Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate quick-fix treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults, Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) are everything you could dream of and more. With only a handful of pantry ingredients, these cookies come together in mere minutes yet deliver an irresistibly chewy texture and rich, peanutty goodness with every bite. Plus, there’s absolutely no flour involved, so anyone following a gluten-free lifestyle can indulge without a second thought. Whether you love your cookies simple or loaded with chocolate chips, this recipe guarantees pure comfort in a single, golden cookie!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that a short ingredient list doesn’t have to mean dull results! Each element brings a burst of flavor, deepens the chew, and creates the perfect bite in these Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free).
- Peanut Butter: The creamy base gives these cookies their signature nutty flavor and dreamy texture—you can use natural or shelf-stable varieties, depending on whether you like a softer or a chewier cookie.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds crispness to the edges while sweetening the cookie just right.
- Light Brown Sugar: This touch of brown sugar deepens the flavor and helps keep the cookies moist and tender.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together so every bite holds up (and gives the cookies a little lift in the oven).
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds irresistible, warm notes.
- Baking Soda: Reacts with the peanut butter and sugar to provide just the right amount of spread and puff.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the peanut butter flavor sing.
- Optional Mini Chocolate Chips or Chopped Peanuts: For a little extra decadence or crunch, fold these in to take your cookies over the top.
How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, which keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting this all set before you mix ensures your dough doesn’t sit too long—it’s that quick to pull together!
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until the mixture is silky-smooth and completely blended. This creamy base sets the stage for rich flavor in every cookie.
Step 3: Add Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, add the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and a pinch of salt straight into your peanut butter mixture. Stir well until you achieve a thick, even dough—no flour needed! If you’re adding chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them in gently now for pockets of melty chocolate or extra crunch.
Step 4: Shape & Flatten
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls between your hands (the dough should feel pliable, not sticky). Arrange them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Take a fork and gently press down on each ball, then press again in the opposite direction to create that classic crisscross pattern—which also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your sheet into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for the edges to set while the centers still look just a touch underbaked—this is the secret to soft, chewy cookies! Resist the temptation to overbake, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they can settle—you’ll notice the aroma is out-of-this-world at this point. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long). Then dig in!
How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Garnishes
Add a spritz of fun by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top while the cookies are still warm—this sharpens every peanutty note. For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or even a dusting of cocoa powder makes them totally gift-worthy.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair delightfully with a glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of coffee for grown-ups. To turn them into a dessert platter, add fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic touch—think peanut butter and banana or peanut butter and jam combos!
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a gluten-free ice cream sandwich, or crumble them over sundaes and parfaits. They also make a pretty sweet homemade gift packaged in a jar or gift box—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and chewy for up to five days—which, honestly, is only if you manage not to eat them all on day one.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked, shaped dough balls and bake straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat a tray in a low oven (300°F) for 2-3 minutes. They’ll taste fresh-from-the-oven all over again, with gooey chocolate if you added chips.
FAQs
Are these cookies really gluten-free?
Yes! These cookies contain absolutely no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to check that all your added mix-ins, like chocolate chips or peanuts, are gluten-free if you need to be cautious for allergies.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more peanut bits and texture to Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free). If you’re a fan of texture, it’s a delicious variation.
Can I use a sugar substitute to make these lower in sugar?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite granulated sugar substitute. Just keep in mind that some substitutes may affect the cookies’ spread and overall texture, but the recipe is quite forgiving.
Will these cookies spread a lot during baking?
They’ll spread a bit, but not as much as traditional cookies with flour. For thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. For thinner, crispier cookies, bake right away.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully, so feel free to double (or even triple) the ingredients to make enough Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) for a crowd or for gifting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about baking and sharing Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)—they’re effortless, full of flavor, and made for bringing smiles. If you’re ready to treat yourself or surprise your loved ones with the perfect gluten-free cookie, give this recipe a whirl. You’ll never believe something so easy could taste this amazing!
Print
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies that are gluten-free, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. With a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of salt
- optional: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and well blended. Add the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt, then stir until a dough forms.
- Add optional ingredients: If using, fold in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts.
- Form and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and contain no flour.
- For a firmer texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use natural peanut butter for a softer, more tender cookie, or shelf-stable peanut butter for a classic chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
