the best healthy peanut butter cookies, made with just 4 ingredients. you’ll love these refined sugar free gluten free peanut butter cookies.
How many ingredients do you think it takes to make a truly amazing, super peanut buttery, perfectly soft healthy peanut butter cookie?
- 1 ingredient
- 2 ingredients
- 3 ingredients
- 4 ingredients?
You know if I could, I would’ve given you that 3 ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe. Okay, you can totally click on that recipe for a different kind of peanut butter cookie (hint: it’s no bake and soooo easy to make). But these particularly tasty healthy peanut butter cookies are SO worth the whole 4 ingredients you need to make it. Lol.
Alright, I’ve clearly been fixating on this whole 4 ingredient thing way too much. It’s just, in times like these, we need things to be as easy, simple and truly satisfying as possible. Agreed?
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
Today, I’m sharing my reader-favorite soft gluten free peanut butter cookies. It’s been instagrammed 100s of times, made at least 3 billion times (who’s counting) and enjoyed by at least 45 cute doggies causing too much mischief and ignoring the whole “ya can’t eat sugar, lil’ sirs!!” thing.
This tried and true recipe yields rich peanut butter cookies that melt in your mouth the second you bite into them, with just the right amount of sweetness and a gentle crispy texture on the exterior. These cookies are soft and oh so tasty!
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
Preheat
First things first, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Stir & Fold
Here comes the fun part: simply add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl, then stir and fold until it’s all well mixed. ß Super easy, right?
Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using this amazing cookie scoop, scoop and drop the peanut butter cookie dough balls onto the baking sheet you prepared earlier. Grab a fork and use it to flatten each cookie to perfection. Switch directions to press down and make a crisscross pattern. That’s how you get those beautiful classic peanut butter cookie fork marks!
Bake, Cool & Enjoy
Bake your healthy peanut butter cookies for about 12 minutes. Cool, then enjoy the best gluten free peanut butter cookies ever!
4 Ingredients for Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Guess what? You only need 4 ingredients for this super easy healthy peanut butter cookies recipe!
- Ingredient #1: Natural, Creamy Peanut Butter
- Ingredient #2: Flax “Egg” – learn How to Make a Flax Egg here
- Ingredient #3: Coconut Sugar
- Ingredient #4: Baking Soda
If you want, you can absolutely add vanilla extract, salt and, of course, chocolate chips! 😉
Substitutes for Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
If you’re wondering whether or not you can use almond butter instead of peanut butter, and more, check out the suggested substitutes below for this healthy peanut butter cookies recipe.
Peanut Butter
Sub with natural almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter. Make sure it’s free from added sugar, oils and other extra ingredients.
Flax Egg
You can substitute the flax egg in this recipe with chia eggs or regular eggs. If you have golden ground flaxseed on hand, you can learn How to Make a Flax Egg.
Coconut Sugar
Sub with organic brown sugar.
If you’re looking for a way to add cocoa powder and make it no bake, try my 4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies.
Recommended Tools for the Best Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Medium Cookie Scoop: my favorite cookie scoop of all-time. Super sturdy, easy to use, and has an amazing coated grip that makes scooping cookie dough painless.
- Champagne Gold Chef Cookie Sheet + Parchment Paper Sheets: Finally, a high-quality cookie sheet that doesn’t warp in the oven, looks beautiful and matching parchment paper sheets that actually fit the cookie sheet! I love this time-saving duo for my cookie-baking seshs.
- Golden Ground Flaxseed: I’ve scoured the earth for the finest, most undetectable ground flaxseeds with a pleasant taste. This is it, folks! Other brands tend to leave coarse bits of flax that appear without an invite. How rude! 😉
- Natural Peanut Butter – my go-to healthy peanut butter is made with just 1 ingredient: peanuts! No added oils, sugar or anything else unnecessary. You can also use homemade peanut butter in this recipe. 🙂
- Coconut Sugar – the perfect way to keep your peanut butter cookies refined sugar-free. I always turn to coconut sugar to keep my healthy dessert recipes healthy.
Now that we’ve kicked our fascination with 4 ingredient recipes, we can move onto all the 3 ingredient recipes that make life so much easier. <– Not where you thought that sentence was gonna go! 😉 I can’t wait to hear what you and your loved ones think of my healthy peanut butter cookies recipe! Be sure to comment if you make these cookies—I truly love hearing from you. Wishing you gratitude and good vibes for a wonderful day ahead…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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📸 Did you make this healthy peanut butter cookies recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it! 📸
Healthy Gluten Peanut Butter Cookies We Love
- Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free)
- 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Cups
- Oil-Free Peanut Butter Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies – 3 Ingredients!
- just for fun: Gluten Free Coconut Macaroons Recipe (Dairy-Free, Egg-Free)
4 Ingredient Soft Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten Free)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: about 15 cookies 1x
Description
The best healthy peanut butter cookies, made with just 4 ingredients. You’ll love these refined sugar free gluten free peanut butter cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted, creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon golden ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, whisked together, set for 15 minutes)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add all ingredients: peanut butter, flax egg, coconut sugar, baking soda and optionally, vanilla and salt. Using a rubber spatula, thoroughly stir and fold until well mixed.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop and drop cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart. Using a fork, press down on cookie to flatten. Repeat in the opposite direction, creating crisscross marks. Cookie won’t spread much.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes. Mine took 12 minutes. Transfer cookie sheet to cooling rack, and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes—do not remove from sheet for at least 20 minutes, as cookies are very soft and fragile. Then, if desired, transfer cookies directly onto the cooling rack to cool until completely cooled. After cooling, cookies will be firmer, but a tad fragile and melt-in-your-mouth. Handle with care. Enjoy! Storing notes below.
More Delicious GF Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes:
Equipment
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Unsalted Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
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Notes
Where to Buy Ingredients: Natural Peanut Butter | Golden Ground Flaxseed | Coconut Sugar
Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight container for up to 1-2 weeks at room temperature out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Freezing Instructions: Store in an airtight, freezer-friendly container for 1-2 months in the freezer. Before enjoying, allow to thaw for 10-30 minutes.
Recommended Tools: Medium Cookie Scoop | Champagne Gold Chef Cookie Sheet | Parchment Paper Sheets
- Category: Dessert, Snacks
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 6mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 9g, Net Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. Please do not republish this recipe, instead, include a link to this post for the recipe.
This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission for my referral, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Beaming Baker.
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These turned out delicious! I did use brown sugar as I didn’t have coconut, but these are amazing.
★★★★★
Oh I’m so glad to hear they turned out well with the sub! 😊
Would this work as a “peanut butter blossom” if I added a chocolate candy on top after baking? If so, do you think I should flatten the cookies prior to baking in the same way?
Hi Rachel, I haven’t tried it myself… but I recommend: after scooping and dropping the dough ball, flatten slightly with rounded spoon to just about desired thickness (which should be on the thicker side). Bake, remove from the oven and gently press chocolate candy into the top of the cookie. These cookies are on the softer side, so proceed with caution. Happy baking! 🙂
So delicious! Thanks for this awesome, healthy recipe! : )
★★★★★
Awesome! You’re so welcome Jen!
These cookies were fantastic! I made a few changes based on my preferences but they were a great gluten free cookie to have with tea. I used an egg, added 1/2 cup of almond flour, and a 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips. I baked for 15-17 for crispy textured cookies.
★★★★★
I’m so happy to hear it Cianna! Nothing beats a good cookie and a good cup of tea. 🙂
These are the absolute BEST!!!! Hands down, my favorite!!! I make the following modifications based on preference and they are A-MAAAAA-ZING!!!…. we use crunchy almond butter, a real egg, and opted to add in the vanilla and salt. PERFECTION!!! Will be my go-to recipe for almond butter cookies for sure! Healthy, suuuuuper simple and fast, VERY satisfying, slightly crunchy, just mildly sweet! Everything I ever wanted in an almond butter cookie, lol, and I totally mean it! THANK YOU!
★★★★★
Almost forgot… can the cookie dough be prepared and then refrigerated or frozen to be baked at a later time??? If so, how long would it last in the refrigerator? Thanks in advance! 🙂
Hmm, I’m not sure since I haven’t done so myself. I worry that the coconut sugar will dissolve too much and result in a different result. If you try it, let me know how it turns out! 😉
Hi Susie! Oh my goodness, I am LOVING your comment!! Your enthusiasm is really fueling me to the weekend! 😉 I’m so happy that you enjoyed my recipe and that you had fun with modifications! Happy baking & eating!
I was skeptical without the flour but these are sooo good. Will keep and pass on this recipe to others. Thank you!
★★★★★
Awesome! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe Janelle! 🙂
These Peanut Butter Cookies would disappear in our house!
★★★★★
Haha oh I’ll bet they would!
I have always loved peanut butter cookies, but the fact that this recipe is healthy, is even better! Looking forward to baking these over the weekend, indeed!
★★★★★
Right?! 🙂 Thanks so much, Sara! Happy baking!
I am in heaven! These peanut butter cookies are everything I need right now!
★★★★★
Yay! I’m so happy to hear it Catalina!
I can’t believe these are made with just 4 ingredients! Perfection!
Yep! ☺️ Thanks Cathy!
These look so delicious and healthy!
★★★★★
Oh yeah they are! 🙂
These were easy to make and the flavor and texture are fabulous!
★★★★★
Woohoo! So happy to hear it!
Oh my goodness!! These look so delicious! I can’t wait to try these!
★★★★★
I know you’re seriously gonna love these Beth! 😄
You are incredible and so are your recipes. They are easy, delicious, and healthy 😌. I just baked these, added cinnamon, and ate them warm. Thank you for the tips on substitutions. Mmmm… is all I can say.
Oh my goodness! Your comment truly made my day (and my week, let’s be real here). Thank you for your wonderful words—I appreciate you. 🥰 Enjoy!!
My favourite peanut butter cookies! They never last in our house which says it all!
★★★★★
Yes it certainly does! I’m so pleased to hear that they’re such a hit!
I haven’t made peanut butter cookies in ages. Thanks for the reminder – these look really simple so I will give them a try!
★★★★★
Haha you’re very welcome Dannii! 😁 Can’t wait to hear what you think!
I’ve never made flourless peanut butter cookies. These look like a great idea.
★★★★★
Oh they’re so good! I know you’re really going to enjoy this recipe.
These are a family favorite. We have a little on with an egg allergy who loves peanut butter – these are perfect for him!
★★★★★
I’m so glad he enjoys the cookies Lauren! 😄
We make this recipe all the time! The absolute best peanut butter cookie recipe I’v ever tried!
★★★★★
Aww thanks so wonderful Jessica! ☺️
Just made these today, two sizes worked out great with ~12 mins in the oven (I made 15 – 3 inch and 20- 1 inch diameter cookies with double the recipe). They were super fun and easy to make, love the flaxseed egg and coconut sugar options! They are fragile and really rich in peanut butter. Have you experimented with adding a GF flour to make them be more cookie dough-ish and less fragile?
★★★★
So glad you enjoyed the cookies Jessica! I do have a few other PB cookie recipes on the blog that are a bit firmer than these. Just search “peanut butter cookies” on the site and yuh can find them. Hope this helps! 🙂
I have never met a peanut butter cookie that I didn’t like. This recipe is no exception! I can’t wait to try them.
★★★★★
Haha same here Denise! .
Just 4 ingredients? I’m totally in!
★★★★★
Yep! These cookies are super easy, and soo yummy! .
Seriously love how simple this cookie recipe is! Making this ASAP! 🙂
★★★★★
Woohoo! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Peanut butter cookies are my favorite. These look perfectly delicious.
★★★★★
They’re for reals soo good! . I think you’ll really love them Andrea!
I made these the other night and they turned out perfect. Thanks for the step by step directions that are easy to follow.
★★★★★
Oh you’re so welcome Heidy! .
I made these cookies last night for dessert and they were incredible! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!
★★★★★
Oh that’s fantastic Jessica! I’m so happy to hear it! .
I’m not the biggest fan of peanut butter, do you think it could work to switch it with almond butter?
★★★★★
Hi Marita! Yep, you can definitely swap with almond butter here. Happy baking! 🙂
These are delicious! Just in case anyone’s wondering, I made them with SunButter and they worked well. Thank you 🙂
★★★★★
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed these, Anneka! 🙂 I love that sunbutter worked so well. Happy baking!
Can I use a regular egg I’m gf but not vegan or dairy free
Hi Julie, yes, that should work just fine. 🙂
I’m not gluten free, dairy free, or anything else free, but I’d never say no to a good cookie! Thanks for the recipe!!!
Haha yay! You’re very welcome Mimi!
I absolutely LOVE peanut butter cookies, definitely one of my faves. And I love how easy and delicious these cookies look!
★★★★★
Haha same here! Thanks Marsha!
This should be on my must-make list!
★★★★★
I agree!!! Hehe. 🙂
You make it sound so easy! Can’t wait to try this one. I like this! Thank you for a great recipe!
★★★★★
Thanks Chrissie! Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Super easy and crazy delicious! This is my kind of cookie!
★★★★★
Woot woot! Hope you enjoy!
You always make such simple yet delicious food. Thank you for that.
Thanks Jessica! It’s my pleasure!
You can’t beat a good peanut butter cookie!
You really can’t! 🙂
Such a great tasting healthy alternative !!
★★★★★
Thanks Amanda! 🙂
Thank you so much for making a healthy oil-free cookie! Definitely making these this weekend!!
My pleasure, Trish! Be sure to let me know what you think! 🙂
I love clean eating cookies with just a few ingredients and if they are vegan too they are a real winner – which can even please my vegan daughter. They look so yummy!
★★★★★
Wonderful!! I hope you and your daughter get to try these. They’re amazing!
Oh my! These PB Cookies look so soft and amazing! I love that they are GF! I need to try these soon! 🙂
★★★★★
Yes, they are so wonderfully soft! . Hope you enjoy them Shanika!
I love that these are gluten free, yet you can’t even tell! So good!
★★★★★
Haha oh yes! Thanks Lauren! 🙂
Sending this recipe to my sister who is GF. She will love them 🙂
★★★★★
Woohoo! Thanks Julia! .
Wow these cookies are so simple and so few ingredients. I just let let the cookies sit on the cookie sheet for 30 minutes. They are perfect and crispy and plan on making more for my daughters bday next week.
★★★★★
Woohoo. So happy that you enjoyed them. And happy early birthday to your daughter! .☺️
I love 4 ingredients easy recipes like this one my kids love peanut butter cookies and these are so much healthier!
★★★★★
I know, aren’t they the best? 🙂 hope your kids enjoy it Claudia!