I don’t remember exactly where this recipe came from, but it has made its rounds among the preschool caterers and potluck preparers here in Valley City. Okay, it has made its rounds among the moms of Valley City, you know the ones who make snack for preschool and treats for endless potlucks, story hours, and new moms coming home from the hospital.
I have it written on the back of a Halloween party invitation, the recipe is on one half of the page and of course a grocery list is on the other.
Don’t Forget the Chocolate Chips!
I initially loved these cookies because they are absurdly easy, make a ton of cookies, and (bonus) have no dairy, but they have many other fantastic attributes like being gluten-free, easily adaptable to other ingredients like chocolate chips (I added 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chips to mine), and require no mixer (except your awesome biceps).
So if you are like me and have to bring cinnamon rolls to play group on Tuesday and snack to preschool on Wednesday and are thinking about just going out and buying something. Don’t do it. I’m willing to bet you already have all the ingredients for these cookies in your pantry and you will be done making them in the time it would take you to go to the store and back. Plus, you can sneak a couple right out of the oven without anyone knowing—they’re definitely going to notice the opened package of Oreos with half a row missing.

5 Ingredient Cookies {Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free}
Adapted from about 30 other moms whom shall remain nameless
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon. Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet, pressing down slightly. Leave about an inch or so between cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and still slightly soft in the middle. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 130Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 112mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 4g
can you substitute sugar or half of for apple sauce?
Hi Susanna,
Applesauce usually is a good substitute for the fat in baked goods as it adds moisture without the calories. I’ve never tried substituting it for sugar but you could certainly give it a try. I would start with 1/2 cup applesauce and 3 tbsp brown sugar and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. Give it a try and let me know how they come out!