect dense yet moist texture we crave. Unlike traditional butter, these ingredients contribute protein and beneficial fats, enhancing the nutritional profile of each bite.
To elevate the flavor and add an extra layer of texture, after rolling the dough into perfect little balls, we coat them in finely ground almond powder. This step infuses each cookie with a subtle, yet distinct almond note that perfectly complements the rich peanut butter. Once baked, you’re left with a “cookie” that stands apart from most. It boasts a unique texture – dense, incredibly moist, and bursting with a nutty peanut butter flavor that is truly satisfying. While delicious straight from the oven, I’ve found that these cookies truly shine after being chilled in the refrigerator or even the freezer for a short while. The chilling process allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully, creating an even more harmonious and delightful treat.
Peanut Butter Almond Oat Yogurt Bites (Flourless, No Butter Cookies)
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Ingredients
- 1 cup quick oats
- ½ cup all-natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup plain light yogurt light vanilla works, too
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butterscotch chips
- ¼ cup lightly salted almonds
- Optional: Additional 18-20 whole almonds for topping
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Instructions
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In a food processor, pulse quick oats (1 cup) until it is ground into a fine powder. Pour into a large mixing bowl.
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Add in all-natural peanut butter (½ cup), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), honey (1 tablespoon), plain light yogurt (¼ cup), and salt (⅛ teaspoon) and stir by hand until incorporated.
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Add in butterscotch chips (¼ cup) and continue to mix by hand.
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In a food processor, pulse lightly salted almonds (¼ cup) into a fine powder. Pour into a small bowl (this is for rolling the cookies in).
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Scoop cookie dough and roll into 1 tablespoon sized balls. Roll each ball in ground almonds.
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Place on cookie sheet and slightly flatten the tops of each cookie.
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Bake at 350℉ for 10 minutes. Immediately after baking, lightly press an almond on top of each cookie. Allow cookies to cool on hot pan for 10-15 minutes. Remove from tray and store for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving. If you do not plan to enjoy them within 3 days, place in freezer.
Don’t forget! If you loved this recipe, please leave a review and rating. Your feedback is invaluable and helps my small business continue to provide delicious, free recipes and high-quality content for all of you.
Nutrition
Embracing the “Healthy-ish” Baking Mission
These Peanut Butter Almond Oat Yogurt Bites are truly a revelation in my kitchen – they are the only no-butter cookies I’ve managed to create with consistent success so far! The old adage, “Butter makes everything better,” definitely holds a lot of truth, especially in the world of baking. The richness, moisture, and tender crumb that butter provides are hard to replicate. However, this success with our yogurt bites has fueled a new mission for me: to explore and discover even more “healthy-ish” cookie recipes throughout this ongoing series and beyond.
The challenge is real, but the reward of enjoying flavorful, satisfying cookies that also align with a healthier lifestyle is immense. It’s about finding creative ways to achieve that delicious taste and texture without relying on traditional, often heavy, ingredients. This journey is about expanding our baking horizons, proving that mindful indulgence is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. I am committed to finding and sharing these innovative recipes, so we can all enjoy the pleasure of homemade cookies without compromising our well-being.
Stay tuned for more exciting recipes in the “30 Days of Cookies” series. Whether you’re looking for a quick, wholesome snack, a post-workout treat, or just a delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings, these Peanut Butter Almond Oat Yogurt Bites are a fantastic choice. Give them a try, and let me know what you think! Happy baking!
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