Desserts

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Name: Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (250g) natural peanut butter; 1/2 cup (100g) white granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) baking soda; 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract; 1 cup (120g) semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup (60g) chopped peanuts; 1 tbsp (15g) honey; 1/4 tsp (1g) xanthan gum

By Claire Donovan · June 18, 2026 · Desserts

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves12

I still remember the first time I tasted flourless peanut butter cookies - it was love at first bite. As a home cook who had to adapt to a gluten-free diet, I was thrilled to discover that these cookies could be made without flour, and yet they retained all the richness and flavor that I craved.

Over the years, I have perfected my recipe for flourless peanut butter cookies, and I am excited to share it with you today. This recipe is not only gluten-free, but it is also incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

What I love most about these cookies is that they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a delicious dessert to serve at a dinner party, these cookies are sure to impress.

In this recipe, I will walk you through the steps to make flourless peanut butter cookies that are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious. So, let's get started and discover the joy of baking without flour!

As a home cook, I believe that baking should be fun and accessible to everyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions. That's why I am passionate about sharing my gluten-free recipes with you, and I hope that you will enjoy making and eating these flourless peanut butter cookies as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are incredibly easy to make and require only a few ingredients.
They are perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking for a sweet treat or a delicious dessert.
The cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious, with a rich, nutty flavor that is hard to beat.
They are gluten-free, making them accessible to anyone with dietary restrictions.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding in different mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts.
The cookies are perfect for a crowd, and you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a large group.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great flourless peanut butter cookies is to use high-quality ingredients and to follow a few simple techniques. First, it's essential to use natural peanut butter that contains no added oils or sugars. This will give your cookies a rich, nutty flavor that is hard to beat.

Another important technique is to use a combination of white and brown sugar. The white sugar helps to balance out the flavor of the peanut butter, while the brown sugar adds a deeper, richer flavor to the cookies.

Finally, it's crucial to not overbake the cookies. This will help them to retain their soft, chewy texture and prevent them from becoming too hard or dry.

By following these simple tips and techniques, you can create flourless peanut butter cookies that are truly delicious and addictive. So, let's get started and see how easy it is to make these amazing cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious flourless peanut butter cookies, you will need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is natural peanut butter, which gives the cookies their rich, nutty flavor. You will also need sugar, eggs, and a few other basic ingredients.

When shopping for peanut butter, be sure to choose a natural brand that contains no added oils or sugars. This will help to ensure that your cookies have the best flavor possible.

1 cup (250g) natural peanut butterChoose a natural brand that contains no added oils or sugars, as this will give your cookies the best flavor possible. You can also use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference.
1/2 cup (100g) white granulated sugarWhite sugar helps to balance out the flavor of the peanut butter and adds a touch of sweetness to the cookies.
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a deeper, richer flavor to the cookies and helps to create a soft, chewy texture.
2 large eggsEggs help to bind the cookies together and add moisture and richness to the dough.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and adds a touch of sweetness to the cookies.
1/4 tsp (1g) baking sodaBaking soda helps to create a soft, chewy texture and prevents the cookies from becoming too hard or dry.
1 tsp (5g) vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the cookies, and helps to balance out the flavor of the peanut butter.
1 cup (120g) semisweet chocolate chipsChocolate chips add a touch of sweetness and flavor to the cookies, and help to create a delicious, gooey texture.
1/2 cup (60g) chopped peanutsChopped peanuts add a crunchy texture and a touch of flavor to the cookies, and help to create a delicious, peanut-buttery taste.
1 tbsp (15g) honeyHoney adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the cookies, and helps to balance out the flavor of the peanut butter.
1/4 tsp (1g) xanthan gumXanthan gum helps to create a soft, chewy texture and prevents the cookies from becoming too hard or dry. It is especially important in gluten-free baking, as it helps to replace the binding properties of gluten.

Ingredients for Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlHand mixer or whiskMeasuring cups and spoonsBaking sheet lined with parchment paperCookie scoop or spoonOven

How to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and sugars until smooth and creamy.
3
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
4
Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, honey, and xanthan gum.
5
Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon (15g) each, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
6
Leave about 2 inches (5cm) of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and set around the edges.
8
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
9
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
Once the cookies are cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
11
You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

Expert Tips

Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor.
Don't overbake the cookies, as they will become too hard and dry.
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them, as this will help them to retain their texture.
If you want a chewier cookie, bake them for 8-10 minutes. If you want a crisper cookie, bake them for 12-14 minutes.
You can customize the recipe by adding in different mix-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit.
To ensure that the cookies are gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free peanut butter and chocolate chips.
If you're having trouble getting the cookies to spread, try flattening them slightly with a fork or your fingers before baking.
To make the cookies more festive, you can press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using peanut butter with added oils or sugars, which can affect the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Overbaking the cookies, which can make them too hard and dry.
Not leaving enough space between the cookies, which can cause them to spread too much and become misshapen.
Not using gluten-free peanut butter and chocolate chips, which can make the cookies unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Not cooling the cookies completely before storing them, which can cause them to become soggy or develop an off flavor.
Not using xanthan gum, which can affect the texture and structure of the cookies.

Variations and Substitutions

Add in different mix-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit, to create a unique flavor combination.
Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter to change the texture of the cookies.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a touch of flavor and texture.
Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips to change the flavor of the cookies.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to give the cookies a warm, spicy flavor.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar to create a slightly different flavor profile.
Make sandwich cookies by placing a dollop of peanut butter or Nutella between two cookies.

What to Serve With Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

These flourless peanut butter cookies are perfect for serving as a snack or dessert. You can enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.

They're also a great option for potlucks or parties, as they're easy to transport and can be served at room temperature. Simply place them in an airtight container and you're good to go!

Serve with a glass of cold milkPair with a cup of hot coffeeEnjoy as a snack or dessertBring to a potluck or partyServe with a scoop of ice creamUse as a base for ice cream sandwiches

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 5 days, and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to serve the cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

It's also important to note that the cookies will become more fragile and prone to breaking as they age, so be sure to handle them gently when storing and serving.

If you want to make the cookies ahead of time, you can also freeze the dough and bake the cookies as needed. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of peanut butter should I use?

Use natural peanut butter that contains no added oils or sugars. This will give your cookies the best flavor possible.

Can I use creamy or crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference. Creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother cookie, while crunchy peanut butter will give you a cookie with a bit of texture.

How long do the cookies keep?

The cookies will keep for up to 5 days at room temperature, and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding in different mix-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit. You can also use different types of chocolate chips or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.

Are the cookies gluten-free?

Yes, the cookies are gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free peanut butter and chocolate chips. Be sure to check the labels to ensure that the ingredients you are using are gluten-free.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookies ahead of time and freeze the dough. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I thaw the cookies?

To thaw the cookies, simply place them at room temperature for a few hours or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I use xanthan gum in place of gluten?

Yes, xanthan gum can be used in place of gluten in gluten-free baking. It helps to create a soft, chewy texture and prevents the cookies from becoming too hard or dry.

The Full Recipe

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