For all the peanut and nut allergy people out there (myself included), SunButter is such a blessing! These Sunbutter Cookies will not disappoint.
Growing up with a peanut allergy was the worst. Granted, I still prefer my peanut allergy over a wheat or dairy allergy, but still, allergies are the worst.
It’s no fun constantly having to check labels, worrying about cross contamination and missing out on those delicious peanut butter cookies my friends always used to have!
Luckily, there are some great peanut butter replacements out there. I love almond butter, but personally SunButter is my favorite. It’s a bit cheaper than almond butter and works great in a lot of different recipes.
Dan dan noodles are one of my favorite Sunbutter recipes, but recently I’ve been playing around with dessert recipes using Sunbutter and came up with this delicious, chewy SunButter cookies recipe.
Ingredients in SunButter Cookies
The ingredients are fairly similar to a classic peanut butter cookie, but of course instead of peanut butter we use SunButter. Also, there is less baking soda in this recipe, mostly because baking soda can turn the SunButter green.
- SunButter
- Butter
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- All purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
You can use the name brand SunButter or purchase a sunflower seed butter. They are both made of the same ingredients, but SunButter is made in an allergen free facility, meaning there is no risk of cross contamination. If you have a peanut or nut allergy, SunButter may be the best way to go.
What is SunButter made out of?
SunButter is made out of sunflower seeds and the process is similar to making nut butter. The sunflower seeds are blended until the oils are released and eventually they form a paste.
Typically, salt and sugar are added to the nut butter for flavor and they are available in natural, creamy or chunky varieties, similar to peanut butter.
Overall, SunButter is a great alternative to peanut butter if you are allergic, but are looking for a replacement that you can have.
Tip: Creamy SunButter works best for this recipe!
What does SunButter taste like?
It really just tastes like roasted sunflower seeds. When added to recipes or desserts it’s going to taste similar to peanut butter or almond butter, but this really just depends on the person.
If you haven’t tried sunflower seeds, it’s really just a roasted, nutty flavor. It is a rather strong flavor, just like any other nut butter, so you’ll definitely be able to detect it in a recipe.
How to make SunButter Cookies
The process to make SunButter cookies is fairly simple and pretty similar to the process of making peanut butter cookies.
Step 1: Add SunButter, softened butter, white sugar and brown sugar in a medium sized bowl. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Add eggs and combine again.
Step 3: Add all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir until combined.
Step 4: Form balls with the dough and add to a parchment lined cookie sheet. Use a fork to press the cookies down in both directions to form a lattice.
Step 5: Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let sit for 30 minutes or until cookies fully harden.
You may notice the cookies turn slightly green once cooled. This is because the SunButter reacts with the baking soda when baked. There is nothing dangerous about this and it’s completely ok to eat.
If this happens to you, try lowering the amount of baking soda used in the recipe next time you make the SunButter cookies. The cookies may not rise as much, but they won’t turn green.
Is it normal for cookies with SunButter to turn green?
SunButter can turn green when it interacts with baking soda in the cookie. There is nothing dangerous about this, so if the cookie does turn out a bit green, you don’t need to throw them out.
To prevent this, you just need to reduce the amount of baking soda you use in the recipe. Typically using half the amount works, but you may need to reduce it to ⅓. This particular recipe did turn green after being at room temperate for a day, so if you want to prevent this, reduce the baking soda.
Is SunButter healthier than peanut butter?
It really depends on your personal goals and what the rest of your diet looks like. There are a few key differences between SunButter and peanut butter we can discuss.
SunButter contains less saturated fat than peanut butter, but they both contain very little, so that’s not something to worry about. The main source of fat in both SunButter and peanut butter come from omega-6 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, both considered “healthy” fats.
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, 1 tbsp of SunButter contains more than 10% of your daily value of vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and selenium. 1 tbsp of peanut butter contains more than 10% of your daily value of only niacin and manganese.
Overall, SunButter is a bit more nutrient dense compared to peanut butter. It also has an especially high amount of vitamin E and selenium.
In general, SunButter is the more nutrient dense choice, but the differences aren’t huge. If you struggle to get enough vitamin E or selenium in your diet, SunButter may be the way to go.
How should I store these cookies?
If you want to keep them at room temperature, simply store them in an airtight container. They should be able to stay out for 1-2 days. You can also throw them in the freezer in an airtight container, just be sure to separate each cookie with parchment paper.
You can also store the dough if you have leftovers. You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container or bag for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer. As mentioned above, just make sure to separate each cookie with parchment paper so you grab each individually when you are ready to bake.
If you tried out this recipe and liked it, please comment below and share. Also remember to tag me on Instagram and TikTok!
Chewy SunButter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup SunButter creamy
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine SunButter, softened butter, white sugar and brown sugar in a medium sized bowl. Mix until combined.
- Add egg and mix again until combined.
- Add all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix until combined.
- Form dough into balls and add to parchment paper lined baking sheet. Use a fork to make a lattice and push down the cookies. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Let cool for about 30 minutes before serving
Notes
