3-ingredient gluten free cookies — 3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Crispy 3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies (No Flour Needed)

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stay with us forever. If you were on the internet a few years back, you probably remember that viral 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe that took over kitchens everywhere. No flour. No fuss. Just pantry staples and instant gratification.

This version is our Living Well Minimalist spin on that classic—refined, tested, and perfected for gluten-free bakers who crave a crisp, nostalgic cookie without a long ingredient list or complicated steps.

These cookies bake up with a crispy, Chips Ahoy–style snap, set beautifully as they cool, and come together in under 15 minutes. Minimal effort. Maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Only 3 base ingredients
Naturally gluten-free
No chilling, no mixer, no flour
Crispy edges with a classic cookie bite
Easy to adapt for lower carb and sugar-free lifestyles
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

This is the kind of minimalist recipe you’ll memorize after making it once—and pull out whenever you need something sweet now, for self-care, comfort food, or entertaining.

3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12-24 cookies (depending on how large you make them)

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup sugar-free smooth peanut butter
(We recommend Skippy for the best texture and consistency* Note check label to ensure Gluten-Free)
1 cup brown sugar
(or use ½ cup brown sugar + ½ cup white sugar-can substitute Monk Fruit for Low Carb)
1 large egg

Optional Add-In

½ cup chocolate chips
(Regular or sugar-free—both work without changing texture)

Use a fork to gently press a **criss-cross pattern** on each cookie.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and glossy.

If using chocolate chips, fold them in gently.

3. Scoop & Shape

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use a fork to gently press a criss-cross pattern on each cookie.

4. Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden.

5. Cool to Set

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring. They firm up as they cool and develop that signature crispy texture.

Texture & Taste Notes

Soft when hot, crisp as they cool
Classic peanut butter flavor without being greasy
Light crunch with a nostalgic cookie snap

If you love cookies with structure rather than cakiness, this recipe delivers.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Based on 1 cookie, assuming 20 cookies per batch, without chocolate chips

Calories: ~115
Fat: ~7 g
Carbohydrates: ~10 g
Sugar: ~8 g
Protein: ~4 g
Fiber: ~1 g
Gluten: 0 g (naturally gluten-free)

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as a general estimate only and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used. This recipe and its nutrition details are shared for informational purposes only and are not intended as medical or dietary advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized nutrition guidance.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

✔ Use smooth, processed peanut butter
Natural peanut butters can cause spreading or crumbly cookies.

✔ Don’t overbake
They finish setting after coming out of the oven.

✔ Let them cool fully
Cooling is essential for that crisp texture.

✔ For lower sugar and Low Carb
Use sugar-free chocolate chips sweetened with monk fruit or stevia—no texture compromise.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for **5–10 minutes** before transferring. They firm up as they cool and develop that signature crispy texture.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
Dough can be mixed and baked immediately—no chilling required

At Living Well Minimalist, we believe food should be simple, grounding, and supportive of real life—not overwhelming or overcomplicated. These cookies are a reminder that sometimes the most satisfying recipes are the ones that ask for less and give more.

If you try them, let us know—classic or chocolate chip? 🍪

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Frequently Asked Questions: 3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

What ingredients do you need for 3-ingredient gluten-free peanut butter cookies?

You only need smooth peanut butter, brown sugar, and one egg. This minimalist combination creates a crisp, classic peanut butter cookie without flour or extra fillers. Chocolate chips are optional and won’t change the texture.

Are these peanut butter cookies naturally gluten-free?

Yes. These cookies contain no flour or grains, making them naturally gluten-free. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, be sure to check ingredient labels for gluten-free certification.

What’s the best peanut butter to use for crispy cookies?

Smooth, no-stir peanut butter works best. Brands like Skippy provide consistent fat and sugar balance, which helps the cookies bake evenly and crisp as they cool. Natural peanut butter may cause spreading or crumbly cookies.

Why do the cookies feel soft when they come out of the oven?

That’s exactly how they should be. These cookies finish setting as they cool, transforming from soft to crisp within minutes. Cooling is essential for the final texture.

How long should I bake 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies?

Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Look for set edges with a lightly golden color. Avoid overbaking, as the cookies continue to firm up after they’re removed from the oven.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is needed. This dough is designed to go straight from bowl to oven, making it perfect for quick, last-minute baking.

Can these cookies be made lower sugar?

Yes. You can use sugar-free chocolate chips sweetened with monk fruit or stevia without affecting the cookie’s structure or crispness. The base sugar is important for texture, so avoid removing it entirely, however you can substitute Monk Fruit if desired.

Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?

Yes. A mix of half white sugar and half brown sugar works well. Using all brown sugar creates a deeper flavor and crispier finish.

What texture should these cookies have?

Once cooled, these cookies are crispy with a classic snap, similar to traditional crunchy peanut butter cookies—not soft or cakey.

How should I store gluten-free peanut butter cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to two months.

Are these cookies dairy-free?

Yes. The base recipe is naturally dairy-free. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips if adding them.

Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Absolutely. With just three ingredients and no special equipment, this recipe is ideal for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants reliable results with minimal effort.

Nevada Gray-Founder Living Well Minimalist

Living Well Minimalist was created by Nevada Gray, a wellness-minded educator with a background in health, nutrition, fitness, reiki, and astrology. Her work brings together gluten-free real food recipes, simple living, and intentional self-development to support nourishment, clarity, and alignment in everyday life.

Living Well Minimalist: Nourished & Aligned

3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies (Crispy & Easy)