Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free Option)

These vegan peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and full of yummy peanut butter flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and no eggs or dairy, they come together quickly and bake up beautifully every single time.

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The Best Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies check all the boxes, whether you’re vegan, baking for allergies, or just craving a classic peanut butter treat. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Soft & Chewy Texture: Lightly crisp edges with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.
• Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Made with a full cup of peanut butter for bold, nutty goodness.
• Vegan-Friendly: No eggs or dairy needed, but you’d never know from the taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily adaptable using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, with plenty of flexibility if you need to make swaps based on what you have on hand.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cookies. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free option.
• Vegan Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture; unsalted vegan butter works too, just add an extra pinch of salt. If you are not plant-based, use regular butter.
• Peanut Butter: The star of the recipe, adding flavor and moisture. No-stir smooth peanut butter such as Skippy, Jif, or Kraft works best, but natural peanut butter is fine too.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness. Coconut sugar or date sugar can be used for a slightly deeper, less sweet flavor.
• Vegan Mayonnaise: Acts as an egg replacement and keeps the cookies tender. Vegan yogurt or unsweetened applesauce can be used in a pinch. If you are not vegan, replace with 1 room temperature egg or regular mayonaise.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Vanilla bean paste works as a 1:1 substitute.
• Baking Soda: Provides lift; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and peanut butter. Reduce slightly or omit if using very salty peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Vegan Cookies Step-by-Step Instructions

Grab a spatula, prepare the cookie sheets, and follow these simple steps for consistently perfect cookies.

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a stand mixer or large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the vegan butter and brown suga until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, vegan mayonnaise, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a dough forms.
5. Scoop & Roll: Using a small 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough, roll into balls, and place about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Flatten: Gently press each cookie with a fork in a criss-cross pattern, if desired.
7. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.
8. Cool & Finish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired, and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets.
9. Store: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Peanut Butter Cookie Helpful Hints

Here are a few tips to make sure your cookies turn out just right.

• Underbake Slightly: Pulling the cookies early keeps them soft and chewy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures the dough mixes smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined once the flour is added to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill if Needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill for 15–20 minutes before baking.

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies Fun Flavor Twists

These cookies are a great base for easy customizations if you’re feeling creative. I would love to hear if you try a variation.

• Chocolate Chip: Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips for a classic upgrade.
• Crunchy Peanut: Add finely chopped peanuts to the dough for extra texture.
• Sandwich Cookies: Fill with vegan chocolate or vanilla frosting once cooled.

The Best Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These vegan peanut butter cookies are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake, perfect for sharing, and versatile enough to suit vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

If you give these cookies a try, I’d absolutely love to hear how they turned out. Leave a 5-star rating and review below, and don’t forget to tag me on social media @cakedbykatie so I can see your beautiful bakes and share the love!

More Delicious Peanut Butter Recipes

• Fluffernutter Cookies (GF & DF Cookies)
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes (GF & DF Option)
• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies (Vegan Option)

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