If you’re craving a quick homemade treat that’s packed with flavor but free from gluten, look no further than these Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free). They come together in minutes with only a handful of pantry staples and result in little rounds of sweet, nutty perfection. These cookies have a tender center, crisp edges, and an irresistible peanut butter aroma that floats through your kitchen as they bake. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes I find myself making on repeat — easy enough for a spontaneous snack, but delicious enough to share at gatherings. Get ready to fall in love with a cookie that checks all the boxes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about these cookies is how foolproof and minimal the ingredient list is. Each item serves a clear purpose, from binding to flavor, making every bite truly delightful with no unnecessary extras.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter gives these cookies their rich, nutty base and holds everything together without flour.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and also adds a subtle crunch on the edges after baking.
- Large egg: The egg acts as the binder, ensuring the cookies set up beautifully without any gluten.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and brings a sense of homemade warmth.
- Baking soda: Just half a teaspoon helps the cookies spread slightly and develop that perfect tender texture.
- Pinch of salt: Don’t skip this! Salt enhances all the nutty, sweet flavors and balances the sugar.
How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this helps ensure even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking, so cleanup is a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Grab a medium mixing bowl. Add the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and that pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, with no streaks of egg or dry sugar left.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Place each ball about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet — these cookies spread slightly, so give them a little room to breathe.
Step 4: Make the Signature Crisscross
Using a fork, gently flatten each dough ball while pressing a crisscross pattern into the top. This not only gives that classic look you remember, but it also helps the cookies bake more evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye out — you want the edges to be set while the centers are slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool, developing that magical melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right as the cookies come out of the oven makes the flavors pop even more. Or, drizzle with some melted dark chocolate once cooled for a decadent twist that balances the rich nuttiness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) with a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of coffee for the ultimate comfort combo. If you’re throwing a dessert party, serve them alongside fresh fruit platters for a colorful, wholesome touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies and tie them with a pretty ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. For a fun dessert platter, sandwich ice cream between two cookies, or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and roll in chopped nuts. These cookies don’t just taste good — they can be the star of your edible creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tender for up to five days — if they last that long! Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid any sogginess.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Both the baked cookies and the raw dough freeze beautifully. For cookies, layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. For dough, scoop and shape, freeze on a sheet until solid, then bag up for easy, on-demand treats.
Reheating
If your cookies have been in the freezer or just need a little fresh-baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about three minutes. This revives their texture and releases that irresistible peanuty aroma again!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra bite and a bit of rustic charm to each cookie. Just make sure it’s well-stirred so the dough holds together nicely.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
You can cut the sugar by about 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet treat, though the texture will be a little softer and less crisp. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect level of sweetness.
Are these cookies safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, the Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) recipe contains no wheat or flour at all, making them naturally gluten-free. Just double-check all your ingredient labels to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Go for it! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can all be stirred into the dough before baking for extra fun and flavor. Just don’t overload the dough — about 1/2 cup of add-ins is perfect.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Bake until the edges look firm and lightly golden, but the centers should still look a bit underbaked. The magic happens as they cool — that’s when they set up with a fudgy center and crisp edges.
Final Thoughts
Whip up a batch of Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) and let yourself marvel at how something so simple can taste so good. Whether you’re baking for dietary needs or just want an easy, deeply satisfying cookie, this recipe is always a win. Share them, gift them, or save them all for yourself — happiness is just one bite away!
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: Vegetarian
Description
These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful gluten-free treat that’s quick and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Flatten each cookie with a fork and bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and rich in protein.
- Try using crunchy peanut butter or adding chocolate chips for variety.
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