Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
There’s something undeniably magical about baking a batch of Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free). With no flour or fancy ingredients in sight, these cookies are the very definition of fuss-free baking. They’re delightfully crisp at the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with bold, roasty peanut butter flavor. Every bite is a sweet, salty, and totally satisfying treat — and the best part is, anyone can whip them up in less than half an hour! If you want a crowd-pleasing dessert you can share with friends (or keep all to yourself), look no further.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these cookies is in their simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples, each one playing a crucial role in creating that irresistibly chewy texture and deep nutty taste. No gluten, no flour, just pure peanut buttery goodness.
- Creamy peanut butter: Use a good-quality peanut butter, as it’s the main flavor and provides the smooth, rich base for the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps give them those classic crispy edges and chewy centers.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds to the cookie’s tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out and balances the bold peanut butter flavor for a bakery-style finish.
- Baking soda: Adds a touch of lift, keeping your cookies from turning out too dense.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness—especially if your peanut butter is unsalted.
- Extra sugar for rolling (optional): Creates a sparkly, crackled finish and extra sweetness in every bite.
How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This tiny step is your secret to perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick — no scraping or cursing required. The parchment creates an even bake and makes clean-up a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, large egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda. If you love a balanced sweetness, add a small pinch of salt right now. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, stir everything together until you have a thick, glossy, uniform dough that smells downright irresistible.
Step 3: Shape and Roll
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each one into a ball with your hands. If you’re a fan of that sparkly, old-fashioned bakery look, roll each ball in a shallow dish of extra sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space them about two inches apart—these beauties will spread out a little as they bake.
Step 4: Crisscross the Tops
Take a fork and gently press down on each cookie ball, first one way then the other, so you get that classic crisscross peanut butter cookie pattern. This step isn’t just for looks; it also helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that signature homemade charm.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are just turning golden. The centers might look a little soft when you first take them out, but that’s exactly what you want—they’ll firm up as they cool, staying chewy and delightful inside.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. That first bite, warm and fragrant, is always pure peanut butter bliss!
How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Garnishes
If you’re feeling a little fancy, these cookies shine with a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking or a scattering of mini chocolate chips pressed in before they go in the oven. For a playful twist, try drizzling them with a little melted dark chocolate — it’s a combo that never disappoints.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a warm mug of coffee, or (my personal favorite) a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their sweet-savory richness means they also go well with fresh berries or a crisp apple salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) in a mason jar for a charming homemade gift, or sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate gluten-free ice cream sandwich. They also make excellent crumbled toppings for yogurt parfaits or chocolate pudding—just crumble and sprinkle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay perfectly chewy with crisp edges, and their peanut buttery aroma will continue to tempt you every time you pass by the kitchen.
Freezing
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) are freezer-friendly wonders. Cool them completely, then stash in a zip-top bag or storage container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste freshly baked.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked goodness, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The heat will soften them up and bring out the aroma, making every bite feel like a fresh batch from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra bits of peanut in each bite, giving your cookies a lovely texture and even more peanut flavor. Just be aware, the cookies might spread a little less, making them slightly thicker.
Are these cookies safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, as long as your peanut butter, vanilla, and baking soda are certified gluten-free, these Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) are naturally safe for those avoiding gluten. Always double-check labels to make sure no stray gluten sneaks in.
Can I make this recipe with a sugar substitute?
You can! Many people have had success swapping in coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a granulated sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Just keep in mind that texture and sweetness levels may vary a bit depending on your swap.
Why did my cookies turn out dry or crumbly?
If your cookies are dry, it’s usually because they were baked a tad too long, or the peanut butter was very thick/firm to start. Try baking them for the shorter end of the suggested time, and don’t skip that five-minute cooling rest on the baking sheet.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even some dried cranberries right after mixing your dough. Just don’t overload them — about 1/2 cup total mix-ins for the recipe works perfectly and keeps them from falling apart.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving something sweet, simple, and guaranteed to please, Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) are a must-bake. There’s something special about sharing a classic treat that’s both easy and inclusive — perfect for anyone, anytime. I hope you give this recipe a try, and that it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen (and your heart) like it is in mine!
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Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful gluten-free treat that’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. They are perfectly sweet, chewy, and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda until smooth. Add salt if desired.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat with sugar if preferred. Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and require no flour.
- For a variation, consider adding mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
