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These gluten free peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat for anyone craving a soft and chewy snack packed with peanutty goodness. They come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients and deliver a satisfying texture that keeps you reaching for more. Whether you need a lastminute dessert or a quick energy boost, these cookies have you covered.
I first baked these cookies when my daughter wanted a treat after school and now they have become our go to snack for family movie nights. Everyone loves how tender and peanut buttery they turn out.
Ingredients
- Two cups creamy peanut butter: choose a gluten free brand with a smooth texture for best results
- One cup packed light brown sugar: adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor
- One cup granulated sugar: provides sweetness and helps with the classic cookie chew
- Two large eggs: bind everything together and give structure
- Two teaspoons baking soda: helps the cookies rise and become light
- Half a teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness and enhances peanut flavor
Instructions
- Heat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two cookie sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl combine the peanut butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform with no streaks of sugar or peanut butter remaining.
- Portion the Cookies:
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared sheets. Space them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Shape the Cookies:
- You can choose to leave the dough balls as they are or press down lightly with the back of a fork in a crisscross pattern. This gives the classic peanut butter cookie look and helps flatten the cookies slightly.
- Bake:
- Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes. Watch for the cookies to puff up and turn a golden hue along the edges.
- Cool:
- Remove the cookies and let them sit on the sheets for three minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will deflate a little as they cool but remain chewy and soft inside.
Peanut butter is my favorite part of the recipe because its rich nutty flavor and creamy texture make these cookies irresistible. I love that this recipe brings back cozy memories of baking with my mom as a child when the entire kitchen smelled like roasted peanuts.
Storage Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for about a week. If you want to keep them longer place the container in the refrigerator where they can last up to two weeks but may firm up a bit. For extended storage freeze the cookies in a ziptop bag for up to three months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Ingredient Substitutions
Natural peanut butter can be used but may require adding a little extra sugar if it is unsweetened. Smooth almond butter can replace peanut butter for a different nutty twist and still keep the same texture. Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a hint of caramel with a lower glycemic index. Egg replacer or flax eggs work to make this recipe dairy and egg free but may change the overall chewiness.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or your favorite dairy free alternative. Try sandwiching two cookies with a smear of chocolate spread or marshmallow fluff for an indulgent treat or chop cookies and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for a peanut butter delight.
These gluten free peanut butter cookies are quick to make and stay soft and chewy. Perfect for sharing at movie nights or packing in lunchboxes.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What makes these cookies gluten free?
The use of gluten free peanut butter and the absence of wheat-based flours ensure these treats are safe for gluten sensitive diets.
- → How can I achieve the classic crisscross pattern?
Press the dough balls gently with the tines of a fork before baking to create the traditional texture and appearance.
- → What texture should I expect when done baking?
The treats are soft and chewy with a slightly crisp, golden exterior and a tender center that melts in your mouth.
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and nutty bits for a more rustic bite but may alter the smoothness slightly.
- → How long should I let them cool before serving?
Allow about 3 minutes cooling on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.