Microwave Peanut Butter Cookie
Published July 4, 2021 • Updated March 15, 2026
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Craving something sweet but don't want a full batch? I make this microwave peanut butter cookie as a single serving. Six ingredients, one bowl, two minutes. No leftovers to fight.
I created this recipe because I needed a cookie I could make in two minutes without ending up with a dozen extras calling my name from the counter. Six ingredients, one bowl, and you’re done. No batch temptation, no willpower test.
The texture surprised me the first time. At 50% power, the microwave heats the dough slowly enough that the coconut flour absorbs moisture and sets up properly. Full power cooks the outside too fast and leaves the center raw. I made that mistake twice before figuring it out. When it comes out, the edges look barely done, almost too soft. That’s exactly right. Give it a full two minutes to cool and you’ll see the center firm up to this slightly chewy middle with edges that actually snap. One of my readers described it as “the center gets slightly chewy with edges that snap,” and that’s exactly the texture you’re going for.
The coconut flour is doing more than you’d think in this recipe. It’s the reason the cookie holds together instead of crumbling into a pile. I tested swapping it for an extra tablespoon of almond flour, and the result was noticeably softer with no crispy edge at all. Still edible, but a completely different cookie. If you have coconut flour on hand, use it. Two teaspoons is all it takes, and it’s what gives you a proper cookie instead of warm dough.
For a chocolate twist, press a few sugar-free chocolate chips (I use Lily’s) into the top before microwaving. They melt just enough to get gooey without going completely flat. If you want more keto dessert ideas, try my white chocolate macadamia cookie or my chocolate chip cookies for a full oven batch.
One thing I wish I’d known earlier: microwave wattage matters. Mine is 1100 watts, and two minutes at 50% power is perfect. If yours is closer to 700 watts, start with two minutes and add 15-20 seconds if the center still looks wet. The first time is a test run. After that, you’ll know your exact timing and it becomes automatic.
If you like the two-minute approach, my PB mousse handles the craving without any cooking at all. Or for something baked, the chocolate chip cookie recipe is my go-to full batch.
How to Make This Cookie
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Ingredients
2 tablespoons almond flour -
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
-
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
-
2 teaspoons coconut flour
-
2 teaspoons monk fruit blend sweetener
-
pinch of salt
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Mix peanut butter cookie dough
Combine almond flour, peanut butter, butter, coconut flour, sweetener, and salt in a small bowl. Use a fork to cut everything together until mixed.
Crisscross
Roll the dough into a ball and place on parchment paper. Press down with a fork in a crisscross pattern (the classic peanut butter cookie look).
Microwave instructions
Microwave at 50% power for 2 minutes. Let cool completely before handling. The cookie is delicate while warm and firms up as it cools.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros + Recipes →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap coconut flour for more almond flour?
I've tested this exact swap. An extra tablespoon of almond flour works, but the cookie comes out softer with less defined edges. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid than almond flour, so it's doing the structural work here. I still prefer it with both flours, but the almond-only version holds together if that's what you have on hand.
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
I haven't tried it in this exact recipe, but readers have reported it works. Coconut oil melts faster, so the dough will feel looser when you mix it. Chill it for a minute before shaping if that happens. It's also a good swap if you're keeping this dairy-free.
Does microwave wattage affect cook time?
Yes. My microwave is 1100 watts, and two minutes at 50% power is my sweet spot. If yours is closer to 700 watts, add 15-20 seconds. Watch for the edges to appear just barely set when the timer goes off. The cookie keeps cooking as it cools, so pull it out before it looks done.
Can I add chocolate chips before microwaving?
I use Lily's sugar-free chips and press a few into the top before microwaving. They melt just enough to get gooey without going completely flat. The timing at 50% power is gentle enough that the chips hold their shape. This is my favorite version.
Can I use powdered peanut butter?
I haven't tested the powdered version in this recipe, but the concept is sound. You'll need to add more liquid since it's drier than the natural spread. Start with an extra half tablespoon of softened butter and adjust from there. If you try it, let me know how it turns out.
What sweetener works best?
I use a monk fruit blend that measures 1:1 like sugar, and it's what I'd recommend for this keto recipe. Erythritol works too, though some people notice a cooling aftertaste. Allulose makes the cookie softer and more fragile. Any granular sugar-free sweetener will get you there.
How do I store extra dough?
I keep extra dough balls in a covered container in the fridge for up to three days. When I want one, I pull it out, let it sit for a minute, then microwave as usual. The texture is just as good from the fridge. I wouldn't freeze the dough, though, because the coconut flour gets grainy after thawing.
Why microwave at 50% power instead of full?
Full power cooks the outside before the inside has time to set. I learned that the hard way, twice. At 50%, the dough heats slowly enough for the coconut flour to absorb moisture and hold everything together. It's the difference between a cookie and warm crumbles.
One thing I figured out after a few attempts: 50% power actually matters. Full power cooked it unevenly, rubbery spot in the center. At half power it looks underdone when it comes out, but let it sit a few minutes and it firms up. Don't write off the first one.
Brought these to a little get-together this weekend and my friend (who actually bakes, like makes stuff from scratch) picked one up and said the texture reminded her of the soft peanut butter cookies her mom used to make. From a microwave. Two minutes.
That's the one that gets me every time. A scratch baker saying microwave cookies taste like her mom's. Two minutes and almond flour.
Peanut butter cookies were the one thing I kept missing after going keto. Two minutes, 4g net carbs. Close enough. Four stars because I ate two, which is probably on me.
Added some Lily's chips on top before microwaving and they melted just enough. Didn't think a two-minute cookie would actually work but it does.
Lily's chips melt perfectly in that timeframe. Just enough to get gooey without going completely flat. Good call.
First keto dessert attempt and I specifically picked this because I knew a full batch would be a problem. Watched it the whole two minutes through the microwave door at 50% power like it was going to explode. It puffed, settled, and when it cooled it had this legitimately crispy edge I was NOT expecting from a microwave. Four grams of carbs and it completely hit the craving. Quick question: can I swap in more almond flour if I'm out of coconut flour, or does the coconut flour do something specific to the texture? Already want to make this again tomorrow.
Coconut flour absorbs way more liquid than almond flour, so it's doing real work in the set. You can swap it with an extra tablespoon of almond flour but expect a softer edge. Still works, just less crispy.
About my eighth time making these, and by batch four I figured out that 'let it cool completely' isn't decorative. Tried one warm and it just fell apart. Wait it out and the center gets slightly chewy with edges that snap. That contrast keeps me coming back.
Warm ones crumble every time. Coconut flour keeps setting up after the microwave stops - I wait a full two minutes now before I even touch it.
Had no idea what to expect from a microwave cookie at 50% power. Mine came out with the crisscross still intact and the edges just barely set. Not bad for a Tuesday night craving.
Barely set on the edges is exactly right - it firms up in a minute or two once it's out. The crisscross holding is a good sign, means it wasn't overdone. Tuesday night craving solved.
These were very tasty. I made a couple substitutions as I didn’t have butter or coconut flour.
So, for 2 cookies I made the following changes / notes …
Notes: (double batch)
- Subbed 2 tsp phylum husk, 3 tsp water for coconut flour
- Subbed coconut oil for butter
- Added 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 min soft, 2:30 a bit of crunch
- Fridge to chill
I now have this recipe on a note on my iPhone and will make it when ever I have that need.
Psyllium husk instead of coconut flour, interesting. How was the texture? I've never tried that in this one but it makes sense for binding.
I just made these and they are so yummy and so easy. But they really do need to cool completely before eating. I couldn’t wait for them to cool and my first attempt end up being cookie crumbles 😃 but they were still delicious so I didn’t mind. Thanks for sharing!
Ha, warm it's basically just cookie dough at that point. The coconut flour needs a couple minutes to set once it comes out.
Can you use powdered peanut butter?
I haven't tried using powdered peanut butter. I'm sure it would work though - you may have to add more liquid.
I love this recipe, however, I’ve sadly concluded that I really need to avoid dairy. Can I sub coconut oil for the butter? Or is there enough oil in the pnb so as to not need to add extra? Thanks!
I haven't tried using coconut oil, but think it would work. If you try it let me know!
I have actually made 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies in microwave a few weeks ago ... 1 cup peanut butter, 1 large egg and 1/2 to 1 cup sugar. I've placed 12 balls (which I've then lightly pressed down with a fork) on a greased dinner plate. A bit brittle, but quick and yum. (My microwave is really 'weak' (700 watts), so use the above recipe's microwave directions and see.
I really enjoyed this recipe. I made one change. I added 2 Tsp Sukrin gold. This took care of my cookie craving. I’ve also tried your individual chocolate chip cookie recipe. Thanks a bunch!?
Jackie Kriley
Sukrin gold is a good call here. The brown sugar notes pair really well with peanut butter. Glad it hit the spot.