Are you on a gluten - free diet but still craving delicious cookies? Look no further! Our easy gluten - free peanut butter cookies are here to satisfy your sweet tooth. What makes these cookies truly special is that they only require three ingredients. Yes, you heard it right - just three simple ingredients to create a batch of mouth - watering, gluten - free goodness.
Let's start by talking about the ingredients. First and foremost, we need peanut butter. Opt for a natural peanut butter without any added sugars or hydrogenated oils. This will not only give your cookies a pure peanut flavor but also make them healthier. Natural peanut butter has a rich, nutty taste that forms the base of our cookies. It's full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a great choice for a snack.
The second ingredient is sugar. You can use either white sugar or brown sugar, depending on your preference. White sugar will give the cookies a crispier texture, while brown sugar will add a bit of moisture and a caramel - like flavor. Sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also helps in browning them during the baking process. It reacts with the proteins in the peanut butter to create that beautiful golden - brown crust on the outside of the cookies.
The third and final ingredient is an egg. Eggs act as a binder in the cookie dough. They hold all the ingredients together and give the cookies their structure. An egg also adds a bit of moisture and richness to the cookies. When you crack an egg into the mixture of peanut butter and sugar, you'll notice how it starts to transform the sticky, loose combination into a workable dough.
Now, let's move on to the preparation process. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Use a wooden spoon or an electric mixer to stir them together until they are well - blended. The mixture might be a bit thick at first, but keep stirring until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it ensures that the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter, giving each cookie a consistent flavor.
Next, crack the egg into the bowl with the peanut butter - sugar mixture. Stir the egg into the mixture until it is fully incorporated. The dough will become a bit softer and more pliable. You can use your hands to knead the dough gently for a few minutes to make sure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This hands - on approach allows you to feel the texture of the dough and make any necessary adjustments.
Once the dough is ready, take small portions of it and roll them into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure to leave some space between the balls as they will spread out during baking. Use a fork to flatten the balls slightly and create a criss - cross pattern on the top of each cookie. This not only gives the cookies an attractive appearance but also helps them bake evenly.
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10 - 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as the baking time may vary depending on your oven. The cookies are ready when the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is important as it allows the cookies to set and become firmer.
These gluten - free peanut butter cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize them by adding a few extras. For example, you can sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top of the cookies before baking to add an extra crunch. Or, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent treat. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a hint of vanilla flavor.
Whether you're following a gluten - free diet due to celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or just for a healthier lifestyle, these three - ingredient peanut butter cookies are a great option. They are perfect for a quick snack, a dessert after a meal, or even as a gift for friends and family. You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf - life.
In conclusion, our gluten - free peanut butter cookies are a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. With just three simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a batch of delicious, gluten - free cookies that everyone will love. So, the next time you're in the mood for something sweet, give these cookies a try and experience the magic of simplicity in baking.