Peanut butter cookies, one of which is broken.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

These outrageously good flourless peanut butter cookies are made from just 5 ingredients – and they’re gluten and dairy-free.

Servings: 16 to 18 cookies
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes, plus 15 minutes to chill dough in the freezer or 45 minutes to chill in the refrigerator

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups (packed) light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups creamy peanut butter, preferably Skippy (see note)
  • Coarse-grained sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line two 13x18-inch baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Add the peanut butter and mix with a rubber spatula until well combined and the dough is very thick. It will take about 3 minutes of stirring to get to the right consistency (it gets thicker as you continue to stir). (Note: Do not use an electric mixer for this process, as it can cause the peanut butter to separate.)
  3. Using a #20 (3-tablespoon) cookie scoop, drop the dough into mounds onto the prepared baking sheets. (If you don't have the right cookie scoop, form the dough into balls by hand; they should be the size of generous golf balls.)
  4. Sprinkle the dough balls lightly with the sea salt. Slide the baking sheets into the freezer for 15 minutes, or into the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes.
  5. Bake the first pan for 18 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden and cracked on top. Let cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining cookies. The cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
  6. Note: For best results, use a smooth and creamy commercial peanut butter, like Skippy. (I do not recommend all-natural or chunky peanut butter.)
  7. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls, sprinkle with salt (and press lightly so it adheres), let set on a baking sheet in the freezer, then place in a sealable bag and press out as much air as possible. Bake as needed directly from the freezer. (Allow 1 to 2 minutes longer in the oven.) To freeze after baking: let the cookies cool completely and store in an airtight container separating layers with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Before serving, remove the cookies from the container and let them come to room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Powered by Edamam

  • Per serving (17 servings)
  • Serving size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 253
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Sodium: 128 mg
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg

Gluten-Free Adaptable Note

To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.