Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Updated Apr 03, 2026, Published Jul 31, 2009
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On a hot and sticky September afternoon in the year 2000, I walked into a sterile, frigid building. Then I looked into his eyes and fell head over heels in love with a stranger.
meet julian
His name is Julian. A thoughtful, artistic, sensitive soul with a laugh that comes from the very depths of his being. He loves music, art, and Pokemon. He is one of my g-kids.
Julian is one of the biggest supporters of my gluten-free lifestyle and always very concerned that what I eat not be harmful to me. He is my self declared number one taste tester for new recipes. In particular, he loves to test the sweets and treats.
Last week he asked me to give him cooking classes. We started with something simple, Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies.
the perect gluten-free beginner cookie
These cookies are the perfect recipe for children. They require no fancy gadgets, just a bowl and a wooden spoon. No sharp implements, no dangerous mixer beaters. Plus they get to use their hands which is a big plus! I took oven duty, putting them in and taking them out and he did the rest.
We had a fun afternoon. He learned about measuring and stirring, got to lick the bowl and spoon, and we chatted and laughed. Best of all, we were rewarded with some really delicious cookies.
These cookies may be easy to make and a great project for kids. However, believe me, they are not to be relegated to the “kid’s food” category. They are sugary, chewy and utterly fantastic!
not just gluten-free, flourless
The fact that they are flourless is a plus but honestly you will never miss the flour. In fact, they are hands down the best peanut butter cookies I have ever had. Julian say’s it is because of the extra love he put in, could be. Try them yourself and let me know if it is Julian’s extra love that makes them so special or if they are just plain fantastic. Don’t worry, I’ll never tell.
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar , plus more for rolling the cookies in
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with a fork
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking liners.
- In a large bowl mix the peanut butter with 1 cup sugar. Stir until well blended. Add the egg, baking powder and vanilla. Stir well. Pour some additional sugar in a small bowl. Take 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll in to a ball. Roll the dough ball in the sugar and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
- Take a dinner fork, stick it in the sugar and gently press down each dough ball to flatten, then turn the fork 90 degrees and gently press again, making the traditional hatch markings of a peanut butter cookie.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Take out of over and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Gently transfer the cookies to a rack to finish cooling.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I can’t wait to try these peanut butter cookies, just what I’ve been looking for; BUT — any nutritional information? I’d love to at least know calories — fat and sugar would be good. Then I can fit them into my day. THANKS!
Hi Mel!
I haven’t measured out any of the above, but I know of a fantastic site that can calculate everything for you. It’s called Calorie King. Hope this helps!
xo,
Carol
Very good!
Awesome. Made with half brown and half granulated sugar. Any ideas how to make them a little more moist?
Yes Ken, Just cook them a few minutes less then the recipe instructs. Enjoy!
xo,
Carol
Delicious. I just made a batch. I decided to do a test run in preparation for making them tomorrow for someone. One batch came out a bit too crispy and black on the bottom (I used aluminum foil and cooked the crispy batch a bit longer than 10 minutes); however, my first batch was perfect (cooked with aluminum foil and at the recommended time). I cant wait to make another batch tomorrow. I have the hang of it now (fingers crossed). Although, I will add less sugar as these were just a tad too sweet for me. Love this recipe! So easy.
Yay, I’m glad you liked them :) These are one of my favorites just because of how easy they are! xo,
Carol
These look great! Need to buy some GF baking powder and GF vanilla!
Can you just substitute one cup brown sugar instead of granulated sugar? Or would it be different measurements ? Recipe sounds great can’t wait to try !
Hi Lindsay,
Yes you absolutely can do that. :) Enjoy! xo, Carol
I made these exactly as directed and they were way too sickeningly sweet! I had to toss them, which is a first for me, since I love anything peanut butter.
Sorry you didn’t enjoy them Rene. I would cut the sugar by as much as half and then not roll them in sugar before putting them in the oven if you make them again.
xo,
Carol
This recipe is fabulous for someone who is looking to find a good dairy free and gluten-free desert!
I made them for a church event and everyone loved them!
I highly recommend this recipe to people!