There is something truly magical about simple, comforting treats that bring joy with every bite and also happen to be gluten-free. These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe capture that magic perfectly. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, they are incredibly easy to whip up and deliver a chewy, tender texture brimming with rich peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or simply craving a delicious cookie without fuss, this recipe is a timeless favorite that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role—from the creamy peanut butter providing moistness and depth, to the baking soda helping the cookies rise just enough for that perfect bite.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that lends richness, moisture, and unmistakable peanut flavor; chunky peanut butter works too for extra texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Gives the cookies their sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for a tender yet sturdy structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with subtle aromatic notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A little lift to keep the cookies soft but not cakey.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Balances sweetness and rounds out the overall taste.
How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you get started, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your dough is prepared. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and the optional pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is incredibly smooth and looks beautifully blended—this is the stage where all the simple ingredients transform into cookie magic.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough, then roll them into neat little balls with your hands. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for gentle spreading. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating that classic crisscross pattern that’s as charming as it is functional.
Step 4: Bake with Care
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to watch them closely—the edges should turn a light golden color while the centers remain soft. Resist the urge to overbake since the cookies continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a chewy, tender texture that you’ll fall in love with.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they can set up properly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the flavors to deepen and textures to perfect. Now comes the best part: enjoy your homemade Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe with a big smile!
How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
Want to add a little extra flair? Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top right after you press the dough with your fork before baking. This contrast brings out the sweetness and enriches the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even herbal tea. The creamy, nutty flavor complements warm beverages perfectly, making them great for a midday snack or a relaxing dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of chocolate or vanilla frosting, or peanut butter cream. Serving them on a rustic wooden board alongside nuts and dried fruits can also elevate the experience for guests or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your freshly baked flourless peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats around longer, simply freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully and will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy a freshly baked feel, pop the cookies into a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. You’ll get that lovely softness and aroma back in no time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture and bits of peanut throughout your cookies, making every bite more interesting without compromising the overall taste.
Are these cookies suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Yes, this Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients, making it safe for those who avoid gluten.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener?
You can try alternatives like coconut sugar or maple syrup, but keep in mind this might slightly change the texture and flavor. Granulated sugar helps the cookies crisp up slightly on the outside.
What if I don’t have baking soda? Will it still work?
The baking soda helps to create a slight lift and tender texture, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it. Just expect your cookies to be a bit denser and less airy.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Make sure your peanut butter isn’t too oily and avoid overly flattening the dough balls before baking. Using parchment paper or silicone mats also helps keep their shape intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to satisfy a peanut butter craving while keeping things gluten-free, you truly can’t go wrong with this Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe. Its simplicity, quick prep, and irresistibly chewy texture make it a forever staple in my kitchen. I hope you’ll love making—and munching on—these as much as I do!
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Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy gluten-free treat made with simple pantry ingredients. Featuring creamy peanut butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, they offer a chewy texture and rich peanut flavor without any flour. Perfect for those seeking a gluten-free dessert or a tasty snack that’s ready in under half an hour.
Ingredients
Cookie 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 prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, large egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and an optional pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully homogenous.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Gently press each ball down with a fork in a crisscross pattern to flatten them slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake as the cookies will continue to firm up after removal.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For added texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free, but ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optionally add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variation.
