If you’ve ever wished for a peanut butter cookie that’s both incredibly easy to make and completely free from gluten, you’re in for a treat with this Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe. These cookies deliver that perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers, all while celebrating the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter without any flour in sight. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to when you want a quick, delicious dessert packed with personality and zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient is straightforward and plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing flavor, texture, or helping the cookies rise just right.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star player that provides richness, moisture, and that irresistible nutty taste.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp cookie exterior.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (lightly packed): Brings a subtle caramel note and chewy texture to the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a slight lift and lightens the texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional): Balances sweetness, especially if using unsalted peanut butter.
How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures it’s hot and ready when your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients Thoroughly
In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt if using. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully blended. This uniformity is key to getting that classic peanut butter cookie texture.
Step 3: Form Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Arrange these on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread as they bake.
Step 4: Create the Signature Crisscross
Gently flatten each cookie ball with a fork, pressing down to create a crisscross pattern. This step not only adds charm but helps the cookies cook evenly and achieve a perfect texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, watching closely for the edges to set and the top to start cracking. This indicates the cookies are baked through but still tender inside.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes right on the baking sheet—this helps them firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they keep their delicate texture without becoming soggy.
How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking can elevate the sweet and savory contrast beautifully. For a bit more indulgence, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate or adding a few mini chocolate chips on top after baking for that extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk (dairy or plant-based) or a warm cup of coffee or tea. Their rich peanut buttery flavor balances perfectly with creamy or slightly bitter beverages, creating a truly comforting treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a quick dessert. You can also sandwich them with a layer of chocolate ganache or your favorite jam for fun, bite-sized cookie sandwiches that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for quick snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is a great option. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their deliciousness.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives their soft center and makes the peanut butter aroma even more inviting.
FAQs
Are these cookies truly gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients, making it perfect for gluten-sensitive diets or anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add little bits of peanuts throughout the cookie, giving extra texture and nuttiness to each bite.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or your favorite egg replacer. Make sure your peanut butter and sugar are vegan-friendly as well for the best results.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Folding in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a handful of dairy-free mini chips adds delightful bursts of flavor and crunch without altering the simple preparation.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
There’s no need to chill the dough for this recipe since it’s easy to handle and bakes perfectly right away, saving you time without compromising the cookie’s quality.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe a try will undoubtedly earn you a spot in the peanut butter cookie fan club. It’s quick, simple, and yields irresistibly tender cookies that everyone will love, regardless of dietary needs. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these little bites of bliss with friends and family!
Print
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple, quick, and naturally gluten-free treat. Made without any flour, these soft and chewy cookies combine creamy peanut butter with a hint of vanilla and the perfect balance of sugars, resulting in a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, if peanut butter is unsalted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball to ensure even baking.
- Arrange and Flatten: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly using a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by verifying all ingredients contain no dairy.
- For added texture and flavor, consider folding in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the dough before baking.
