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Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Naturally Gluten Free)

Shirley Braden

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Today I’m sharing the recipes for my Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies, which are naturally gluten free. Let me give you a little back-up info first though.

One of my standby cookie recipes back in the day (translation: when I was eating gluten) was peanut butter cookies. I always made them for my dear friend, Cindi, for special occasions like her birthday or when she just needed a “pick-me-up. ” She would just flip over my peanut butter cookies, so I obliged as often as I could.

After going gluten free, I was anxious to find a worthy replacement. I kept seeing a recipe for Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies on the celiac listserv and on other blogs. It only required peanut butter, an egg, and granulated sugar.

However, I had actually tried this recipe years earlier because I’d been intrigued by the few ingredients. While the cookies turned out okay, they didn’t wow me. I don’t like making and/or eating “just okay” recipes.

Quite some time later, I saw another recipe for peanut butter cookies on the celiac listserv. That one looked more promising. The ingredients were: peanut butter, brown sugar, an egg, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Plus, you could use smooth or chunky peanut butter and you could add chocolate chips if you liked. Hmmm, make that very promising.

Gluten-Free Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies Gluten Free Easily

I eagerly made the recipe and these peanut butter cookies were the best—even better than my old, standby recipe! The first dozen times I made them, I used chunky peanut butter and mini chocolate chips. Yum. Delightfully chewy with just the right amount of chocolate.

I’ve even made them with regular-sized chocolate chips and chocolate chunks. As expected, the chocolate merits almost equal billing with the peanut butter in those versions. Using chocolate chunks actually elevates these cookies to a whole new level. The big semi-sweet chocolate chunks show through the surface, making the cookies very appealing, but better yet, the chunks stays soft and gooey after baking.

How often does that happen with the cookies you bake? Not often in my experience, but it’s certainly wonderful when it does. Still, most of the time now I tend to go for the classic version when I make these cookies—using smooth peanut butter (no chocolate chips needed). The results are simply delicious.

Because there’s no flour of any kind in all versions of these cookies, the peanut butter flavor really stands out. For a purer peanut butter pleasure, if you will. If you are a peanut butter lover, that’s a great thing!

I always make these cookies as one of my sweet treats for parties (like our Valentine’s Day party, hence, the picture above).  And, this recipe is also the first one I share with those who are newly gluten-free. Everyone is always amazed that they don’t contain flour, but yet have just the right cookie consistency and flavor.

What’s really neat is that folks can usually go right home and make some for themselves, because the ingredients are ones most of us are likely to have on hand (that is, in homes where family members do not have peanut allergies).

Another nice thing about this recipe is that these cookies can be made quickly. I sometimes make them before going to work when I’ve promised to bring in a treat. I’ve also made batches right after work to add to a care package for a friend. Just a little prep time and about two cookie sheets worth of baking and you are done!

It’s a great recipe for children to make, as well. It’s easy and fun for them to roll the dough into balls, remove the cookies from the cookie sheet, and, of course, taste the results of their efforts.

Try these … if you like peanut butter cookies, you won’t be disappointed! I think my friend, Cindi, will definitely approve when I make them for her when she returns to Virginia soon. Or maybe she’ll go ahead and give them a test run with the able help of her daughter, Olivia. 🙂

Gluten-Free Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies for Valentine's Day

Gluten-Free Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies for Valentine’s Day

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe

gluten free, dairy free, flourless, refined sugar free, peanut butter, sun butter, almond butter, cookies

Yield: 24 cookies

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten Free)

Peanut Butter Cookies

These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are naturally gluten free. It's very hard to believe they contain no flour because they have the perfect cookie texture and rich peanut butter flavor. Quick and easy to make, and absolutely delicious.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Inactive Time 5 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter, smooth/creamy] or [chunky/crunchy] (or [almond butter] or [SunButter)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar] (or [coconut sugar)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini], [regular-size dark chocolate morsels], or [chocolate chunks; optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Mix all ingredients (except chocolate chips) together well. Last, add chocolate chips (if desired) and mix well.
  2. Grease or moisten hands slightly and form dough into 1-inch balls.
  3. Place balls on ungreased baking sheets. (DO NOT press down as in some traditional recipes. See exception in notes below.)
  4. Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown and cookies look “set," but not done. Do not overcook.
  5. Then allow cookies to sit on cookie sheet for 5 minutes. (This step is very important, because cookies finish cooking during this time and totally set up.) Remove cookies for cooling.
  6. Makes about 24 cookies. 

Notes

Do not use low-fat peanut butter; the cookies will not turn out correctly. I use Jif (all are gluten free at the time of this posting), but it’s my understanding that Peter Pan (all), Planters (Creamy and Crunchy), Reeses, and Skippy (Creamy, Crunchy, Super Crunchy, Roasted Honey Nut) are also gluten free.

One reader/tester successfully made these cookies using all natural peanut butter, but advises that you must press them down a bit before baking (with a fork or the bottom of glass will work) for them to spread enough.

You can easily substitute other nut and seed butters in this recipe. We love them made with almond butter. Ensure your vanilla extract and chocolate chips are GF. I make my own vanilla extract, but most are gluten free (e.g., McCormick, Simply Organic).

If you want to turn these cookies into a really decadent treat, get out your jar of Nutella (or other chocolate hazelnut butter/spread) and spread some on the underside of one cookie and then press another cookie on top (top side out). See the resulting Peanut Butter Chocolate Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies here.

Original recipe from the celiac listserv (originator unknown)

© Shirley Braden
Category: Desserts

Originally published March 22, 2009; updated July 24, 2020.

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Filed Under: Cookies and BarsTagged With: dairy free, flourless, peanut butter172 Comments

« 20+ Reasons to Get Tested For Gluten Issues
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Comments

  1. H.Peter says

    March 22, 2009 at 9:33 am

    I have never gotten to like peanut butter. Ever since living in North America I have been exposed to it, but never really enjoyed teh flavor, taste, or for that matter, after taste.

    However, I see how those cookies fly out the door, where ever I see them. So it has to be good.
    Just not for me….Nutella cookies?

    Reply
    • Katrina says

      April 30, 2011 at 9:27 pm

      Nutella cookies sound amazing!!!

      Looking forward to trying these peanut butter ones too. 🙂

      Reply
  2. noble pig says

    March 22, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Well I love flourless chocolate cake so I bet these are just as moist and wonderful. I can’t wai to try these!

    Reply
  3. Shirley says

    March 22, 2009 at 10:57 am

    H.Peter–You bring up an excellent and tasty point! I believe this recipe can be made with any nut butter/spread. Some nut butters might cause the cookies to spread a little more so some experimenting might be in order. I think I’ll actually try a Nutella version for our support group meeting on Tuesday night. 🙂 Thanks for the idea! I wanted to try something different for a treat and flourless hazelnut cookies sound like just the ticket.

    BTW, Elana (Elana’s Pantry) just had a recipe for making one’s own hazelnut spread—a version that is both gluten free and dairy free. Nutella is GF, but contains dairy. Check it out here.

    Thanks again!
    Shirley

    Reply
    • Bekah says

      September 13, 2010 at 5:17 pm

      I have tried them with Nutella- they taste amazing! They also spread like crazy, don’t hold together, and stick to the pan if it isn’t greased. I am going to contunie experimenting with them though.

      Reply
      • Shirley says

        September 13, 2010 at 11:03 pm

        Hi Bekah!–Looks like you are new here … welcome to gfe! 🙂 I’ve done quite a bit of experimenting with the Nutella cookies, too, and have experienced much the same thing as you with spreading and sticking. As much as I like Nutella, I’m not sure that I like them in cookie form though. They are crazy sweet. I think the Nutella version needs something to balance the sweetness and prevent the other issues we’ve both experienced. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share your experiences!

        Shirley

        Reply
    • Emily says

      March 24, 2012 at 10:50 pm

      There are some hazelnut spreads that are gluten free and dairy free (vegan)–Rawtella is one. I am so addicted to chocolate though that I can’t eat it at all or I want way too much more… so I’ve never tried it.

      Reply
      • Shirley says

        March 25, 2012 at 9:12 am

        Hi Emily–First, welcome to gfe! 🙂 Second, thank you for sharing all the tips! I had heard of Rawtella, but had not checked it out until I read your comment. It looks terrific and the ingredients are almost identical to a very simple homemade Nutella that I’ve been planning to make for a while. I’ve hesitated for that very reason you mention though—my addiction to chocolate. Hard for many of us to have moderation with that one! 😉

        Last, thanks for your input on how you adapted this recipe to have less sugar and offer different flavors. Chocolate chips often get added to my variations, but I’ve never used coconut before. Great idea! 🙂

        Shirley

        Reply
  4. Shirley says

    March 22, 2009 at 11:00 am

    noble pig–Cathy, yes, “moist and wonderful” and chewy, just the right amount of chewy. 😉 Hope you enjoy them!

    Shirley

    Reply
  5. glutenfreeforgood says

    March 22, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    No flour at all? None? Wow, those look like regular cookies. Good looking regular cookies. Yum!

    We’re on the same track, Shirley. I’m into sweetness right now, too.

    Thanks, I’ve already lifted this recipe off your blog and will save it for later. 🙂

    Melissa
    P.S. Really? No flour?

    Reply
  6. Shirley says

    March 22, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Melissa–LOL I promise. Really. No flour! You’ll love them. 🙂 I have to confess that I never make these for myself because I just can’t stop eating them. So I usually make them to take to someone else and then have to “test” just a few. 😉 That’s another advantage of the recipe making a small batch (just over two dozen), I can’t pig out AND have enough to share. A type of recipe-enforced discipline–love it!

    Shirley

    Reply
    • ScattyCrafter says

      April 8, 2012 at 5:38 am

      Wow Shirley( also my name 🙂
      I made these yesterday swapped the brown sugar for molasses, and made them as mini cookies for our Easter Tea today, i.e Imade them 1/2 inch balls and use Whole Earth Crunchy peanut butter, Don;t know if that is available in USA but we have i for her Easter tea. BUT apart from my forgetting to time them for less they are absolutely scrummy. MY Grandson(21,) has asked for the nutella sandwich to be made today so I will be avoiding those. I also did not think I would like so much sweetness but they are not too sweet. I rarely eat sweet things unless fresh fruit.

      Thank you so much I will be trying other ones later. but I get worn out doing to much at once. as i am paying for yesterdays corn bread and PNB cookies today.( oh and to find all my ingredients I had to clear out a cupboard. needed doing so a good spur.:-)

      Reply
      • Shirley says

        April 8, 2012 at 8:33 am

        Hi Shirley (there aren’t too many of us Shirleys any more, are there?)–Welcome to gfe! I love how you changed this recipe to make the cookies work for your Easter tea. 🙂 I’ll definitely be trying your way of making these cookies with molasses in the future. I love molasses. Yes, the Nutella sandwich version is pretty rich, but that usually means folks will only enjoy one or two instead of getting “too carried away.” Kudos to you on usually sticking to fresh fruit for your sweet treats. Fruit does indeed make the best dessert.

        Take care of yourself, dear, and have a lovely Easter with your family!
        Shirley

        Reply
  7. Lauren says

    March 22, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    Mmm, those cookies look amazing!! Yum!!

    Reply
  8. Gluten Free Steve says

    March 22, 2009 at 10:37 pm

    You make your own vanilla? HOW!? You’re like the gluten free Martha Stewart.

    Reply
  9. Shirley says

    March 23, 2009 at 5:52 am

    Steve–LOL No, not the GF Martha … ha ha! I cook a little bit more simply than Martha. 😉 Homemade vanilla is very easy to make actually. I’ll be posting on it down the road a bit. But, don’t be expecting me to some day declare that I also make my own marshmallows like Martha does. LOL But, hey, thanks for the compliment!

    Shirley

    P.S. No ugly comments please from anyone who does make their own marshmallows a la Martha. LOL

    Reply
  10. Shirley says

    March 23, 2009 at 5:32 am

    Lauren– 🙂 Give them a try … I think you’ll love them. Thanks so much for your comment and stopping by GFE!

    Shirley

    Reply
  11. RobinSue says

    March 23, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Shirley these are great! I make mine without four as well so it is guilt free noshing! Well almost!

    Reply
  12. Polly says

    March 23, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    I can’t wait to try this recipe! I LOVE PB cookies!

    Reply
  13. Shirley says

    March 23, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    Hey, Robin Sue–Love your take on these gluten-free cookies! 😉 I confess I have eaten one or two as my breakfast before. :-0

    Shirley

    Reply
  14. Shirley says

    March 23, 2009 at 6:17 pm

    Polly–If you like peanut butter cookies, I think you will really enjoy them. 🙂 I don’t know anyone who likes PB who doesn’t like these cookies. Nobody ever knows they are GF either. 😉

    Shirley

    Reply
  15. Cindi says

    March 23, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    OH. MY. GOD. How you like to torture me. I haven’t had a good peanut butter cookie in SOOOOOOOO LOOOOOONNNNG. You totally spoiled me – even my mom’s cookies don’t compare to yours. Can’t wait for you to let me test out the “new” recipe. I’m a true peanut butter lover, as you know – no chocolate chips for me. I’ll miss Bo’s fork prints, though – that was pretty special. Oh, the agony of waiting for a batch of Shirley’s homemade peanut butter cookies . . .

    Reply
  16. H.Peter says

    March 23, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    Nutella was my PB as a kid in Austria. I think it was Ferrero who advertised it to parents as engery thing for breakfast….so it was a great childhood.

    Reply
  17. Shirley says

    March 23, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    Cindi–LOL, but I really didn’t post this to torture you! Just thought you might enjoy making these on your own with Olivia as a “preview” until you return to Virginia. If you are successful, and I expect you will be, then you won’t have to wait soooo looooooonnnnng for PB cookies. And, you can just give the recipe to your mom to make for you more often, at least until you are back in VA. 😉

    That little boy has “left the building” so to speak, but I can still see those fork prints in my mind. 🙂

    Shirley

    Reply
  18. Shirley says

    March 23, 2009 at 8:56 pm

    H.Peter–When I do buy Nutella, it usually gets eaten quickly for that very reason. I love Nutella for breakfast. I’ve shared before that I don’t miss bread, but having Nutella is a great justification for having some on hand. You DID have a great childhood! You will find it hard to believe, but I didn’t even experience Nutella until well after I was out of college.

    Shirley

    Reply
  19. Peter Bronski says

    March 24, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    Hi Shirley, Great looking cookies! Can’t wait to try the recipe. A friend of mine from Seattle recently made a flourless PB cookie – I was skeptical of it holding together and not completely oozing all over the cookie sheet, but it worked! For your readers who don’t make their own vanilla, I recommend Rodale Pure Vanilla Extract – it’s GF and superb.

    Cheers, Pete

    Reply
  20. Shirley says

    March 24, 2009 at 11:45 pm

    Hey, Pete–Thanks! Peanut butter has amazing binding properties. I really like flourless cookie recipes in general. I’ll be sharing some more recipes. Glad you’ve already had one good flourless PB cookie experience. Hopefully, you’ll soon have another one. 😉 I made these again for our support group meeting this evening and one person commented that they were very good … so good, that she felt like she was “cheating.” 🙂

    Thanks also for the recommendation on the Rodale Pure Vanilla Extract. I am not familiar with it, so I am not sure it’s available in my area, but for folks who can get it, it sounds terrific!

    Shirley

    Reply
  21. Ali (Whole Life Nutrition) says

    March 25, 2009 at 3:15 pm

    I have heard of flourless PB cookies before but never made any. I am the only one in the house that even likes peanut butter so PB cookies don’t make a regular appearance here! Though I did create a yummy recipe for some using only agave to sweeten, they do have flour (rice) in them though.

    Thanks! -Ali 🙂

    Reply
  22. Nance says

    March 25, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    This just may be the peanut butter cookie recipe that I’ve been looking for. Most traditional recipes call for as little as a half-cup of PB, and the resulting cookie is just not that peanut-buttery. I’m still incredulous, as are many here, apparently, that there is NO FLOUR!!!!, but I will grab the recipe and try them.

    On another note, I think SOMEONE–ahem, ahem!!!–needs to test bake some Flourless Nutella Cookies and let us know how they turn out. SOON.

    Reply
  23. Shirley says

    March 25, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    Ali–Being the only one who eats PB, I’d suggest making these for someone else and just enjoying a few for yourself UNLESS you are someone with tremendous discipline. LOL Let us know how you like this recipe if you do give it a try.

    I’m sure your recipe is terrific, too. Using agave is a great idea. I am going to start trying more recipes with our bees’ honey.

    Shirley

    Reply
  24. Shirley says

    March 25, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    Nance–They are very peanut buttery, but still well balanced by the brown sugar. There is such a thing as too much peanut butter in a cookie in my opinion. I’m sure you know what I mean.

    LOL on that subtle hint, Nance. 😉 I actually picked up some Nutella at the store this evening for that very purpose. I am curious. I don’t think I can just substitute Nutella for the PB and get the results I want. So I’ll have to play around some … for you and H. Peter. But, it won’t be immediately … I’ve still got PB cookies and Mediterranean chocolate cake left from last night’s meeting. Probably this weekend though … hope that’s soon enough! LOL

    Shirley

    Reply
  25. Shirley says

    March 25, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    I’ve moved this comment (from heretofore parts unknown on my blog) for Carol of Simply … Gluten Free ):

    “Ahhh, there is nothing like peanut butter cookies!”

    Shirley here: Most of us, it seems, agree!

    FYI to all–Carol is off to China, but she left a recipe for gluten-free (and grain-free) tiramisu roulade on her blog. What a parting gift to US! Check out the pic … to die for! Have a fabulous trip, Carol!

    Shirley

    Reply
  26. Brian says

    March 26, 2009 at 10:40 am

    The cookies look great! Can’t go wrong with peanut butter. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  27. Absolutely Not Martha says

    March 26, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    hi shirley! thought you may like to check out today’s celiac spotlight on ANM.

    Reply
  28. Shirley says

    March 26, 2009 at 9:49 pm

    Brian–Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! Hope you give them a try. 🙂

    Shirley

    Reply
  29. Shirley says

    March 27, 2009 at 11:24 am

    ANM–Jackie, the more awareness for celiac and gluten issues, the better—thanks for doing your part!

    Shirley

    Reply
  30. Sonia sin gluten/Gluten Free says

    March 27, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    I wanted to thank you for this wonderful blog.
    Greetings from Spain :-)))
    sonia Cortes

    Reply
  31. Shirley says

    March 27, 2009 at 11:50 pm

    Sonia–Thank you so very much! I checked out your blog, too, and found some wonderful articles there … ones that I had not yet come across, so that was terrific. Wish I remembered all my high school French AND knew Spanish so I could read your posts. It’s really neat that you are presenting info in several languages. You are helping many I am sure, especially your gluten-free grandchildren!

    Thanks again,
    Shirley

    Reply
  32. Sonia sin gluten/Gluten Free says

    March 28, 2009 at 12:23 am

    Dear friend, I am very excited with his words.
    Everything I do by the collective celiac, I think it needs promotion, facilitate exits “out of home is sometimes a problem going to a restaurant, a hotel.
    Here in Spain now beginning to enter hotel chains with menus celiacs, that’s great (!) Although I am aware that much still needs to work.
    In Spain, todabia menu is not required to be “gluten free” in schools, children celiacs have to go with home-made food, to me this gives me great trouble, I think it’s descriminatorio.
    Well, little by little we will integrate our children and adolescents.

    Can you read English? French?
    I do translations in French are to the north of Africa, they have not even associations, it is not fair.
    Sorry about my long message, you need anything from Spain only dimelo :-)))
    A greeting with love
    sonia

    Reply
  33. Anali says

    March 28, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    These look awesome!!! They must be so nice and gooey.

    I’m going to make some soon. When I can get the courage to buy peanut butter again!

    Reply
  34. Shirley says

    March 28, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Sonia–It’s been many years since I read French. So it’s just English for me these days. I think the best approach always is showing people in restaurants, schools, etc. which foods they make that are already gluten free or can easily be made gluten free. When we start talking about a bunch of gluten-free specialty products they have to buy and stock (that often go bad before they can get used), they get discouraged. I don’t disagree with the discrimination aspect, but often people are clueless and afraid to serve the wrong food and be sued. So work with them and educate them. In the South here in the U.S., there is an expression: “you get more flies with honey than vinegar.” I know you will make tremendous strides. Just put yourself in their shoes BEFORE you knew about celiac and gluten, and you’ll figure out your best approach.

    xo,
    Shirley

    Reply
  35. Shirley says

    March 28, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    Hi, Anali–Thanks!! They’re not really gooey, but they do have a wonderful texture—a pleasant chewiness, but you’d still never suspect they don’t have flour. I made them again last night to take to a presentation today. They were quite a hit! The attendees who were learning about gluten issues and the gluten-free diet were happy to know naturally GF cookies could taste so good. 🙂

    I hear you on the peanut butter concerns. I admit I did hesitate a bit before posting this recipe for that very reason. There are safe peanut butters, but you need to do your research. Check the latest FDA recall listing.

    Thanks so much for commenting!
    Shirley

    Reply
  36. Matt says

    March 29, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    By the mere fact I crave these let’s me know that I’m getting better. Hope all is well!

    Reply
  37. Shirley says

    March 29, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    Hi, Matt!–LOL I am so very glad you ARE getting better. I am following you via your blog (although I admit I have to play catch up instead of checking it out regularly … I’ll try to do better). All’s well here. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!

    Shirley

    Reply
  38. Jessie says

    April 2, 2009 at 12:48 am

    These are awesome with creme cheese filling. Way “too” rich though! He he!

    Reply
  39. Shirley says

    April 2, 2009 at 8:06 am

    Jessie–I bet that would be good. Maybe one PB/cream cheese sandwich cookie would be just the right amount and not too rich. 😉 I tried another filling that I loved and will share soon …

    Thanks!
    Shirley

    Reply
  40. Lisa A says

    April 8, 2009 at 9:47 am

    Awesome cookies!

    I made these over the weekend and they are just great. They will become a staple in my compendium of cookie recipes. One thing that always bugged me about traditional PB cookie recipes was that they were usually crisp and crunchy. I like a chewier cookie–and these turned out chewier for me. They had some crispness, too, but the mix of crisp to chewy was very good. Add the chocolate chips, and I was a happy camper. They disappeared in just a couple of days, with three of us enjoying them. I will be making them again this weekend!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      April 8, 2009 at 7:25 pm

      Hey, Lisa!–Good to see you here. 🙂 Thanks so much for the enthusiastic review! If you want chewy only, I’d take them out of the oven just a little bit earlier. They may not even look done, but leaving them on the baking sheet 5 minutes longer definitely finishes the baking. I’ve second guessed myself before on a batch that I thought wasn’t quite done, but after they sat the 5 minutes and then cooled, they were delightful–totally chewy and moist. The recipe makes a nice amount I think. That’s really a great recommendation if you are making them again this weekend!

      Thanks again! 😉
      Shirley

      Reply
  41. Jennifer says

    April 10, 2009 at 6:55 am

    I can attest to the divineness of the Nutella PB cookie. Shirley brought them to our GIG meeting last week. If I had know what was in the container I helped her carry to my car, the cookies would not have made it to the meeting. I am going to make them for our church’s Easter Coffee Hour.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      April 10, 2009 at 9:05 am

      LOL … yeah, good thing we didn’t open that tin before hand. Both of us could not have helped ourselves!! 😉 You will be one popular woman at your church on Easter!! I am certain, but report back please. 🙂

      I am also going to share this comment on the other post with the pic of these yummy cookies.

      Thanks!
      Shirley

      Reply
  42. Shirley says

    May 13, 2009 at 10:47 pm

    Hi, all–Just wanted to add a note that A and Z of Gluten Free from A to Z have added a review of these cookies on their site. They definitely approve!! Thanks, A and Z!!

    Shirley

    Reply
  43. sonia gluten free says

    May 14, 2009 at 12:00 am

    Hi Shirley.

    I carefully read your post.
    True, here also say better catch flies with vinegar than with a thousand ”

    In two years I work for ayuntamieto have been good things, the menus in schools months gluten free, gluten candy sn mavidad in the festivities, gluten free hotels, restaurants …
    I think I should continue working to spread and that the sea is recognized and the disease claimed. That these patients may have a social way as anyone else. In Europe, in fact we have no problems, but not so in Argentina, Chile, Mexico … in these weeks I’m working for the dissemination of the law celiac support from Europe to Latin American celiacs, their living conditions there are not any good, product or penalties have laws that protejan.Cuanto more spread this disease will be better for all. The Celiac sprue is a disease “local”, is U NIVERSAL friend and I assure you that there are countries that need such dissemination.
    Whether I’m at it, just back from Argentina and UEN few days I go to Paris, contaztado with a doctor in especielista Celiac sprue, to assist in the dissemination of the disease in Egypt, Morocco, in these countries, not even the Doctors know that it is the Celiac sprue.
    I have a lot of work, but my heart tells me that I should continue working for these children and give them a chance at life.

    Thanks!
    Sonia :-)))

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      May 14, 2009 at 6:31 am

      Hi Sonia–Welcome home! Thanks for your feedback and especially for all your work in spreading awareness!! I’m also going to copy this comment to the Stop The Madness post, which is where I think you intended it to be. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply
  44. Heidi says

    September 30, 2009 at 4:12 pm

    Wow I made these this morning with my toddler. They were so easy and taste fabulous! We’ve had a hard time switching to gluten free since her celiac diagnosis and this is the first baked thing that looks and tastes great! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      September 30, 2009 at 9:01 pm

      Heidi–Thanks so much for letting me and other here at gfe know. Your comment really made my day! That’s my whole goal … to make everything easy and all the recipes delicious. I hope you’ll look around and find some more new favorites. 🙂 Now that it’s baking season again, I’ll be sharing more recipes like this one soon.

      Thanks again! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your positive feedback. BTW, if you want to take these cookies to another level—perhaps for an adult gathering–spread some Nutella on the under side of one and press two together for a fabulous chocolate hazelnut sandwich cookie.

      Shirley

      Reply
  45. Betty says

    December 14, 2009 at 2:09 am

    Shirley- I made these tonight to take to work tomorrow, and they’re great! Reading your posts about cross contamination really helped me be aware of the importance of taking care that all utensils and surfaces the cookies came in contact with were also gluten free. I put these on my blog and linked back to you- let me know what you think!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      December 14, 2009 at 7:57 am

      Hi Betty–It seems like you’ve been reading for a while 😉 , but welcome to gfe! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your success story with me and the gfe readers. Feedback is sooo appreciated! Of course, you can see that I went immediately to your blog and commented. As I said there, you did a gorgeous job with these cookies and your slight veriations sounded great, too. (That Sonoma Syrup Vanilla Extract Crush really intrigued me, so I had to check it out. I make my own vanilla extract, but that sounds awfully good.)

      It’s so good to hear that you—as a person who eats gluten—were able to learn how to feed your gluten-free friends safely from tips shared here at gfe! I’ll just add the same note here that I added in my comment on your blog (for the benefit of all reading) … flour can stay airborne for up to 48 hours. So it’s important in addition to following all the other cleaning rules (stringent cleaning), that one not bake for at least that period after baking with glutened flour.

      That is such a fine gift you are giving your friends—it will mean so much to them! Thanks for the shout out, on your blog, Scrambled Hen Fruit, too. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply
  46. Linda says

    January 6, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    I haven’t made these cookies in a while. I want to try them with almond butter because my husband doesn’t eat peanuts. I agree that they are better with the baking soda. I can’t remember if I added vanilla before, but that’s a great idea. Thanks for linking up.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 7, 2010 at 12:03 am

      Linda–It sounds like you already make these cookies with brown sugar vs granulated sugar. That’s the key difference in these recipes. The baking soda and vanilla help, too, but I think the brown sugar is key. I’m sure they’d be great made with almond butter or sun butter.

      Shirley

      Reply
  47. Ness says

    June 16, 2010 at 10:11 am

    I am going to feature these cookies on an upcoming blog post (It just links here to your post)…hope you don’t mind!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      June 16, 2010 at 2:14 pm

      Hi Ness (aka Brooke)–So nice to see you here at gfe again! I really enjoyed your post the other day over at Carrie’s Quick and Easy Meals event, although I must admit I was appalled I spelled garbanzo wrong, not once but twice, in my comment. 🙁 Sheesh, no wonder I call them chickpeas instead of garbanzo beans. LOL

      As far as featuring my cookies, that would be awesome–thanks! Everyone loves those. I appreciate the heads up. I’ll look forward to it. I’ve only had a little bit of time to take a gander at your blog, but I love your writing! Keep up the great work! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply
  48. Jussi James says

    October 1, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Please note if you make these cookies with ‘all natural’ peanut butter you will have to press them with a fork as traditional cookies. They will not spread much on their own. GREAT RECIPE!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      October 1, 2010 at 5:07 pm

      Hi Jussi–Looks like you are new here–welcome! 🙂 I didn’t even now if all natural peanut butter would work in this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing that it does with just a slight modification! I’ll update the recipe to include that info. Thank you so much for the feedback! I made these with half peanut butter and half almond butter the other day and I liked them even better. 😉

      Hope to see you again here! Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply
  49. brooke @B & the boy! says

    November 18, 2010 at 11:21 pm

    Thanks again! The note was helpful as we have to use the Skippy natural since the monkey is soy & corn free in addition to wheat & milk.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      November 19, 2010 at 12:49 pm

      Hi brooke–Hope these will work out great for you and your monkey! 😉 Almond butter works well, too. Also, a belated welcome to gfe … so glad to have you here. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply
  50. Susan says

    January 3, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    I cannot begin to tell you how awesome these cookies are and how happy they made me today! I was sitting here freaking out about the prices of the GF flours and trying to figure out how to bake without going broke. I bake all the time and was very disheartened when I imagined what the hike in cost would do to my “therapy” sessions in the kitchen. I made a batch of these today, my 13 yr old daughter loves them. I’m bake in business baby! Two weeks GF and feeling better already.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 3, 2011 at 7:56 pm

      Hi Susan–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 I’m so, so happy that you and your daughter enjoyed these cookies!! No, there’s no need to go broke baking gluten free at all. I’m with you on the kitchen therapy … it’s long been my favorite form of therapy. Some of the easiest ways to bake gluten free are with flourless and crustless recipes. There are many on my Recipes page. 😉 And, when I do use gf flour, it’s typically the very finely ground Asian white rice flour that is sold at Asian markets or international markets. I mix it with cornstarch and add some xanthan gum as needed. You’ll find it referenced in many of my recipes. Of course, there are many other wonderful desserts that don’t even require flour or “true” baking, like puddings, creme brulee, panna cotta, flan, etc. Be sure to let me know if you have any specific questions that I can help with. Finally, I’m thrilled you are feeling better already. That news totally makes my day!

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 3, 2011 at 8:03 pm

      Oh, I forgot to add that the Asian white rice flour is very inexpensive, too. And, even though it’s not certified gluten free, I’ve never had an issue with it, but of course, one must use one’s own judgment.

      Shirley

      Reply
  51. Susan says

    January 3, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    Thanks so much! I’m all for interesting but simple recipes, And will have to try the Asian white rice flour, luckily our local Hy-Vee store has a gluten free aisle and frozen foods, so ingredients won’t be a problem. They even have an in store diatician who just happens to be celiac. We already ate pretty well because of my MSG issues, but the magnitude of GF is a little daunting at first. So grateful that there are so many on line places to get real information!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 6, 2011 at 8:47 am

      Hi again Susan–I’ll be interested to hear if you can find the Asian white rice flour in your local Hy-Vee. It’s typically only sold in Asian or other ethnic markets. It’s important to buy that kind vs the standard white rice flour because it’s so finely ground. There’s no grit at all; it’s cornstarch consistency and you can’t say that about other rice flours in my experience. That’s fantastic that the Hy-Vee store has a celiac dietitian on staff. I bet she’s a godsend to many.

      You make a good point … once we start looking at our food for any concern, it improves our eating and makes us much more aware. Glad you had a “leg up” on gluten in foods! Even though it’s daunting at first (and I couldn’t agree more), you’ll be surprised how quickly eating gluten free becomes second nature. I’m convinced that’s especially true if one follows the gfe approach. Not a shameless plug … I truly believe it and many report that it’s true.

      Shirley

      Reply
  52. Naomi says

    January 14, 2011 at 10:36 am

    Shirley – I would love to make these with a class I’m teaching. Can I just ask for clarification, is baking soda, baking powder or bicarbonate of soda?

    In the uk, baking powder is a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda is just plain old soda.

    Hopefully…. x x x

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 14, 2011 at 11:28 am

      Hi Naomi–So good to see you! I haven’t visited your blog lately so I don’t know what’s going on with your house, etc. Must head over soon!!

      I love that you will use this recipe for your class! Baking soda is the equivalent of your bicarbonate of soda. I have made baking powder as you described before though. But yes, use bicarbonate of soda alone if this recipe. Hope you and your students enjoy the cookies! 🙂

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply
  53. Naomi says

    January 14, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Thanks Shirley – I knew I could count on you! x x x

    Reply
  54. Christa says

    February 9, 2011 at 12:26 am

    I have to tell you that I have no willpower when it comes to these cookies. I think I have eaten a whole recipe myself in the past two days. I hid them from my kids and husband, and then I consumed them all. Yeah… I need a lot more exercise in order to have these in my house. 🙂 By the way, I used natural peanut butter and ghirardelli chocolate chips. Heavenly.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      February 9, 2011 at 7:40 am

      Hi Christa–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Rest assured that you are not alone when it comes to these cookies. That’s why I typically make them for other folks … when there’s an open forum, so to speak, and I can’t go crazy with them or when there are so many folks I know they will be consumed immediately. Otherwise, I can’t help myself! And, made with natural peanut butter and ghirardelli choc chips, these would be pretty darned irresistible. 😉 And, don’t you love that there’s no flour? Flour would actually detract in this recipe … gotta love that.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your success with your version!
      Shirley

      Reply
  55. Carolyn says

    March 15, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    Shirley,
    Thank you! Been GF for a few years now and was really liking Trader Joe’s frozen PB cookies – until the salmonella scare and they stopped carrying them. Not being an experimental baker, I never tried to make my own but yours sound yummy.

    Here’s the thing – along with gluten, I also eliminated eggs and dairy. Talk about a challenge. I don’t get invited to brunch any more! There are two different types of egg substitute – powdered and jarred – and I’ll try your recipe with one of those.

    GREAT idea to use Nutella – my kids’ snack of choice ever since we lived in Europe. Who needs bread when you have a spoon? What about using sweet rice flour (from Asian market) to help with the spreading problem? Or heck, just slap some between two GFE peanut butter cookies!

    Thanks again for a great website!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      March 16, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      Hi Carolyn–Thanks for all the kind words, and welcome to gfe! 🙂 These are the easiest cookies ever with the egg. Not sure about egg free. Well, I actually made them egg-free once just leaving out the egg, but couldn’t reproduce my success. I think that version is dependent on how “fresh” and moist the brown sugar is. Can’t wait to to see if your egg-free options work … fingers crossed. 😉

      I understand the challenges of just gf/df … eggs definitely make it more difficult. Great idea on the sweet rice flour. I’m not eating Nutella at the moment, but will keep that in mind for the future. And, yep, I’ve used Nutella as cookie sandwich filling. It makes for a great cookie—see photos here. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply
  56. LEAH says

    April 8, 2011 at 9:07 am

    these are verry good! I am only a kid but i have a bakery busniss, everyone loves them! thank you so much for this recipe!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      April 8, 2011 at 9:23 am

      Hi Leah–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 That is awesome that you have your own baking business and all your customers are loving these. One of my support group members who is 11 bakes gluten-free baked goods every week for our farmers’ market. She makes a lot of people happy and she makes a lot of money and enjoys herself. You can see one of her pies here, but her specialty is muffins and this year she’s going to be offering apple turnovers!

      Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Leah! Keep us posted on your bakery business and, of course, let us know if you find other gfe recipes that your customers love. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply
  57. Holly says

    April 23, 2011 at 10:50 am

    This recipe is great–so easy and delicious! Even my husband (who doesn’t have to eat gluten/dairy free) loved them. And what’s not to love?

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      April 23, 2011 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Holly–It looks like you are new here–welcome to gfe! 🙂 Thanks so much! These cookies are great, aren’t they? They are a big hit any time I make them … for anybody! All my gfe recipes are designed to appeal to everyone, whether they are gluten free, dairy free, or not. 😉 So I really appreciate the feedback! Try them with different ingredients, too … chunky PB, dairy-free chocolate chips, etc. All are slightly different, but all are wonderful.

      Thanks again. Hope you’ll try more recipes and I hope to see you again soon!
      Shirley

      Reply
  58. Anna says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    Hello I just wanted to say thank you for your recipe. My son is on a GF/CF diet. He loved his cookies so I felt so bad taking those away. I was buying the store bought ones but they were getting so expensive! He LOVES these!! He is 2 and goes to the cookie jar himself to get these, which he has never done before. Thanks again and look forward to trying out some of your other recipes 🙂

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      November 4, 2011 at 9:58 pm

      Hi Anna–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 I’m so happy that you’ve found this recipe and your son is enjoying it so! Have fun making new and wonderful gfe recipes. 😉

      Thanks for taking the time to comment! Hope to see you again.
      Shirley

      Reply
  59. becky g says

    January 16, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    Just made these for my 2yr old gluten intolerant daughter, and they are soooo delicious! Even my picky husband loves them 🙂 a fave for us! 🙂 thank you for sharing it!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 16, 2012 at 11:33 pm

      Hi Becky–This is such great news! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and let us all know. 🙂 I’m tickled pink that both your gluten-free 2-yr old and your gluten-full hubby love these, and you, too, of course. 😉 That’s my mission here at gfe … to create recipes that keep everyone safe AND happy!

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply
  60. Angela says

    January 19, 2012 at 12:41 am

    My goodness! They were gone as soon as I made them and more than should have, did end up in my own stomach 🙂
    My first time ever to make cookies without any flour in them and they were divine! Exactly how we all like them in my family and the only feedback was for more.
    I am coming to realize that gluten free can be very delicious, easy to pull off and fun! Thanks Shirley for having done so much footwork and helping us newcomers!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 19, 2012 at 11:13 am

      Angela–Yippeeee! I can never hear enough of this kind of feedback–thank you so much!! It really only takes a handful of “tried and true,” easy and delicious gluten-free recipes to convince family and friends that gluten free is good! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply
  61. Kristin W. says

    February 8, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Made these into Nutella sandwich cookies for Superbowl. My family loved them. I must deprive my kids as I have never made sandwich cookies. The next day my son asked me to put a “cover” on his cookie. He ment putting another cookie on top of the other but didn’t know what to call it.

    Another great keeper gfe recipe! Thanks.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      March 25, 2012 at 8:03 am

      Hi Kristin–I’m not sure how I missed replying to this comment earlier, but I’m so happy that you introduced your family to the sandwich cookie and this particular version. 😉 Too cute on the “cover”! The Nutella sandwich version of these cookies is definitely a special treat! 🙂 FYI–They also make great Cookie S’mores! https://glutenfreeeasily.com/gluten-free-cookie-smores/

      Thanks for always leaving such lovely comments after you try gfe recipes!
      Shirley

      Reply
  62. Emily says

    March 25, 2012 at 1:45 am

    I made the 3 ingredient kind with unsweetened peanut butter (Adams from Walmart) and they were still too sweet so for the next batch I substituted 1/4 cup of shredded coconut (Bob’s Red Mill unsweetened) for 1/4 cup of the sugar. They tasted so great–more cookie-like and not so addictively sweet. We even added a few Enjoy Life chocolate chips.

    Reply
  63. Lyla says

    April 28, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    I made these with a slight variation that will be great for you chocolate lovers. I used half peanut butter and half Dark Chocolate dreams from the Peanut Butter Co. It is a mix of peanut butter and dark chocolate. The cookies hold great and are scrumptious. I am trying very hard not to eat them all before this evening’s dinner party…

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      April 28, 2012 at 7:43 pm

      Hi Lyla–First, welcome! I’m happy to have you here at gfe. Second, brilliant variation on the recipe by using Dark Chocolate Dreams. I admit that I have not tried that product before, but I’ve heard it’s wonderful. 🙂 I’m so happy that you were able to use this recipe to come up with your own scrumptious variation. I hope everyone enjoys them at the dinner party … well, if there are any left. Hehe. 😉

      Thanks so much for sharing with us all!
      Shirley

      Reply
  64. Lyla says

    April 30, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    They were awesome. My GF friend and dinner guest said these are the first GF cookies she’d had that tasted like the real thing! The only problem with these was that by the time dinner was ready there were very few left… Both of us “tried” more than our fair share.
    Thank you for a fabulous recipe!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      April 30, 2012 at 8:32 pm

      That’s such great news, Lyla! I’m so happy that you were able to introduce your gluten-free friend to these cookies (your version) and that she loved them so! It is both a blessing and curse that this recipe does not make a whole lot of cookies. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply
  65. Meghan says

    May 4, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    Thank you! I have a couple in my Life Group from church that cannot have gluten or dairy. I was in a pickle–the kids got used to a little something after group and so did the adults. They were very polite when I served everyone except them.
    I was so excited to serve these this week. EVERYONE loved them. THANK YOU!!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      May 4, 2012 at 11:02 pm

      Hi Meghan–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 What fantastic news! I love it when some of my recipes can help the gluten-full feed their gluten-free friends and acquaintances safely. Thank you so much for looking out for them! Hope you’ll find other simple recipes here that you can make for everyone, too. I can think of at least one … Coconut Meringues. Yum. 😉

      Thanks again for taking the time to comment!
      Shirley

      Reply
  66. Vickie says

    May 25, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    What a wonderful website you have here! I was searching for a yummy dessert for a friend who can’t do gluten, dairy or eggs. These cookies sound amazing but I don’t have duck eggs readily available. Do you think your recipe would work with Ener-g egg replacer?

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      May 25, 2012 at 6:26 pm

      Hi Vickie–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Thanks so much for your generous words, too. Personally I haven’t tried this recipe with egg replacer, so I can’t say for certain. I’ve read that some make flourless peanut butter cookies with egg replacer and then others say it won’t work. I’d give it a try. I’ve also read that flax eggs and chia eggs work great, but doubt that you have either flax seed or chia seeds on hand. I have another recipe that also might interest you because it’s egg free to being with. It’s the Flourless Banana Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter) Cookie recipe. It’s different from the peanut butter cookies in texture, but still delicious. Please let me know how things work out … fingers crossed!

      Shirley

      Reply
  67. Vickie says

    May 25, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Sorry, forgot to include my email address!

    Reply
  68. Megan says

    January 3, 2013 at 11:16 am

    I simply adore these cookies!!! I made them a few days ago for my boyfriend who has the flu as well as for other friends. Let me just say the cookies went FAST!!! 🙂

    I made both the original and chocolate chip versions, and both were huge hits!! I used original Jif peanut butter and coconut palm sugar instead of the brown sugar. I also up’d the vanilla to 1 Tbsp just because my boyfriend likes extra sweet cookies, but I think they would also taste just as good using the 1/2 tsp. prescribed in the recipe.

    Best of all, these cookies were simple to make and required no flour, which can get expensive. I’m definitely going to add this cookie recipe to the “favorites” section of my recipe binder!!

    Do yourself a favor and make these cookies if you have not already; you won’t be sorry!!! And make sure you read Shirley’s notes; they are invaluable!

    Megan

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 4, 2013 at 2:08 pm

      Megan–Your review is wonderful … thank you so very much!! So now I can call these cookies flu remedies? 😉 I love using coconut palm sugar in these will have to try the increased vanilla and see what I think. Try them with almond butter some time, too. Son and I love them made with almond butter. They are not quite as rich when made with almond butter.

      Thanks for taking the time to comment and spreading the word, dear. These cookies do make for easy, inexpensive, and delicious gluten-free baking for sure. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply
  69. tamy says

    January 24, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Ideas for no egg? Can I use ground flax as a replacement?

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:52 am

      Hi tamy–First, it looks like you are new here–welcome to gfe! Others have used both flax eggs and chia eggs successfully with this recipe. 🙂 I also have two egg-free variations on this recipe. One uses banana and the other uses avocado. I hope one of those ideas will work for you!

      Shirley

      Reply
  70. Sarah says

    January 24, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    Can I make these successfully without sugar?

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 25, 2013 at 12:16 am

      Hi Sarah–Welcome to gfe. Honestly, I don’t think these cookies can be made completely without sugar. It adds to the structure of the cookie, which is critical without the flour. That said, folks are always adapting my recipes to their needs so please read the comments on this post and on other similar recipes that I shared via my latest roundup.

      Good luck! Please let us know if you have success. 🙂
      Shirley

      Reply
  71. Leanne says

    January 25, 2013 at 12:23 am

    I just made these tonight for National Peanut Butter Day, and added some Enjoy Life mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. I used a natural peanut butter (Parkers brand, just peanuts and salt) and found that allowing them to cool on the cookie sheet was crucial. I found 5 minutes was not quite enough time, so I let them go for another 5 or 6 and then they were fine. When I tried with the first sheet after 5 minutes they were still too soft and were tearing apart. Other than that, they came out beautifully and very, very tasty!! I’m going to try them without chocolate chips sometime this weekend I think. Thanks for such an easy and delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 25, 2013 at 1:06 am

      Hi Leanne–I do think that natural peanut butter yields a softer cookie, so having them continue to bake on the baking sheet about 5 minutes longer makes sense. I probably need to add some more wording to that effect to the recipe. I actually don’t time my cookies being on the baking sheet these days. I just leave them there and do other tasks, time passes, and then when I get back to them, they’re ready. 🙂 Anyway, so glad you ultimately had success. Thanks so much for letting us all know!

      Shirley

      Reply
  72. April says

    January 25, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    Hi, these look absolutely delicious! Peanut butter cookies used to be one of my favorites. 🙂 If I use natural peanut butter, should I add more coconut sugar to make up for it? Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 25, 2013 at 5:50 pm

      Hey April–Thanks! You shouldn’t have to add more coconut sugar if using natural peanut butter. I guess it depends on if the natural peanut butter is a certain brand or homemade and if it’s oily or not. I use purchased natural peanut butter and coconut sugar all the time and love the results. Fingers crossed that you will, too! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply
      • April says

        January 25, 2013 at 7:07 pm

        Thanks for the quick reply! I use the self-grind pb from Whole foods, and I wouldn’t exactly call it easily spreadable. I really can’t wait to try these now, thanks!

        Reply
        • Shirley says

          January 25, 2013 at 7:14 pm

          Sure, April. Just remember the note to press down the dough to flatten it when using natural peanut butter. 🙂 Hoping that all will go well and you will love them. I’d try just a couple at first to ensure your peanut butter is not too thick. It could be possible that you might have to add a little oil to the batter if it is.

          Shirley

          Reply
    • Leanne says

      March 31, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      I use natural peanut butter (I’ve used creamy and crunchy) and the last two times I’ve made these, I’ve used 3/4 cup brown sugar. I haven’t used coconut sugar, so I don’t know if the sweetness is the same, but to me, reducing the sugar hasn’t had a negative effect on the taste. Still delicious!

      Reply
      • Shirley says

        April 1, 2013 at 12:22 am

        Hey Leanne–Good to see you again! 🙂 And thanks so much for sharing that the lesser amount of brown sugar works. I’m sure that April will find that info very helpful, as I do. And, of course, I appreciate the great feedback on the recipe itself!

        Shirley

        Reply
  73. Kimberly says

    January 25, 2013 at 5:33 pm

    These were so delicious! I was able to whip them up in no time and following your directions for letting them set, they ended up a perfect consistency, too. My husband and daughter who both have celiac couldn’t believe that they were gluten free and flourless. Yum!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 25, 2013 at 5:52 pm

      Hi Kimberly–Good to see you here at gfe again! 🙂 And yay on your success! I’m so glad that both your husband and daughter loved them. I have to admit that they are amazing cookies for sure. 😉

      Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Have a great weekend. 🙂
      Shirley

      Reply
  74. Cassidy @ Cooking Gluten (& Dairy) Free says

    January 25, 2013 at 7:34 pm

    I have almost the exact same recipe on my site! I make them all the time and they’re great! My friends and family love this recipe because they can make them without any special ingredients 🙂

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 27, 2013 at 9:45 am

      Hey Cassidy–It’s a recipe that everyone should half for exactly those reasons! This is usually my intro gf cookie recipe for folks. I’m making them today for my support group’s open house event. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply
  75. Megan says

    January 27, 2013 at 8:06 am

    Hi Shirley!

    So I cut the recipe in half last night and used Trader Joe’s sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and the batter was VERY sticky. I couldn’t even roll them into balls without having the majority of the batter stick to my hands, so instead I just dropped the batter onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. They spread very well, but the extra stickiness was my only concern. Even though I cut the recipe in half, I did use one egg because I wasn’t sure how to get half an egg from one. 🙂 Anyway, they still came out good and I’m glad I tried another variety!
    Megan 🙂

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 27, 2013 at 9:44 am

      Hey Megan–Did the batter stick even after you had greased your hands some? Glad you got the recipe to work for you even after the issues. I’ve never had that particular issue that I recall (well not to the level of stickiness), but I know that I used the Sun Butter brand and I’m pretty sure that I greased my hands. Plus, it’s been a while since I used sun butter so I don’t remember all the details. 😉 One whole egg was probably fine and helped “mitigate” that stickiness, but if I need half an egg in a recipe, I scramble the egg, roughly “measure” it, and then use only half of it. Thanks so much for reporting back!

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply
  76. Iris says

    January 28, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    Peanut butter cookies are kind of like heaven.

    Thanks for sharing these at 5-Ingredient Mondays! I am having so much fun looking at all the recipes submitted. I want to make them all!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 28, 2013 at 11:26 pm

      Hey Iris–So many folks agree with you about peanut butter cookies, including moi! Hence, all the comments here. 😉 You are so smart to have launched an event that makes folks so creative! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply
  77. Polly says

    March 29, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    This has been a favorite of mine and my family’s as well. Recently I have reduced the amount of sugar and starches my family is eating. So I replaced the brown sugar in this recipe with the same amount of agave syrup. With chocolate chips, it’s the closest thing to chewy Chips-a-hoy cookies I have had in over 10 years.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      March 31, 2013 at 11:08 am

      Hey Polly!–It’s great to hear from you and I love that you’ve discovered that agave will work in this recipe and give you that cookie taste/texture that you’re looking for! 🙂 This is good news not only for those who use agave, but also for those who prefer honey (for other diets) as that should work well, too. Will have to do some experimenting here in the gfe kitchen. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing with us all!

      Happy Easter!
      Shirley

      Reply
  78. angie says

    April 6, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    cookies are awsome !!!!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      April 7, 2013 at 7:31 am

      Hi Angie–Did you make these flourless peanut butter cookies? Is that the aweseomeness you refer to? 😉

      Shirley

      Reply
  79. Melinda says

    June 11, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Have you tried using egg replacer instead of eggs?

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      June 13, 2013 at 10:43 pm

      Melinda–Personally, I have not tried egg replacer, but I’ve read about others using egg replacer successfully. I also have made two egg-free versions here and here. The resulting cookies are not quite the same as these, but still delicious. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply
  80. Marcia says

    June 17, 2013 at 11:41 pm

    Shirley: thanks so much for your website & recipes! I’ve suffered for the majority of my life with intestinal and allergy problems & have spent thousands trying to find out why I hurt so much. It was at my podiatrist’s suggestion (yes, a foot doc!) that I’m trying gluten free. Thanks to your recipes, I’ve found we can eat more than merely meat, fruits & vegetables. My first success was the Mexican chicken casserole. After that was tasty, I had enough confidence to try these cookies. Hubs likes them too, so now I’ll be trying even more recipes. Thanks especially for the low carb-GF recipes.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      September 9, 2013 at 3:28 pm

      Wow, Marcia … I just came here to approve another comment on this post and found yours from June. I’m so sorry I am just now replying! Thank you so much for the lovely feedback and, most importantly, thanks for sharing your personal story a bit with us. 🙂 All kinds of doctors are suggesting gluten-free diets to their patients when they can’t find answers elsewhere. That’s a good thing! I hope that you have seen awesome results. I am so glad that my recipes are helping you make the transition!

      Shirley

      Reply
  81. Lesa says

    September 9, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    What would you use to substitute the egg? They sound amazing.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      September 9, 2013 at 3:31 pm

      Welcome, Lesa! 🙂 Folks have used different egg substitutes in this recipe. Some have had good luck with chia gel eggs and flaxseed eggs. Others have had success with commercial egg replacer. I have two egg-free variations of this recipe here and here if you want to check those out. Hope one of those options will work out for you!

      Shirley

      Reply
  82. Michaela says

    December 13, 2013 at 2:57 am

    I tried this recipe two different ways.. both of which I added oatmeal to.
    One was a 100% peanut butter and the other a mix of almond and peanut. The almond ones are TO DIE FOR, yet the peanut ones aren’t as tempting, allthough they are good.
    Adding almond butter provided a moistness the cookies wouldn’t have otherwise had, so i highly recommend adding it, and the oatmeal provided a delicious hearty texture to the cookie. Also the second batch (peanut/almond) had about 3/4 white sugar as opposed to the recommended 1cup brown sugar.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      December 14, 2013 at 1:49 am

      Hi Michaela–Welcome! 🙂 I actually think almond butter beats peanut butter any day (I’ve used a combo effect, too, before), so I’m not surprised that you liked those cookies better. Yes, it’s pretty easy to cut down on the sugar in this recipe. The added oatmeal would help in that regard because it helps supply the volume that the sugar would normally. How much oatmeal did you add?

      Thanks,
      Shirley

      Reply
  83. Julie says

    February 2, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    I made these with all natural peanut butter – I flattened them out with the bottom of a glass (rubbed with butter and coated with sugar), then baked them for 12 mins and let sit for 10. Turned out great!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      February 3, 2014 at 2:57 pm

      Hi Julie–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 I am so glad that you had such success with these cookies! This is usually the treat recipe that I share with newly gf folks first because it’s just so easy and the cookies turn out so well. Nobody can ever believe that there’s no flour in them. 😉

      Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
      Shirley

      Reply
  84. Becky says

    December 18, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    I just came across this recipe and within 15 minutes I was in the kitchen making these cookies. I eat a Paleo diet so I substituted Toasted Coconut Butter and Coconut Sugar and I was NOT disappointed!! WOW!!!! Such a quick and easy recipe and soooooo yummy!! The cookies are so chewy it’s almost like eating a candy bar 🙂 Thanks for such a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      December 18, 2014 at 7:17 pm

      Hi Becky–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 You used coconut butter in place of the peanut butter? That is brilliant! I’ve used other nut butters with coconut sugar to make this recipe paleo many times before, but never considered subbing coconut butter. Wow, I might have to make a batch right now! Thank you, Becky. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply
    • Shirley says

      December 18, 2014 at 7:30 pm

      Well, thinking back, Becky, I did make this recipe once using the Peanut Coconut Butter and that was divine so I guess that was a sort of “preview” of how good coconut butter alone would be. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply
      • Becky says

        December 18, 2014 at 7:48 pm

        I didn’t use just regular coconut butter though. I buy the Toasted Coconut Chips by the case (from Let’s Do Organic) and I make my own. Once I tasted the Toasted version, compared to regular, there was nooooo going back for me 🙂 Toasted Coconut Butter is ALWAYS in my fridge now. I just made another batch of these tonight! They’ll be going to my 4 sisters as part of their Christmas gift and I think these cookies will always be in my freezer from now on. They freeze great, in case anyone’s wondering. So thank again for a wonderful recipe!

        Reply
        • Shirley says

          December 18, 2014 at 8:12 pm

          Another wow, Becky, as I’m not familiar with the coconut chips that come already toasted. Going to check those out immediately. What a wonderful Christmas treat these cookies will be for your sisters! And yay on the freezable factor, too. 🙂 You’re welcome and thanks!

          Shirley

          Reply
  85. Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says

    April 10, 2015 at 9:33 am

    I’ve made these many times and they always turn out terrific! They are especially good for unexpected company because they are so easy and I always have the ingredients on hand 🙂

    XO,
    Cassidy

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      April 10, 2015 at 10:11 pm

      I love hearing that, Cassidy! Thanks for letting me know. I made these hastily before Son headed back home yesterday. Like you said, I had all the ingredients and they come together so quickly. 🙂 Yesterday I made them using almond butter and coconut sugar, which is probably our personal favorite.

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply
  86. Charlotte Moore says

    May 27, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    I too have been one that could not imagine flourless cookies. Well, I just made them and they were beautiful and very good. They were so easy to make too. I am not one for much peanut butter though. I just wanted to see if they would work. I am sending a couple to our granddaughter in law that eats GF. The rest will be going my sons store.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      May 27, 2015 at 5:20 pm

      Hi Charlotte–It’s good to see you again! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your review with us all. I hope that your granddaughter-in-law and your sons like them, too! Mr. GFE is not a big fan of peanut butter either. He likes me to make these with chocolate chips or chunks. That makes them more palatable for him. Hehe, but true. 😉

      Thanks!
      Shirley

      Reply
  87. Molly says

    November 1, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    I just made these and WOW! Perfect!! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      November 1, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      Hi Molly–So good to see you here and woohoo on your success with these cookies! They’re a gfe reader favorite for sure. 🙂 I so appreciate you taking the time to comment and share your review!

      Shirley

      Reply
  88. April J Harris says

    March 4, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    Your peanut butter cookies look beautiful, Shirley, mouth-watering in fact! I love how quick and easy the recipe is too. Pinned to try soon! Thank you so much for being a part of our Hearth and Soul Hop. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
    • Shirley Braden says

      March 6, 2016 at 12:52 am

      Hi April–Thanks! I made these cookies today, adding mini chocolate chips to half of the batch. I took some over to my Mom’s for her and my aunt to enjoy. They really are my “go to” recipe when I need a quick and easy treat. 🙂

      Happy weekend to you as well!
      Shirley

      Reply
  89. swathi says

    March 7, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    Looks delicious love to try this peanut butter cookies, Thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop. Pinning and tweeting.

    Reply
    • Shirley Braden says

      March 8, 2016 at 10:05 pm

      Hi Swathi–These cookies always amaze everyone with the fact that they are flourless. You’d really never know that. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing, dear!

      Shirley

      Reply
  90. Diane says

    September 25, 2016 at 9:34 am

    I have had to adhere to a strick gluten and oat free diet since before Celiac was ever a household issue. Three crumbs of gluten will cause a reaction in 11 minutes which then means weeks of getting my health back.
    The peanut butter cookies recipe has been a favorite of mine for years. I make both the creamy and chunky plain, but also put the mini semi sweet chocolate chips in both for special batches.
    What I have changed is to only use a half cup of brown sugar. Never use the dark, way to sweet. I use a very small ice cream scoop so each cookie is the same size and it is more sanitary. Had a dessert and cake decorating business years ago, so am aware of health laws and carry those through my everyday baking even now. Only one press with a dinner fork will give the signature top markings.
    This recipe goes to friends, work, pot lucks, thank you plates, board meetings… always a hit.

    Reply
    • Shirley Braden says

      September 25, 2016 at 10:27 am

      Hi Diane–It looks like it’s your first time commenting here on gfe—welcome! I really appreciate you sharing your variation here and on Facebook. 🙂 This is the first recipe that I always share with folk when they go gluten free, because it shows how good that gluten free can be, but just as importantly, how one can live gluten free easily (gfe), without special ingredients. Like you, I take this recipe everywhere, for every occasion. It’s always loved. 😉

      Thanks again!
      Shirley

      Reply
  91. Laurel says

    August 6, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    PERFECT! I use natural pb so definitely needed to press down– they don’t spread with natural. I’ve made with the egg and most recently with chia “egg” (1 T chia seeds to 3 T water) for my newly vegan daughter. All of us love these. Thank you!

    Reply
  92. GFDF says

    March 13, 2018 at 3:35 am

    How much quick oats would you add and how far can I reduce the sugar?

    Reply
    • Shirley Braden says

      March 13, 2018 at 6:23 am

      Hi GFDF–Welcome to gfe. 🙂 I’ve reduced the sugar to 3/4 cup and I’ve seen others reduce it even further but you’ll have to experiment on your own on the sugar and with adding oats as I’ve not made this recipe with both those changes. You’ll be creating a new recipe and new recipes require experimenting and testing over and over. Good luck! Please let us know what works for you.

      Shirley

      Reply
  93. Adria says

    March 29, 2020 at 12:43 pm

    I double this recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan for bars. Incredibly quick and easy!
    I use the smaller jar of Smuckers Natural PB and don’t pre-mix or measure the PB.

    Reply
    • Shirley Braden says

      March 29, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      Hi Adria–It’s great to see you here again at gfe! 🙂 And I love this idea! Thank you so much for sharing it! I may have to write it up as a separate recipe post. Maybe with chocolate chips added. 😉 I do have a question though. You say that you use the smaller jar of Smuckers Natural Peanut Butter. It looks like the smaller jar is 16 ounces, which means you’d be using about twice as much peanut butter as the recipe calls for. (It seems that a cup of peanut butter equals about 8 1/2 ounces.) Is that what you’re actually doing?

      Thanks!
      Shirley

      Reply

Trackbacks

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  9. Flourless Almond Butter Cookies | Tasty Eats at Home says:
    October 28, 2011 at 3:08 pm

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