Who doesn’t love a good peanut butter cookie? These classic vegan peanut butter cookies are as easy to make as they are to eat! To make these gluten free, simply swap in a GF flour blend or sorghum flour in for the wheat flour. Bob’s Red Mill® is one good source for both.
A choice of whole grain flours
These cookies are good with einkorn flour or light spelt flour, though they’re great with just about any kind of flour you have on hand (with the notable exception of whole wheat bread flour, which would be too heavy).
Make them gluten-free: I recently discovered sorghum flour, and though I’m not GF, I enjoy baking with it. It’s perfect for these cookies, which don’t use baking soda or baking powder, and so, don’t rely on a flour that rises. You can also use certified GF oat flour or a GF flour blend, like Bob’s Red Mill.
Peanut butter tip: Make sure your peanut butter isn’t too dense so it’s easy to blend with the other ingredients.
Explore more …
- Sweet and savory peanut butter recipes
- Vegan gluten-free dairy-free desserts and sweets
- No-Bake Date-Nut Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies
- Easy Vegan Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
- Vegan Ginger Cookies
Classic Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies (with a gluten-free option)
Who doesn’t love a good peanut butter cookie? These classic vegan peanut butter cookies are as easy to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour (see options in Notes)
- 1/2 cup natural granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup natural peanut butter at room temperature (smooth or crunchy)
Optional
- 1/3 cup currants, vegan chocolate mini-chips, or crushed peanuts,
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Make a well in the center and add the peanut butter and applesauce. Work together with a pastry blender or the tines of a large fork until well combined. You can also use clean hands, which is really easier! The dough will vary according to the type of flour used and consistency of the peanut butter. It should be a soft dough, but not sticky, so adjust with a little more flour or peanut butter as needed. Work any of the optional ingredients into the dough, if using.
- Scoop the dough up with a 1/8 cup (2-tablespoon) measure. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flatten the dough lightly with your palm, then press down lightly with a regular-sized fork in two directions to make the criss-cross pattern that peanut butter cookies are known for.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottom of the cookies are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a bit to firm up, then transfer to a plate or rack to cool completely. Store cookies covered, at room temperature.
Notes
Flour options: Use a whole-grain flour like light spelt, einkorn, or whole wheat pastry flour. For gluten-free: gluten-free flour blend or sorghum flour.
Variation: Replace about 1/4 cup of the peanut butter with tahini.
See more easy vegan desserts & sweets.
Photos: Galiyah Assan / Bigstock
Hey.
I made these cookies today using sorghum flour, all natural crunchy peanut butter. I subbed the applesauce with 3 eggs. They baked really well. BUT… while they were baking they released a lot of oil. Like it was literally bubbly in there. What do you think could be the reason? Your seems more dry than mine as theyre a bit oily.
Hi Pam — using eggs changes the entire chemistry of this recipe! Eggs have a substantial amount of fat in them. The applesauce has no fat and also adds sweetness. Try it like that next time, I think you’ll be happier with the result.
Great. Thank you so much❤
I’m making these cookies right now for my best friend for Christmas! How many cookies should this make?
Hi Alex — as the recipe says, this should make 16 to 18 cookies. Please let me know if you wind up with a different number!