Desserts

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Name: Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (190g) rice flour; 1/2 cup (60g) tapioca starch; 1 tsp xanthan gum; 1/2 cup (115g) peanut butter; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped peanuts; 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp baking soda

By Felix Donovan · June 19, 2026 · Desserts

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves12

I still remember the first time I made gluten-free peanut butter cookies - it was a revelation. The combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy sugar, and tender texture was a game-changer for my gluten-free baking journey. As someone who's had to adapt to a gluten-free diet, I know how hard it can be to find reliable recipes that deliver on flavor and texture.

That's why I'm excited to share this recipe for gluten-free peanut butter cookies, which uses a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to create a tender and chewy crumb. With a few simple substitutions and a bit of patience, you can enjoy these delicious cookies in the comfort of your own home.

These cookies are perfect for a quick snack or dessert, and they're also great for packing in lunches or as a treat for a party. The best part is that they're incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment.

So whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, I hope you'll give these gluten-free peanut butter cookies a try. With their rich peanut butter flavor and tender texture, I'm confident you'll be hooked from the very first bite.

In this recipe, we'll cover the basics of gluten-free baking, including how to choose the right flours, how to handle xanthan gum, and how to achieve the perfect texture. We'll also discuss some common mistakes to avoid and provide tips for customizing the recipe to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are easy to make and require minimal ingredients
They're perfect for a quick snack or dessert
The gluten-free flour blend makes them accessible to those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity
The peanut butter flavor is rich and creamy
They're great for packing in lunches or as a treat for a party
The recipe is customizable to your taste preferences
They're tender and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside

Why This Recipe Works

The key to successful gluten-free baking is understanding how to work with gluten-free flours. Unlike traditional wheat flour, gluten-free flours lack the structure and elasticity that gluten provides, which can make them more prone to crumbling and dryness.

To combat this, we use a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum in this recipe. The rice flour provides a light and tender texture, while the tapioca starch helps to add structure and chewiness. The xanthan gum, meanwhile, acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a cohesive crumb.

By using this blend of flours and taking the time to properly hydrate and rest the dough, we can create a cookie that's not only delicious but also tender and chewy. It's a testament to the power of gluten-free baking and the possibilities that it offers.

Another important factor in this recipe is the use of peanut butter. Not only does it add a rich and creamy flavor to the cookies, but it also helps to bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive texture. By using a high-quality peanut butter and taking the time to properly mix and aerate the dough, we can create a cookie that's not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to gluten-free baking, the quality of your ingredients is crucial. Look for high-quality gluten-free flours that are fresh and well-milled, and choose a peanut butter that's free from added oils and sugars. With these simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious and tender cookie that's perfect for any occasion.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to create a tender and chewy crumb. We'll also be using peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to add flavor and moisture to the cookies.

1 1/2 cups (190g) rice flourLook for a high-quality rice flour that is fresh and well-milled. This will help to create a tender and chewy crumb in your cookies.
1/2 cup (60g) tapioca starchTapioca starch helps to add structure and chewiness to the cookies. It's an important ingredient in gluten-free baking and can be found in most health food stores or online.
1 tsp xanthan gumXanthan gum acts as a binder in gluten-free baking, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a cohesive crumb. It's an important ingredient in this recipe and can be found in most health food stores or online.
1/2 cup (115g) peanut butterChoose a high-quality peanut butter that is free from added oils and sugars. This will help to create a rich and creamy flavor in your cookies.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds sweetness and texture to the cookies. You can also use brown sugar or honey if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
1 large eggEggs help to bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive texture in the cookies. They also add moisture and richness to the flavor.
1 tsp vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a sweet and creamy flavor to the cookies. You can also use almond extract or another flavor of your choice if you prefer.
1/2 tsp saltSalt helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and adds depth to the flavor of the cookies.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped peanutsChopped peanuts add texture and flavor to the cookies. You can also use chopped almonds or walnuts if you prefer.
1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter helps to create a tender and chewy texture in the cookies. It also adds flavor and moisture to the dough.
1 tsp baking sodaBaking soda helps to create a light and tender texture in the cookies. It's an important ingredient in gluten-free baking and can be found in most health food stores or online.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlHand mixer or whiskMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerBaking sheet lined with parchment paperMedium-sized bowl for melting butterWhisk for mixing wet ingredients

How to Make Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help to prevent the cookies from sticking and make them easier to remove once they're baked.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rice flour, tapioca starch, xanthan gum, and baking soda. This will help to combine the dry ingredients and create a uniform texture in the cookies.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will help to create a rich and creamy flavor in the cookies.
4
Add the melted butter to the wet ingredients and whisk until fully incorporated. This will help to create a tender and chewy texture in the cookies.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. This will help to create a cohesive texture in the cookies and ensure that they hold their shape once they're baked.
6
Fold in the chopped peanuts and mix until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will help to add texture and flavor to the cookies.
7
Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon (15g) each. This will help to create a uniform size and shape in the cookies.
8
Place the balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of space between each cookie. This will help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensure that they have enough room to bake evenly.
9
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they're lightly golden brown on the edges and set in the center. This will help to create a tender and chewy texture in the cookies and ensure that they're fully cooked.
10
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This will help to prevent them from breaking and make them easier to handle.
11
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help to prevent them from becoming soggy and ensure that they remain fresh for a longer period of time.
12
Once the cookies are cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming stale.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality gluten-free flours that are fresh and well-milled. This will help to create a tender and chewy texture in the cookies.
Choose a peanut butter that is free from added oils and sugars. This will help to create a rich and creamy flavor in the cookies.
Don't overmix the dough, as this can cause the cookies to become tough and dense. Mix the ingredients just until they're combined, and then stop mixing.
Use a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to create a tender and chewy crumb. This will help to add structure and texture to the cookies.
If you find that your cookies are too crumbly, try adding a little more xanthan gum to the dough. This will help to bind the ingredients together and create a more cohesive texture.
Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious variations. You can try adding different types of nuts, seeds, or spices to the dough to create a unique flavor and texture.
Make sure to scoop the dough into balls of the same size so that the cookies bake evenly. This will help to prevent some cookies from being overcooked or undercooked.
If you want a crisper cookie, bake them for 12-14 minutes. If you want a chewier cookie, bake them for 8-10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality gluten-free flours that are old or poorly milled. This can cause the cookies to be dense and crumbly.
Overmixing the dough, which can cause the cookies to become tough and dense. Mix the ingredients just until they're combined, and then stop mixing.
Not using enough xanthan gum, which can cause the cookies to be crumbly and fall apart. Use a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to create a tender and chewy crumb.
Baking the cookies for too long, which can cause them to be overcooked and dry. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they're lightly golden brown on the edges and set in the center.
Not letting the cookies cool completely before storing them. This can cause the cookies to become soggy and lose their texture. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before storing them.
Using a peanut butter that is old or of poor quality. This can cause the cookies to have a stale or unpleasant flavor. Choose a high-quality peanut butter that is fresh and free from added oils and sugars.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cookie.
Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty and sweet flavor combination.
Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Use a combination of gluten-free flours, such as rice flour, almond flour, and coconut flour, to create a unique and delicious flavor and texture.
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for added texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

These gluten-free peanut butter cookies are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. You can serve them on their own, or pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream. They're also great for packing in lunches or as a treat for a party.

Some other ideas for serving these cookies include:

- Pairing them with a fruit salad or a green salad for a sweet and savory combination

- Serving them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert

- Using them as a base for a cookie sandwich, with a layer of Nutella or peanut butter in the middle

- Crushing them up and using them as a topping for a sundae or a milkshake

Serve with a glass of cold milkPair with a scoop of ice creamUse as a base for a cookie sandwichCrush up and use as a topping for a sundae or milkshakePack in lunches or as a treat for a partyServe with a fruit salad or a green salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve them.

To freeze the cookies, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To thaw the cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours. You can also thaw them in the microwave by heating them for 10-15 seconds at a time, until they're soft and chewy.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and the contents, so you can keep track of how long they've been stored.

In addition to freezing, you can also store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming stale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of gluten-free flour should I use for this recipe?

You can use a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to create a tender and chewy crumb. You can also use a pre-mixed gluten-free flour blend, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package for proper mixing and ratio.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can use almond butter instead of peanut butter. Just keep in mind that almond butter has a slightly different flavor and texture than peanut butter, so the cookies may turn out slightly differently.

How do I know if the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done baking when they're lightly golden brown on the edges and set in the center. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cookie - if it comes out clean, the cookies are done.

Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, make sure to scoop the dough into balls of the same size and leave enough space between each cookie on the baking sheet. You can also chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies retain their shape.

Can I use this recipe to make other types of cookies?

Yes, you can use this recipe as a base to make other types of cookies. Just substitute different ingredients, such as different types of nuts or chocolate chips, to create a unique flavor and texture.

How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?

You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, and thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to serve them.

Can I make these cookies in a different size?

Yes, you can make these cookies in a different size. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size of the cookies. For example, if you make smaller cookies, they may bake more quickly, while larger cookies may take longer to bake.

How do I know if the cookies are gluten-free?

To ensure that the cookies are gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free flours and ingredients, and avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. You can also use a gluten-free certification program to verify that the ingredients and equipment used are gluten-free.

The Full Recipe

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