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These gluten free peanut butter cookies bring a perfect balance of soft chewiness and rich peanut flavor in every bite. They are quick to whip up and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without gluten worries. The simplicity of the ingredients makes them a goto treat when you want something homemade but fussfree.
I first made these during a busy week when I needed a quick treat. They quickly became a favorite in my household with everyone requesting them again and again.
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter (gluten free variety): ensures smooth texture and the star peanut flavor
- Packed light brown sugar: adds moisture and rich caramel notes
- Granulated sugar: balances sweetness and helps create a slight crispiness on the edges
- Large eggs: bind the ingredients together and add structure
- Baking soda: helps the cookies rise and gives a light texture
- Salt: enhances the peanut butter's natural flavor and balances the sweetness
Instructions
- Scoop and Prepare the Dough:
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two cookie sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to avoid sticking. In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly onto the cookie sheets, spacing each about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. If you like, press down each cookie slightly with the tines of a fork in a crisscross pattern. This also gives a classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies puff up slightly and the edges turn golden. Keep an eye on them toward the end as ovens vary—overbaking can dry them out.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for about three minutes after removing from the oven. This helps them set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. They will flatten a bit as they cool, resulting in that soft and chewy texture that makes them irresistible.
The peanut butter is my favorite ingredient here because it carries the flavor while keeping the cookies tender. One time I made a batch for a holiday gathering, and everyone was surprised they were gluten free because the taste was so rich and satisfying.
Storage Tips
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft. If you want to save them longer, freezing works beautifully—just separate layers with parchment paper and thaw at room temperature before serving. I always make a double batch so I have some ready for quick snacks or to pack in lunchboxes.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have light brown sugar you can replace it with coconut sugar for a slightly different but still rich flavor. For nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a decent alternative though it changes the taste somewhat. Using natural peanut butter with no added sugar may require a little extra granulated sugar to maintain sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are exceptional with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea or coffee. You can also crumble them over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an easy dessert upgrade. They work well as a travel snack or packed for lunch because they hold up well without crumbling too much.
These gluten free peanut butter cookies are quick to make and reliably delicious. They freeze well and make an easy snack or dessert to have on hand.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What makes these treats gluten free?
The use of gluten free peanut butter ensures no gluten ingredients are included, making them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → How do I achieve the classic fork crisscross pattern?
Press the dough balls gently with the tines of a fork in two perpendicular directions before baking to create the signature texture and look.
- → Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may affect texture and spread, so slight adjustments in mixing might be needed.
- → What is the best way to store these treats?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain softness and flavor.
- → Can I substitute brown sugar with alternative sweeteners?
Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor, but alternatives like coconut sugar can work with minor changes to texture and sweetness.