If you love peanut butter and simplicity, these Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are about to become your new baking obsession! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can achieve perfectly chewy, satisfyingly rich cookies that are naturally gluten-free. Every bite manages to taste indulgent, yet the ingredient list is so delightfully minimal that you might just find yourself making these every week. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just after a quick sweet treat, this is a recipe that brings huge flavor and joy with every batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies lies in the essential, fuss-free ingredients. Each component is chosen for maximum flavor and the perfect chewy texture, proving that less really can be more in the world of baking.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show brings rich, nutty depth and binds everything together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that signature crackly top we love in classic cookies.
- Large egg: Provides structure and gives the cookies their irresistible chew.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the peanut butter flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies just the right amount of lift for a soft interior.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Balances sweetness and enhances the nuttiness of the peanut butter.
How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a total breeze—no sticky surprises here!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, large egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and an optional pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is uniform and glossy—there’s no flour to worry about over-mixing, so just go for a smooth, thick dough.
Step 3: Shape and Place
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between for spreading. This is a great step for little helpers to join in!
Step 4: The Classic Fork Press
Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball, pressing twice to create that iconic crisscross pattern. Beyond adding visual flair, this step ensures even baking and a satisfying texture on top.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’re delicate fresh from the oven. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short patience window makes all the difference in getting perfect Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies.
How to Serve Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty finish, or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decadence. Chopped roasted peanuts add a pleasing crunch and visual appeal too.
Side Dishes
Pair these rich peanut butter treats with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of coffee. If you’re serving them for dessert, they’re fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries—it’s the best of creamy and fruity together!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a mason jar tied with a ribbon for adorable gifting, or plate them in concentric circles for a dessert platter centerpiece. For a fun twist, use the cookies as the “bread” for mini ice cream sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days. If you like a firmer bite, pop them in the fridge and enjoy a chillier treat.
Freezing
You can freeze Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies either before or after baking. For dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray before storing in a zip-top bag (bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two). Baked cookies freeze well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before eating.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm and melty, zap them in the microwave for about 8 seconds. You’ll get that just-baked aroma and an even softer center, perfect for pairing with ice cream or a cold glass of milk.
FAQs
Do I have to use creamy peanut butter, or can I use crunchy?
You can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter if you want extra texture in your Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies. Just keep in mind that the final result may be slightly more crumbly, and I recommend skipping any additional mix-ins to avoid them falling apart.
Can I substitute almond butter or another nut butter?
Yes! This recipe welcomes almond butter or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. The flavor profile will be a bit different but just as delicious and naturally gluten-free.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, try chilling the dough for 15 minutes before shaping and baking. Warmer dough tends to spread more, especially with natural peanut butter.
Are these cookies suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Definitely! There’s no flour hiding anywhere, so Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your peanut butter and other ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if allergies are a concern.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Yes, and I highly recommend it if you’re feeling adventurous! Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit before rolling the dough. Just avoid adding too much (keep it under 1/3 cup total) to maintain the perfect cookie structure.
Final Thoughts
It’s always amazing how something so simple can turn out so utterly delicious. Trust me, once you’ve tried these Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies, you’ll want to share them at every gathering—or keep a batch all for yourself! Grab that jar of peanut butter and see just how easy and satisfying a quick homemade treat can be.
Print
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these gluten-free cookies in no time.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and baking soda until well mixed.
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For added texture, mix in 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and can be made with almond butter as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
