I’m sharing a soft, protein-packed version of peanut butter cookies made with PB2—meaning they have fewer calories and still give you that classic peanut butter flavor. Topped with Nutella, flaky sea salt, and chopped peanuts, they feel indulgent yet light.

Easy PB2 Peanut Butter Cookies

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies satisfy my sweet tooth with less guilt. PB2 replaces traditional peanut butter, reducing fat and calories while still bringing rich flavor. The Nutella swirl and sea salt elevate them to a special treat, but I feel better knowing they’re lighter than regular cookies. They’re simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing—or not.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
– all-purpose flour
– baking soda
– kosher salt
– unsalted butter (room temperature)
– brown sugar
– egg (room temperature)
– PB2 peanut butter powder (rehydrated with water)
– vanilla extract
– optional: Nutella for topping
– optional: chopped peanuts and flaky sea salt for garnish

directions

I start by whisking the flour, baking soda, and salt together and set it aside. In another bowl, I cream the softened butter and brown sugar for about a minute. Then I mix in the egg and vanilla. Separately, I combine PB2 powder with water until creamy, then stir that into the wet mixture. I fold in the dry ingredients just until combined—no overmixing. I scoop the dough using a 2.75‑oz scoop onto a parchment-lined tray in a single layer, chill for 4 hours, then bake at 375 °F for 16–18 minutes. Once cooled completely, I top each cookie with a swirl of Nutella, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and a touch of flaky sea salt.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 15 cookies.

Prep (including chilling): around 4 hours 15 minutes
Cook time: 16–18 minutes
Total time: roughly 4 hours 31 minutes

Variations

I’ve swapped Nutella for a forked crisscross top when skipping the topping. Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before chilling gives a crisp edge. For more crunch, I add chopped peanuts into the dough instead of just sprinkling on top.

storage/reheating

I let the cookies cool fully before storing. I find they stay soft best when loosely stored on the counter for up to 3 days. If I keep them in the fridge, they last up to 5 days and retain that fresh texture nicely.

FAQs

Can I skip chilling the dough?

I don’t—chilling for 4 hours helps the cookies hold their shape. Without it, they’d spread too much.

Does PB2 really taste like peanut butter?

Yes—I’ve found once rehydrated with water, PB2 tastes surprisingly close to regular peanut butter in both flavor and texture.

Can I substitute regular peanut butter?

You can, but the recipe hasn’t been tested with it. PB2’s lower fat changes the dough behavior. If you swap it in, expect a different texture.

Do I need to grease the parchment paper?

No—I skip greasing. The cookies have enough fat from butter, and greasing can lead to burnt or darker bottoms.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

They’ll puff and look slightly underdone on top, but they set as they cool. Avoid over-baking to prevent burnt bottoms.

Can I substitute Nutella topping?

Yes—I’ve added a crisscross fork design instead, particularly when skipping the Nutella.

What’s the scoop size and serving detail?

Using a 2.75‑oz scoop gives 15 cookie dough balls, matching the 15 serving size.

How do I freeze these cookies?

I freeze them plain for best results—wrap individually then store in a container. With Nutella on top, I freeze them single-layer unwrapped for about an hour before wrapping.

Are these cookies still soft machine-chilled?

Yes—they maintain a soft, chewy texture even when chilled or stored, as long as they’re not crushed or overly pressed.

Conclusion

I can’t get over how “extra” these PB2 Peanut Butter Cookies feel, despite being lighter than my usual. They’ve quickly become a favorite for cookie lovers who want that classic PB flavor without overdoing it. Whether I’m meal-prepping, chilling with tea, or needing a quick pick-me-up, these cookies deliver every single time.