Irresistible Kodiak Cakes Peanut Butter Cookies: Your New Healthy Obsession
Craving a delightful treat that’s both satisfying and smart? These Kodiak Cakes Peanut Butter Cookies are about to revolutionize your snack game! Forget classic peanut butter cookies laden with refined flours and minimal nutritional value. Our innovative recipe transforms your favorite pancake mix into wholesome, high-protein cookies that don’t compromise on flavor or texture. Made with the goodness of whole grains, these cookies offer a healthier twist, perfect for those seeking balance in their diet or simply looking for a more nutritious indulgence.
Discover the secrets to crafting these incredible pancake mix cookies. We’ll guide you through every step, from selecting the right ingredients to achieving that perfect chewy-crisp balance. Whether you’re adapting them for specific dietary needs like Weight Watchers or elevating them with a handful of chocolate chips for an extra decadent bite, these cookies are incredibly versatile and endlessly delicious. Prepare to fall in love with a cookie that truly delivers on taste, health, and ease!
Can you truly make cookies with pancake mix? The answer is a resounding yes! If you appreciate the rich, comforting taste of peanut butter cookies but desire a healthier alternative packed with protein and whole grains, then these pancake mix peanut butter cookies are exactly what you’ve been searching for. Get ready to bake a batch that will surprise and delight everyone who tries them.
š„ Essential Ingredients for Kodiak Cakes Peanut Butter Cookies
Crafting these healthy and delightful cookies starts with a carefully selected list of ingredients. The star, of course, is Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes mix, which brings its signature blend of whole grains and protein to our recipe. Hereās what youāll need to gather to make your batch of Kodiak pancake mix cookies:
- 130 grams Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack and Waffle Mix (approximately 1 cup) – This is the foundation of our high-protein, whole-grain cookies. Its wholesome composition sets these cookies apart from traditional versions.
- Ā¼ cup peanut butter (I recommend creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture, but crunchy peanut butter works wonderfully if you prefer an added textural dimension and nutty crunch.)
- 3 tablespoons butter (softened to room temperature for easier creaming and a uniform dough consistency.)
- 90 grams packed light brown sugar (roughly 6 2/3 tablespoons) – Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also moisture and a lovely chewiness to the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon milk (any type of milk will do, whether dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, to help bind the dough.)
- Ā½ teaspoon vanilla extract (a touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding warmth and depth to your cookies.)
- 1 large egg white (contributes to the cookie’s structure and helps achieve a slightly lighter texture without adding extra yolk fat.)
You can find a comprehensive, printable recipe card with all the details at the end of this article.
Beyond the delicious ingredients, having the right tools in your kitchen can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful baking experience. For these Kodiak Cakes peanut butter cookies, youāll also need the following essential kitchen equipment:
- Food Scale: Crucial for accurate measurement of dry ingredients like flour and sugar, ensuring consistent results every time you bake.
- Electric Hand Mixer: Simplifies the creaming of butter and sugar, making the dough light and airy.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniformly sized cookies, leading to even baking and a professional appearance.
- Parchment Paper (or a silicone baking mat): Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Light Cookie Sheet: A lighter colored baking sheet helps prevent the bottom of the cookies from browning too quickly.
- Fork: Essential for creating the classic crisscross pattern on peanut butter cookies, which also helps them bake evenly.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air circulation around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy as they cool.
And, of course, you’ll need a reliable oven! While volume measurements are common in the US, I highly recommend using a food scale to weigh your dry ingredients for this recipe. This practice, common in professional baking, significantly improves precision and helps you achieve consistent, perfect cookies batch after batch.
ā How to Make Irresistible Kodiak Peanut Butter Cookies
Ready to bake? Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create the most delicious cookies with pancake mix. Precision and patience are key to achieving perfect, soft, and chewy results.
Begin by weighing the Kodiak Cakes mix and light brown sugar precisely using your food scale. This ensures the correct ratio of dry to wet ingredients, critical for the cookie’s texture. Set these aside for later use.
Preheat your oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C). Proper oven temperature is vital for even baking and prevents cookies from spreading too much or becoming dry.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to cream these ingredients together until they are well-blended and creamy. Once combined, gently beat in the egg white until just incorporated, ensuring not to overmix.
Gradually add the pre-measured Kodiak pancake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed with your hand mixer until the dry ingredients are just blended into the wet, and no streaks of dry mix remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Using a cookie scoop, form rounded tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough. Place these dough balls approximately 2 inches (5cm) apart on a light baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Take a fork and gently flatten each cookie twice, creating the characteristic crisscross pattern. This helps the dense peanut butter dough cook more evenly.
Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes on a rack positioned about 1/3 down from the top of the oven. You’ll know they’re done when the outsides appear set and the bottoms are just beginning to show a hint of golden brown. (Pro Tip: They might look slightly undercooked when you first pull them out of the oven. This is perfectly normal and actually the secret to achieving wonderfully soft and chewy peanut butter cookies!)
Allow the freshly baked Kodiak Cakes peanut butter cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes. This brief resting period allows them to set further and makes them less prone to breaking. After this, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy the enticing aroma!
Storing Your Delicious Kodiak Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are wonderful enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. To maintain their freshness and delightful texture, store them properly. They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator if you wrap them individually in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
For longer storage, leftover cookies also freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, placing a piece of parchment paper or freezer paper between each cookie to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply transfer them to the refrigerator for about 24 hours to thaw slowly. You can also briefly warm them in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Peanut Butter & Pancake Mix Cookies
Should you refrigerate peanut butter cookie dough before baking?
Generally, refrigerating cookie dough for at least an hour before baking is a good practice if you’ve had issues with cookies spreading too much. Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, which helps the cookies hold their shape better in the oven. While I don’t typically chill the dough for this specific recipe, it can be a helpful step, especially if you live in a warmer climate or find your cookies are spreading more than desired. A chilled dough also develops deeper flavors!
Why did my peanut butter cookies come out flat?
Flat peanut butter cookies are a common baking woe, often attributed to an oven that’s too hot or dough that was too warm before baking. When the oven is too hot, the butter melts too quickly before the cookie has a chance to set, causing it to spread. To prevent your peanut butter cookies from spreading excessively, consider refrigerating the dough for 30-60 minutes before scooping and baking. Additionally, ensure your butter isn’t *too* soft; it should be softened but still hold its shape.
Why are my peanut butter cookies dry and crumbly?
If your peanut butter cookies are dry and falling apart, it’s usually the result of one of two things: overcooking or skimping on the fat content. Overbaking removes too much moisture, leaving them crumbly. The fat from peanut butter and butter is essential for moisture and tenderness. To prevent dry peanut butter cookies, make sure to follow the baking time specified in the recipe closely, pulling them out when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. Also, ensure you measure your fats accurately and don’t reduce them.
Why do all peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The iconic crisscross pattern on peanut butter cookies isn’t just for aesthetics! Peanut butter cookie dough is typically denser than other cookie doughs. Creating these hash marks with a fork serves a practical purpose: it helps to flatten the dough slightly, ensuring the cookies cook more evenly throughout. Without these marks, the centers might remain underbaked while the edges burn. It’s a classic sign of a perfectly baked peanut butter cookie!
Can you use pancake mix as flour?
Yes, in many baking applications, you can successfully substitute pancake mix for flour. Specifically, Kodiak Cakes mix is a fantastic substitute for self-rising flour in most recipes because it already contains leavening agents (like baking powder). If a recipe calls for plain all-purpose flour plus separate leavening (like baking powder and baking soda), you can often substitute the pancake mix for both the flour and the leavening, adjusting other wet ingredients as needed for consistency.
How to make gluten-free Kodiak Cake peanut butter cookies?
For those seeking a gluten-free option, Kodiak Cakes offers an excellent alternative: the Kodiak Cakes Frontier Oat Mix. This mix is specifically designed to be gluten-free, providing a wholesome base for your cookies. Simply substitute the buttermilk Power Cakes mix with the Frontier Oat Mix in this recipe. While the texture might vary slightly, you’ll still achieve delicious, protein-packed gluten-free Kodiak peanut butter cookies!
š„ More Kodiak Power Cakes Recipes to Explore
Loved these Kodiak Cakes peanut butter cookies? The versatility of Kodiak Power Cakes mix extends far beyond pancakes and waffles! If you’re looking for more delicious and healthy ways to incorporate this fantastic mix into your diet, try these other popular Kodiak Cakes recipes:
- Kodiak Cakes Banana Muffins: Moist, flavorful, and packed with protein for a great start to your day.
- Blueberry Protein Muffins: Bursting with blueberries and offering a significant protein boost, perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
- Kodiak Cakes Banana Bread: A high-protein take on a classic comfort food, wonderfully moist and satisfying.
- Kodiak Cakes Waffles: Fluffy, crispy waffles that are perfect for a hearty breakfast.
- Protein Biscuits: A savory option that’s great alongside a meal or as a standalone snack.
šŖ Craving More? Explore These Delicious Cookie Recipes
If you’re a cookie enthusiast, we’ve got you covered with a variety of irresistible recipes that are sure to satisfy any craving. From classic favorites to unique twists, find your next baking adventure here:
- Kodiak Cake Cookies: Discover another fantastic way to use Kodiak Cakes mix in this delightful chocolate chip cookie recipe.
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe: A quick and easy way to make peanut butter cookies without condensed milk, perfect for small batches.
- Pizza Hut Hot Cookie Dough: Recreate the beloved restaurant dessert experience at home.
- Air Fryer Sugar Cookies: Simple, sweet, and perfectly baked sugar cookies using your air fryer.
- Biscoff Butter Cookie Recipe: Indulge in the spiced, caramel-like flavor of these unique cookies.
Watch How to Make It!
Click here to watch the recipe video!
Kodiak Cakes Peanut Butter Cookies (Pancake Mix Cookies)
Summer Yule
Print Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix, buttermilk flavor (130 grams)
- Ā¼ cup peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6ā tablespoons light brown sugar (90 grams)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Ā½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg white
Instructions
- Weigh the Kodiak Cakes mix and brown sugar with a food scale. (Don’t use measuring cups to measure these!) Set them aside for now.
- Preheat the oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C).
- Cream peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl using the medium speed on a hand mixer. After it is combined, gently beat in the egg white.
- Add in the Kodiak pancake mix at low speed until it is just blended.
- Use a cookie scoop to make rounded tablespoon size balls of cookie dough. Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart (5cm) on a light parchment-lined baking sheet. Partially flatten each cookie twice with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
- Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes on a rack ā down from the top of the oven. When done, the outsides of the cookies should be set and the bottoms should just be beginning to brown. (Note: they look undercooked coming out of the oven. This is the secret to soft peanut butter cookies!)
- Let the Kodiak Cakes peanut butter cookies cool for 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finishing cooling.
Equipment
- Food Scale
- Hand Mixer
- Cookie Scoop
- Parchment Paper
- Light Baking Sheet
- Cooling Rack
Notes
š Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Are Kodiak peanut butter cookies healthy? Cookies made with Kodiak Cakes mix instead of flour do contain more protein and fiber than regular cookies.
However, these easy peanut butter cookies still contain plenty of sugar and butter, and (since most of us donāt stop at one) arenāt a low calorie choice. I wouldnāt consider them the best snack if youāre on a weight loss journey. In short, theyāre still cookies, and meant to be enjoyed only occasionally as a treat.
Hereās a nutritional comparison of using Kodiak mix versus white flour in this peanut butter cookie recipe. Weāre comparing one cookie (1/12 of the entire recipe):
| Nutrient | Kodiak Cakes Peanut Butter Cookie | Peanut Butter Cookie made with AP Flour* |
| Calories | 125 | 125 |
| Total Carbs (g) | 15.1 | 16.3 |
| Fiber (g) | 1.2 | 0.5 |
| Net Carbs (g) | 13.9 | 15.8 |
| Total Fat (g) | 5.9 | 5.4 |
| Protein (g) | 4 | 2.8 |
*Youāll also need to add baking soda for this version.
As you can see in this nutritional info, there really isnāt a huge difference per cookie in making this nutritional swap. That said, Kodiak Cakes does offer more protein than many other types of baking mix, such as Bisquick. The differences are more pronounced if you tend to eat large portions of cookies.
Nutrition information is for one serving.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please donāt sweat the numbers too much.
āTo tasteā means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please donāt eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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