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Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Soft & Chewy Maple Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s something deeply comforting about peanut butter cookies — that rich, nutty aroma filling the kitchen and the slightly crisp edges giving way to a tender center. When you sweeten them naturally with maple syrup and lighten them up with wholesome ingredients like coconut, you get cookies that feel indulgent yet balanced. Maple syrup adds depth and warmth, while coconut lends subtle sweetness and texture without the need for heavy fats.

Below are **three low-fat peanut butter cookie recipes with maple syrup and coconut**, each with its own personality — chewy, crisp, and soft-baked — so you can choose the texture you love most.

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## 1. Soft & Chewy Maple Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are moist, lightly sweet, and beautifully tender thanks to maple syrup and a touch of unsweetened coconut. They’re lower in fat because we skip butter entirely and rely on natural peanut butter.

### Ingredients

* 1 cup natural peanut butter (well stirred)

* ⅓ cup pure maple syrup

* 1 egg

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* ½ cup whole wheat flour

* ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

* ½ teaspoon baking soda

* Pinch of salt

### Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, shredded coconut, baking soda, and salt.

4. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet.

6. Flatten gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern.

7. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.

### Why This Recipe Works

Maple syrup keeps these cookies soft because it retains moisture better than granulated sugar. The whole wheat flour adds fiber and structure without making them heavy. Coconut contributes texture and a hint of natural sweetness, allowing you to reduce added fats.

**Tip:** For extra chewiness, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.

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## 2. Crispy Coconut Maple Peanut Butter Thins

If you prefer a crisp cookie with a delicate snap, this version uses oat flour and lightly toasted coconut. They’re thin, golden, and perfect with afternoon tea or coffee.

### Ingredients

* ¾ cup natural peanut butter

* ¼ cup pure maple syrup

* 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (fat replacement)

* 1 egg white

* ½ cup oat flour

* ⅓ cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut

* ½ teaspoon baking powder

* ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

* Pinch of salt

### Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Lightly toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.

3. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, applesauce, and egg white.

4. Stir in oat flour, toasted coconut, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Drop small teaspoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet.

6. Flatten thinly with the back of a spoon.

7. Bake 9–12 minutes until edges are deeply golden.

8. Let cool completely for maximum crispness.

### Why This Recipe Works

Applesauce replaces additional fat while maintaining moisture. Using only egg white keeps the fat content lower. Oat flour gives a light, crisp texture and complements the maple flavor beautifully.

**Texture Tip:** The thinner you flatten them, the crispier they become.

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## 3. Flourless Maple Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free Option)

This recipe is wonderfully simple and naturally lower in fat. It uses no flour and minimal ingredients, allowing the peanut butter and maple syrup to shine.

### Ingredients

* 1 cup natural peanut butter

* ¼ cup pure maple syrup

* 1 egg

* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

* ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

* ¼ teaspoon baking soda

* Pinch of sea salt

### Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix all ingredients in one bowl until smooth.

3. Scoop dough into tablespoon portions onto a lined baking sheet.

4. Press gently with a fork.

5. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.

6. Cool completely before handling, as they firm up while cooling.

### Why This Recipe Works

Without flour, these cookies are naturally dense yet soft. Maple syrup provides a gentle sweetness without refined sugar. Coconut adds structure and subtle chew, helping the cookies hold together.

**Flavor Variation:** Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

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# How to Keep Peanut Butter Cookies Low-Fat

Even though peanut butter naturally contains fat, these recipes keep things lighter by:

* Eliminating butter or oil

* Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup

* Incorporing applesauce or egg whites where needed

* Adding fiber-rich flours (whole wheat or oat)

* Keeping portion sizes moderate

If you want to reduce fat further, consider using powdered peanut butter (rehydrated with water) to replace part of the regular peanut butter.

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# Choosing the Right Maple Syrup

For the best flavor, use 100% pure maple syrup — not pancake syrup. Dark maple syrup gives a richer, caramel-like taste that pairs beautifully with coconut and peanut butter.

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# Coconut Options

You can experiment with different coconut textures:

* Finely shredded for subtle texture

* Large flakes for chewiness

* Toasted coconut for deeper flavor

* Unsweetened coconut to keep sugar levels low

If you prefer a stronger coconut presence, you can add ¼ teaspoon coconut extract.

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# Serving Ideas

These cookies pair beautifully with:

* A warm mug of herbal tea

* Light coconut milk

* A smoothie made with banana and almond milk

* A drizzle of melted dark chocolate (for a slightly indulgent touch)

For a tropical-inspired dessert plate, serve alongside fresh pineapple slices or mango chunks.

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# Storage Tips

* Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

* Refrigerate for up to one week.

* Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

* Freeze dough balls for quick baking later.

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# Final Thoughts

Maple syrup and coconut bring a wholesome warmth to classic peanut butter cookies. Whether you love them soft and chewy, thin and crispy, or flourless and tender, these recipes offer lighter options without sacrificing flavor.

They’re proof that “low fat” doesn’t have to mean dry or bland. With the natural richness of peanut butter, the caramel notes of maple syrup, and the tropical sweetness of coconut, you get cookies that feel nourishing yet satisfying.

Friday, 20 February 2026

Coffee Chicken Recipes

Coffee and chicken may sound like an unusual pairing at first, but coffee’s deep, roasted richness enhances savory dishes in remarkable ways. When used in marinades, rubs, and sauces, coffee adds subtle bitterness, smoky depth, and complexity without overpowering the meat. Below are three flavorful coffee chicken recipes that transform everyday poultry into bold, satisfying meals.

## 1. Smoky Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Chicken

This recipe uses finely ground coffee as the backbone of a dry spice rub. The coffee intensifies the smoky notes of paprika and complements the natural sweetness of grilled chicken.

### Why It Works

Coffee contains natural compounds that deepen umami flavors. When combined with spices and grilled over heat, it creates a crust that locks in juices and adds a beautiful char.

### Ingredients

* 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)

* 2 tablespoons finely ground dark roast coffee

* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

* 1 teaspoon onion powder

* 1 teaspoon brown sugar

* ½ teaspoon black pepper

* ½ teaspoon salt

* 2 tablespoons olive oil

### Instructions

1. **Pat the chicken dry** with paper towels.

2. In a small bowl, mix coffee, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt.

3. Rub olive oil evenly over the chicken pieces.

4. Generously coat the chicken with the coffee spice mixture, pressing it into the surface.

5. Let marinate at room temperature for 20–30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

7. Grill chicken skin-side down first, cooking about 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

### Serving Ideas

Serve with grilled corn, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh cucumber salad. The slight bitterness of the coffee pairs beautifully with sweet or tangy side dishes.

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## 2. Honey Coffee Glazed Baked Chicken

This baked version balances coffee’s boldness with honey’s sweetness and a splash of soy sauce for savory depth. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for guests.

### Flavor Profile

The glaze caramelizes in the oven, forming a glossy, sticky coating. The honey softens the coffee’s bitterness while soy sauce adds complexity.

### Ingredients

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

* 1 cup brewed strong coffee (cooled)

* 2 tablespoons honey

* 1 tablespoon soy sauce

* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* Salt and pepper to taste

### Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, whisk together brewed coffee, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and olive oil.

3. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the coffee glaze over it.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through.

6. For a thicker glaze, remove chicken once cooked and simmer the remaining sauce on the stovetop until slightly reduced.

7. Spoon thickened glaze over chicken before serving.

### Serving Ideas

Pair with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the glaze. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans complement the sweet-savory flavor.

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## 3. Spicy Coffee Braised Chicken Thighs

This dish draws inspiration from slow-cooked comfort meals. The coffee is combined with tomatoes and spices to create a rich braising liquid that tenderizes the chicken.

### Why Braising Works

Coffee enhances tomato-based sauces by adding depth and reducing acidity. Slow cooking allows flavors to meld, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.

### Ingredients

* 6 bone-in chicken thighs

* 1 cup brewed dark coffee

* 1 cup crushed tomatoes

* 1 small onion, diced

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 teaspoon chili powder

* ½ teaspoon cumin

* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

* 1 tablespoon brown sugar

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* Salt and pepper to taste

### Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, sauté onion until softened.

5. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 30 seconds.

6. Stir in coffee, crushed tomatoes, and brown sugar.

7. Return chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s partially submerged.

8. Cover and simmer on low for 35–45 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.

9. Remove lid for the last 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.

### Serving Ideas

Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread. The sauce is rich and savory with a subtle coffee undertone.

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## Tips for Cooking with Coffee and Chicken

1. **Choose the right roast.** Dark roasts work best for savory dishes because they offer bold flavor without excessive acidity.

2. **Avoid overly coarse grounds** in dry rubs; fine grounds blend better into spices.

3. **Balance bitterness.** Coffee pairs well with sweet (honey, brown sugar), acidic (vinegar, citrus), and spicy (chili powder, paprika) ingredients.

4. **Don’t overpower the dish.** Coffee should enhance, not dominate, the flavor of chicken.

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## Nutritional Benefits

Coffee adds minimal calories but contributes antioxidants and rich flavor without heavy sauces. Using baking, grilling, and braising methods keeps the dishes balanced and lighter than deep-fried alternatives.

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## Final Thoughts

Coffee chicken recipes bring bold, sophisticated flavors to the dinner table. Whether you prefer the charred crust of a grilled coffee rub, the glossy sweetness of a honey coffee glaze, or the comforting richness of a braised tomato-coffee sauce, each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy chicken.

By experimenting with ground coffee or brewed coffee in savory cooking, you’ll discover how versatile this everyday ingredient can be. These three recipes provide a foundation, but you can customize spice levels, sweetness, and herbs to suit your taste. Once you try coffee in savory dishes, it may become a staple in your kitchen beyond the morning cup.