Quick Answer
The number of calories in a Panera bread cookie can vary depending on the specific type of cookie. On average, most Panera cookies contain between 250-400 calories per cookie. Some of the more calorie-dense options like the chocolate chipper and oatmeal raisin cookies contain around 400 calories. Lighter options like the shortbread cookie have closer to 250 calories.
Calories in Different Types of Panera Cookies
Here is a breakdown of the approximate calorie counts for different cookie varieties at Panera Bread:
| Cookie Type | Calories (per cookie) |
|---|---|
| Chocolate chipper cookie | 410 |
| Oatmeal raisin cookie | 400 |
| Peanut butter cookie | 340 |
| Shortbread cookie | 250 |
| Sugar cookie | 330 |
| Gingersnap cookie | 300 |
| Double chocolate cookie | 250 |
As you can see, the calorie content ranges from a low of 250 calories per cookie for the shortbread, up to 410 calories for the chocolate chipper.
The oatmeal raisin and chocolate chipper varieties tend to be higher in calories because they contain more fat from ingredients like butter, chocolate chips, and raisins. The shortbread is lower in calories because it has less fat and is primarily made from flour, sugar, and butter.
So if you are looking for a lighter Panera cookie option, your best bet is to go for shortbread or double chocolate. For a more indulgent treat, the chocolate chipper and oatmeal raisin pack the most calories.
Factors That Influence Cookie Calories
Why do some cookies have more calories than others at Panera? Here are some of the main factors that determine the calorie content:
Ingredients
– Fat: Cookies made with high-fat ingredients like butter, oil, chocolate chips, and nuts will be higher in calories than low-fat cookies. Fat has 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for carbs and protein.
– Sugar: Sugary ingredients like white sugar, brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup can quickly increase the calorie count. Sugar has 4 calories per gram.
– Calorie-dense mix-ins: Ingredients like raisins, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips pack a lot of calories into a small amount of space.
– Whole grains: Cookies made with whole grain flour like whole wheat may be slightly higher in calories than refined flour.
Portion Size
The larger the cookie, the more calories it will contain. Panera’s cookies are quite large, ranging from 2-4 ounces each.
Preparation Method
– Cookies that are softer and more cake-like tend to have more fat and calories than crunchy, crispy cookies.
– Cookies made using creaming method (beating sugar into softened butter) derive more calories from fat.
– Dropped cookies that are scooped into balls and baked result in crisp edges and lower fat content.
Serving Temperature
– Warm cookies straight from the oven tend to have higher calorie density than cooled cookies. The fat is softer when warm.
– Room temperature and chilled cookies (like shortbread) often have less calories.
Nutritional Information for Panera Cookies
To get the full nutritional breakdown, check Panera’s website or app for the latest numbers on all their cookie varieties.
As an example, here are the nutrition facts for their chocolate chipper cookie (based on November 2022 data):
Chocolate Chipper Cookie (1 cookie)
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 61g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 40g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 4g
As you can see, the high calorie count comes from the significant amounts of fat (18g) and carbs (61g). The chocolate chips, butter, sugar and flour in this cookie add up fast!
Compare that to the nutrition facts for Panera shortbread cookie:
Shortbread Cookie (1 cookie)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 16g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
The shortbread has less fat (12g vs 18g) and carbohydrates (34g vs 61g), resulting in lower calorie count per cookie.
How Panera Bread Cookie Calories Fit into a Diet
Now that you know the calorie content of Panera cookies, how do they fit into a balanced diet?
Here are some tips for enjoying Panera cookies in moderation as part of healthy eating pattern:
– Stick to just 1 cookie as a dessert or snack rather than consuming multiple cookies in one sitting. Even their lighter shortbread has 250 calories which can add up fast.
– Pair your cookie with a source of protein like Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts to help fill you up. The protein will help slow down the spike in blood sugar from all the cookie carbs.
– Drink water with your cookie instead of pairing it with a sugary soda or latte drink. Skip the extras like chips or spreads which further drive up calories.
– Share your cookie with a friend or loved one. Splitting it cuts the calories in half.
– Consider the cookie a special treat and limit frequency to a few times per week at most, rather than daily indulgence.
– Be mindful of your overall calorie target for the day. If enjoying a 400 calorie chocolate chipper cookie, look to balance it out with lighter meals and snacks.
– Don’t deprive yourself either – allowing a sensible cookie treat is part of balanced approach to eating. Just practice portion control.
Healthier Panera Cookie Alternatives
If you love cookies but want to lighten up your snack, Panera offers some healthier alternatives:
– Petite Double Chocolate Cookie: At 140 calories, it’s less than half the size of a regular cookie.
– Petite Shortbread Cookie: The mini version clocks in at just 110 calories.
– Brookie: This brownie-cookie hybrid is smaller in size with around 180 calories.
– Madeleines: These light butter sponge cakes are a French cookie alternative at just 50 calories each.
– Whole Grain Roll: Go for a whole wheat roll topped with a smear of peanut butter for a more nutritious option.
– Fresh Fruit Cup: Choose a refreshing fruit cup packed with fiber and vitamins.
– Yogurt Parfait:Greek yogurt layered with berries and granola makes for a protein-rich pick.
So next time your cookie craving strikes at Panera, use these tips to make smart choices and indulge in moderation!
Tips for Reducing Calories in Homemade Cookies
When baking cookies at home, there are also steps you can take to lighten up the calorie and fat content:
– Use nut or seed butters instead of some or all of the butter/oil called for in recipes. This removes saturated fat.
– Replace some of the white sugar with lower calorie sweeteners like pureed fruit, honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
– Swap a portion of all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond flour. This adds fiber and protein.
– Use mini chocolate chips instead of regular size chips. You’ll use fewer per cookie saving calories.
– Skip high-fat mix-ins like caramel or candy pieces. Stick to lighter ingredients like raisins or cranberries.
– Make cookies thinner and smaller in diameter. They’ll have less dough per serving and crispy edges.
– Bake cookies 1-2 minutes less than the recipe states. They’ll be crisper and lower in fat.
– Store cookies in the fridge or freezer. The chilled temperature causes fats to solidify resulting in fewer calories.
With some easy baking subs and adjustments, you can enjoy healthier homemade cookies without all the added calories and fat!
Conclusion
Panera’s cookies range from around 250 calories for their shortbread up to 410 calories for the chocolate chipper. Ingredients, portion size, and preparation method influence the calorie content. While Panera’s cookies are a delicious indulgent treat, be mindful of your overall calorie goals. Stick to one cookie at a time, balance with lighter meals, and complement your cookie with a protein source to help control blood sugar. Going for a petite size or splitting with a friend can cut the calories in half. For a healthier option, try fresh fruit or Greek yogurt instead. By practicing moderation and portion control, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while maintaining balanced nutrition!