If you’ve been searching for a scrumptious treat that puts a twist on traditional cookies, this Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies bring together the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, all without a single grain of flour. Perfect for those avoiding gluten or anyone who loves a dense, chewy cookie that’s bursting with peanut buttery goodness, this recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious. Once you try these delightful bites, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s beautiful about this Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe is just how few and simple the ingredients are! Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect mix of sweetness, texture, and flavor.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: This creates the rich, nutty base and moisture essential to a tender cookie. Chunky peanut butter works well too if you want extra texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while helping to give them their slight crisp edge.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder that holds everything together and adds a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors and adds warmth to the cookie’s profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives just enough lift and lightness without making the cookies cakey.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Balances the sweetness and deepens the peanut butter flavor if you choose to include it.
How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures your cookies won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies with golden edges and a chewy center.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and granulated sugar first—this helps create a smooth blend before adding the egg. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and the optional pinch of salt. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, uniform dough. It’s quick and satisfying to see how these simple ingredients transform into cookie dough so effortlessly.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow gentle spreading. Press down lightly on each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern—this not only flattens the cookies but also adds that classic look peanut butter cookies are loved for.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Watch carefully, as you do not want to overbake—these cookies firm up while cooling and stay soft inside. This baking time ensures that wonderful chewy texture paired with just enough exterior crispness.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time is key to setting the texture so they stay intact when you bite into them. After cooling, these cookies are ready to be enjoyed, sharing smiles one peanut buttery bite at a time!
How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
While the cookies are delightful on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top can take them to the next level. Sprinkling crushed peanuts adds a pleasantly crunchy contrast, amplifying the peanut flavor and making each cookie feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe treats with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea—the creamy beverages complement the rich peanut butter perfectly. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries to balance the sweetness with vibrant tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, stack the cookies with parchment paper teared into squares between each for neatness. You can also assemble a cookie sandwich by spreading a thin layer of chocolate ganache or nut butter cream between two cookies. Packaging these in small mason jars or decorated tins makes for a charming homemade gift guaranteed to delight friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them chewy and fresh. If you want to maintain that just-baked softness, adding a slice of bread to the container can help lock in moisture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in a few minutes in the microwave.
Reheating
For a warm, freshly baked experience, gently reheat cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that perfect chewy texture and melts the peanut butter just enough to make every bite heavenly.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, though it might make the dough a bit softer due to its higher oil content. If using natural peanut butter, chilling the dough before baking can help maintain the cookies’ shape better.
Are these cookies vegan?
This particular Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe includes an egg, so it is not vegan as is. You could experiment with flax egg or other egg substitutes, but the texture may vary slightly from the original.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Toss in some chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even dried fruit to the dough before baking. Just be mindful that adding too many mix-ins could affect the baking time and texture slightly.
Why are these cookies flourless?
These cookies skip traditional flour to accommodate gluten-free diets and to highlight peanut butter as the star ingredient. The peanut butter itself acts as the foundation to create the cookie structure, resulting in a rich, chewy bite.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats is the best way to keep the cookies from sticking and helps ensure an easy cleanup, especially since these treats are quite soft when warm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe—it’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or a treat-yourself moment, these cookies deliver all the peanut butter goodness without any fuss. Give them a try and I promise they’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple, quick, and delicious gluten-free treat made with just a few ingredients. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, they combine creamy peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla into soft, chewy cookies with a classic crisscross fork pattern. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make a perfect snack or dessert option that requires no flour and minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or chunky for added texture)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies don’t stick and for easier cleanup.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt if using. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated into a homogeneous dough.
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out dough portions and roll them into balls. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each ball gently with a fork to create the traditional crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft; they will firm up more as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to enjoy their perfect texture.
Notes
- For chunkier texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- You can omit the pinch of salt for a less salty cookie or adjust according to your taste.
- Do not overbake; cookies will seem soft out of the oven but firm up as they cool.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free since they contain no flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
