The peanut butter blossom cookie is a popular treat, especially around the holidays. With its soft peanut butter base and a Hershey’s Kiss on top, it’s a favorite for many. But have you ever wondered how many calories are in just one of these delicious cookies? Let’s break down the calorie count and explore ways to make these cookies a little healthier without sacrificing flavor.
How Many Calories Are in One Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie?
A typical peanut butter blossom cookie contains around 100 calories. This number is based on an average serving size of 21 grams per cookie. The calorie count comes from a combination of peanut butter, butter, sugar, flour, and, of course, the iconic Hershey’s Kiss.
For more detailed information on cookie recipes, including calorie content, you can explore this guide on Earl Grey Cookies for another take on delicious, lower-calorie baked goods.
Caloric Breakdown of the Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients and their contribution to the total calorie count:
- Peanut butter: Adds about 19 calories per cookie due to its protein and fat content.
- Butter: Contributes around 21 calories, primarily from fat.
- Sugar: Adds roughly 5 calories per cookie, giving it sweetness.
- Hershey’s Kiss: Provides about 24 calories, which comes from the chocolate.
These ingredients come together to make peanut butter blossom cookies a delicious, but calorie-dense treat. If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, check out this Pumpkin Banana Loaf recipe, which offers a healthier, flavorful alternative.
Nutritional Value Beyond Calories
In addition to calories, here’s a closer look at the nutritional breakdown of a peanut butter blossom cookie:
- Total Fat: 5.5 grams, with 2.7 grams being saturated fat.
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams, 6.6 grams of which are sugar.
- Protein: 1.8 grams, thanks to the peanut butter.
- Sodium: 71 milligrams, making up 3% of the daily recommended intake.
Though these cookies are rich in fat and sugar, they also offer a small amount of protein from the peanut butter. For more information on balancing flavors and nutritional content, try this Muddy Buddies recipe, which adds a fun twist to peanut butter-based snacks.
Portion Control and Calories
One of the easiest ways to enjoy peanut butter blossom cookies while managing calorie intake is through portion control. Since each cookie has about 100 calories, eating two or three can quickly add up to 200-300 calories. To avoid overindulging, consider serving smaller portions or limiting yourself to just one or two cookies during holiday gatherings.
How to Make Lower-Calorie Peanut Butter Blossoms
If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count in your peanut butter blossom cookies, here are a few options:
- Substitute ingredients: Use low-fat peanut butter or reduce the butter in the recipe. You could also swap out sugar for a natural sweetener like Stevia.
- Smaller cookies: Making mini peanut butter blossoms is an easy way to reduce the calories per cookie.
- Dark chocolate: Replace the milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss with dark chocolate to slightly reduce calories and add antioxidants.
These small changes can significantly lower the calorie content while still delivering the same great taste.
Nutritional Comparison with Other Cookies
How does the peanut butter blossom compare to other popular cookies? Here’s a quick look:
- Sugar cookies: These generally have around 70-90 calories but are higher in sugar and lower in fat compared to peanut butter blossoms.
- Oatmeal cookies: Oatmeal cookies contain about the same number of calories as peanut butter blossoms, but they offer more fiber due to the oats.
- Chocolate chip cookies: Depending on the recipe, chocolate chip cookies can range from 80-120 calories, making them comparable to peanut butter blossoms in terms of calorie content.
For more on how different cookie recipes stack up nutritionally, check out the recipes available on Recipes Alyssa.
FAQs
How many calories are in a homemade peanut butter blossom cookie?
A homemade peanut butter blossom cookie typically contains about 100 calories.
What is the serving size for a peanut butter blossom cookie?
One cookie, weighing around 21 grams, is considered a standard serving size.
How can I reduce the calories in a peanut butter blossom cookie?
Use lower-calorie ingredients such as reduced-fat peanut butter or alternative sweeteners, or consider making smaller cookies.
Are peanut butter blossom cookies high in fat?
Yes, these cookies contain around 5.5 grams of fat, with 2.7 grams being saturated fat.
How many cookies can I eat without exceeding my calorie limit?
Two to three cookies would contribute 200-300 calories, so be mindful of your daily calorie needs.
Conclusion: Enjoy Peanut Butter Blossoms in Moderation
Peanut butter blossom cookies are a delicious treat, but they can add up quickly in terms of calories. By practicing portion control and making small changes to the recipe, you can still enjoy these cookies without overindulging. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a healthier alternative, these cookies are sure to be a hit during the holidays.
For more healthy snack options, explore other tasty recipes like the Pumpkin Banana Loaf or Muddy Buddies on Recipes Alyssa.