Easy Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

The Best Easy Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Warm peanut butter cookies always hit the spot, and I think these gluten free peanut butter cookies are pretty hard to beat. You get that classic, rich, nutty flavor with a soft, chewy center and lightly crisp edges. All this happens with no flour needed. This is a go-to recipe when I want a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that works for anyone who eats gluten free or just loves peanut butter. With only a handful of basic ingredients, there’s hardly any fuss required, and the results are honestly super tasty.

What I really like about this recipe is the way it’s so straightforward. No complicated substitutions or special things to buy, just everyday pantry supplies. It’s a favorite for bake sales, after school snacks, or any time I want to whip up a fast dessert that doesn’t leave a mess behind. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s easy to make and full of peanut butter flavor, this one really delivers.

What Makes These Peanut Butter Cookies a Winner

• No Gluten or Flour Needed. These cookies use peanut butter for structure, so you can skip flour and any fancy blends.
• Just a Few Ingredients. Only five basic ingredients are needed, most of which you probably have right now in your kitchen.
• Quick to Make. You’re only 20 minutes away from warm, homemade cookies straight out of the oven.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture. The cookies have a chewy middle and slightly crisp edge, which is just how I prefer them.
• Easy to Adapt. You can toss in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of flaky salt if you want to mix things up for a different twist.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Here’s the lineup for these easy gluten free cookies:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (the smooth, shelf-stable kind works best)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Optional: pinch of salt for extra flavor (helpful if your peanut butter is unsalted)

How to Make Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Prep the Oven and Line the Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which makes cleanup easy and keeps the cookies from sticking.

2. Stir Everything Together

Grab a medium mixing bowl and add the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and baking soda. Use a sturdy spoon or a spatula and stir until everything combines into a thick, smooth dough. If you want a bit of saltiness, toss in a pinch of salt here for a flavor boost.

3. Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. The dough is a bit sticky, but damp hands help. Space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Press each ball down lightly with a fork to make the classic crisscross pattern. Doing this helps them bake evenly and adds that peanut butter cookie look.

4. Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies will look set around the edges but still soft in the centers. Don’t overbake; these cookies continue to set as they cool, so keep an eye on them for the perfect texture.

5. Cool Down and Enjoy

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This lets them firm up just enough so they don’t break apart. Once cooled, grab a glass of milk and enjoy. These are especially tasty if you catch them still a little warm from the oven.

Tips, Swaps, and Flavor Boosts

• If you want extra texture, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking.
• Chunky peanut butter gives a bit more bite if you like cookies with crunch.
• Toss in a handful of gluten free chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a few mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
• Make smaller cookies for lunchboxes or double up the recipe for a cookie platter. They disappear fast, so having extras is not a bad idea.
• I’ve also used almond butter for a totally different (but still gluten free) vibe. Give it a try if you want to mix things up for a change in taste.

Bake and Share Your Peanut Butter Cookie Success!

If you make these cookies, I’d love to know how they turned out or what spin you added. Whether you’re new to gluten free baking or just craving something peanut buttery, this recipe is a trusted favorite in my kitchen. Happy baking, and don’t forget to stash a couple for later. They tend to disappear fast, so you might even find yourself making a second batch right away!