The Ultimate Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Gluten-Free Dream!

When the craving for a warm, chewy cookie strikes, especially for those navigating gluten sensitivities, the usual response is to reach for alternative flours. Whether it’s a gluten-free all-purpose blend, rich almond flour, or absorbent coconut flour, the world of substitutions offers countless possibilities. This variety is a true blessing, given the increasing number of individuals managing gluten issues today. However, these incredible Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies defy the norm. Instead of merely replacing the flour, they ingeniously eliminate it entirely. This innovative approach instantly captured my attention, promising a uniquely delightful experience without compromise.

This brilliant recipe comes from the culinary mind of Kathryne Taylor, the creative force behind COOKIE + kate. Known for her wholesome and approachable recipes, Kathryne has featured this particular gem in her highly acclaimed cookbook, Love Real Food. Her philosophy centers on real, unprocessed ingredients, and these cookies are a testament to that ethos, proving that simple can indeed be spectacular.

Why Go Flourless? The Magic Behind These Gluten-Free Cookies

The concept of flourless cookies might seem unconventional, but it’s a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it offers a delicious and worry-free treat. You don’t need to worry about cross-contamination from different flours or expensive specialty blends. But beyond dietary needs, these cookies bring a unique texture and intensely rich flavor profile that regular flour cookies simply can’t match. The absence of flour allows the star ingredients – peanut butter and chocolate – to truly shine, resulting in a dense, fudgy, and incredibly satisfying bite.

A Remarkably Simple Ingredient List: Just Six Essentials!

What makes this recipe truly extraordinary is its minimalist approach to ingredients. The entire recipe calls for a mere six items, including staples like salt and vanilla extract! This simplicity is not just convenient; it speaks to the purity and robust flavor that shines through when you let quality ingredients speak for themselves. You’ll be amazed at how such a small number of components can create such a deeply flavorful and satisfying cookie.

Effortless One-Bowl Preparation: Perfect for Bakers of All Ages

Adding to its appeal, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s designed for the home cook who appreciates efficiency, requiring only one bowl for mixing. This means less cleanup and a more enjoyable baking process. It’s truly “my kind of recipe” – straightforward, forgiving, and utterly delicious. Furthermore, its simplicity makes it an ideal activity for baking with children. Hand them a wooden spoon, pass the bowl, and watch their faces light up as they contribute to creating these delightful treats. It’s a fantastic way to introduce little ones to the joys of baking, fostering precious memories in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Perfection: Crafting Your Flourless Wonders

Creating these delightful flourless peanut butter chocolate chip cookies is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few key details will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even baking from the start.
Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your delicate cookies don’t break when removed.
In a medium bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. This step breaks up the egg whites and yolks, allowing for a smoother mixture.
Add the sugar to the whisked eggs. Whisk together until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. This creates the base of your cookie dough, dissolving the sugar and contributing to the chewy texture.
Add the vanilla extract and salt, then stir to combine. Vanilla enhances the overall flavor, while salt balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate.

Add the natural peanut butter to the egg mixture. The peanut butter acts as the primary binder and flavor base in these flourless cookies.
Using a wooden spoon, stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. Ensure there are no streaks of unmixed egg or sugar, creating a uniform dough.
Add the chocolate chips. We recommend bittersweet chocolate chips (at least 60% cacao) for a balanced flavor that perfectly complements the peanut butter, but you can use your favorite!
Stir until the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite.

Achieving the Perfect Texture: Chewy or Crispy

These flourless peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are designed to be soft and delightfully chewy in the center with a slight crispness around the edges. This ideal texture is achieved through a specific preparation step:

Scoop the dough with a small cookie scoop, measuring 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Using a scoop ensures consistent cookie size and even baking. My personal scoop is precise, allowing me to level off any excess dough for perfect portions and a flat base.
Place each scoop on the prepared pan, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing is crucial to prevent the cookies from merging as they spread during baking.
Crucially, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking. This chilling step is the secret to achieving perfectly mounded, chewy cookies. It solidifies the fat in the peanut butter, preventing excessive spreading and ensuring a thicker, softer center.

Craving a Crispy Cookie Instead? No Problem!

If you prefer a cookie with a consistently crispy texture, you can easily adjust this recipe. Simply flatten the dough slightly when you place it on the baking sheet and skip the chilling step entirely. Be sure to leave ample room – even more than 2 inches – between each cookie, as they will spread more without the chilling. Keep a close eye on them during baking; they will likely be done in less time, achieving that satisfying crunch you desire.

Baking and Cooling for Optimal Results

In my oven, the perfect timing for these cookies is precisely 11 minutes. However, oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to watch your cookies closely. You’re aiming for a subtle golden hue on the edges, while the center should still appear a bit soft and slightly underdone. This is the key to their wonderful chewy texture. Don’t be tempted to overbake them!

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes. The cookies should be golden at the edges but slightly underdone in the center. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed from the oven.
Let the cookies rest on the cookie sheet for at least 2 minutes. This crucial resting period allows them to set properly and firm up, preventing them from falling apart when you transfer them.
Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before storing, though a warm cookie straight from the rack is an undeniable pleasure!
Repeat with the remaining dough. If you have multiple cookie sheets, you can bake in batches.

Give your Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Time to Set Up.

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cookies. Once out of the oven, it’s vital to let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for a full two minutes before attempting to transfer them to a cooling rack. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up and fully set, ensuring they hold their perfect shape and maintain that desirable chewy texture. Rushing this step can lead to crumbly or broken cookies.

Storage, Freezing, and Serving Suggestions

Once your delicious flourless peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully moist and chewy for up to 4 days. A clever trick to keep them extra soft is to place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the bread will absorb moisture, helping the cookies retain their freshness.

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a hot cup of coffee or tea. Their rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor makes them an ideal treat for any time of day, whether as a quick snack or a satisfying dessert.

Full Recipe: Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

From Kathryne Taylor in Love Real Food

Chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges. Full of peanut butter and dark chocolate flavor. Just 6 ingredients mixed up in 1 bowl of goodness. Total prep time includes 15 minutes to chill before baking.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Total Time 41 minutes

Servings 36 cookies

Author Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

2
cups
light brown sugar, lightly packed
(300 grams)
2
large eggs
1/2
teaspoon
pure vanilla extract
1/2
teaspoon
finely ground sea salt
1 3/4
cups
natural unsalted peanut butter, at room temperature
(453 grams)
1
cup
bittersweet chocolate chips, at least 60% cocao
(160 grams)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and add the sugar. Whisk together until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla and salt, stir.
Add the peanut butter (see recipe notes) to the egg mixture and using a wooden spoon, stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. Add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chips are evenly distributed.
Scoop the dough with a small cookie scoop measuring 1 1/2 tablespoons each and place it on the prepared pan. Leave about 2″ between each cookie. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking to keep them perfectly mounded.
Bake until the cookies are golden at the edges but slightly underdone in the center, about 11 to 13 minutes. Let the cookies rest on the cookie sheet for at least 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Store in a covered container, at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Recipe Notes

If the peanut butter is very thick and difficult to stir, soften it by gently warming it in its jar in a pan of warm water. Or heat it in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds.
To freeze: Scoop the dough to form the cookies, place them on a pan and freeze. Once frozen, place them in a freezer-proof container or storage bag for longer storage. When ready to use, remove the cookies from the freezer and spread them out on a cookie sheet. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have personally experienced all of these products, and I recommend them because I have found them to be of superior quality.

No-Flour Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Perfection