Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies blend the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the wholesome texture of oats, creating a delightful treat that is both chewy and satisfying. Enhanced with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips, these cookies strike a perfect balance between traditional flavors and a modern twist. They are easy to make, perfect for a snack, and meet dietary needs by being naturally sweet without any refined sugars.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt to the mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
4. Fold in the rolled oats, dark chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, mixing until evenly distributed.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.