• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Paleo Gluten-Free Guy logo
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • The Paleo Pantry
  • About
    • About Don Baiocchi
    • What is Paleo?
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok

Paleo “Peanut” Butter Cookies (gluten-free, nut-free)

Aug 16, 2020 · 16 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Paleo Peanut Butter Cookies on a cooling rack and on a plate with a glass of milk.
Paleo Peanut Butter Cookies on a cooling rack and on a plate with a glass of milk.

These easy Paleo “Peanut” Butter Cookies are soft, chewy and pretty much irresistible.

You only need 1 bowl and 5 ingredients!

Plus they’re nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free.

But everyone can enjoy them, whether they eat nuts or not!

Gluten-free peanut butter cookies on a plate with a glass of milk and on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I’ll automatically receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Why this recipe works

The classic peanut butter cookie is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, uses only a few ingredients and everyone loves peanut butter.

But these cookies are off limits for those that can’t tolerate peanuts, can’t bring anything made with peanuts to school, or if you’re Paleo, since peanuts aren’t Paleo. And some versions contain flour which doesn’t work if you’re gluten-free.

That’s why I wanted to create a version that everyone can eat, because I’m a people pleaser like that.

So instead of peanut butter, we’re using sunbutter, which is incredibly similar to peanut butter but is made with sunflower seeds. So these nut-free Paleo cookies are perfect for a bake sale!

Plus we’re swapping out the white sugar for coconut sugar, which is unrefined, retains some minerals and has a lower glycemic index than white sugar.

You end up with soft, chewy cookies that are just sweet enough. And coconut sugar peanut butter cookies have a deeper, almost molasses-like flavor compared to the version with white sugar.

And you still get the classic criss-cross pattern on top!

If you prefer crispy cookies, I include instructions in the recipe notes.

 

What you need

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup sunbutter – I use the organic SunButter kind, as it contains no additional oils or sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar – I like this brand or this brand
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Equipment:

  1. a mixing bowl (get this whole set! The little bowls are extremely handy!)
  2. a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer
  3. measuring spoons (these are my favorite because they fit in spice jars)
  4. baking sheets with cooling racks
  5. parchment paper
  6. a small cookie scoop (I use a #60 1 tablespoon/1″ scoop with a trigger)
  7. A thin spatula for moving the cookies to the cooling racks
Flourless peanut butter cookies on a wooden cutting board with a glass of milk.

How to make Paleo Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°.

Step 2: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 3: Blend together the sunbutter, egg, coconut sugar, vanilla and salt.

Step 4: Use a small cookie scoop to scoop two tablespoon-sized balls into your hand. Roll them into one ball, smoothing out the crack where they were combined. Place on the baking sheet 2″ apart from each other.

Step 5: Use a fork to make a criss-cross pattern as you flatten the cookies to between ¼-½”. Sprinkle each one with a bit more coconut sugar.

Step 6: Bake for 10-11 minutes, until the cookies have spread and look dry, swapping and rotating the pans halfway through the cooking time (meaning, rotate each pan 180° and swap the one on the top rack to the bottom rack and vice versa; this ensures even baking).

Step 7: Let the cookies rest on the sheets for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies from the sheets to cooling racks. Let them rest for 30 minutes so they set.

Paleo nut free cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make substitutions?

I haven’t tried this with crunchy sunbutter but if you want a bit of crunch, I think this would work.

You can use other nut butters like almond, cashew or even peanut, but some can be gritty so the texture might be different.

And if you use one that has added sugar, you might want to cut down on how much sugar you add to the dough.

Can I make these Paleo Peanut Butter Cookies in advance?

The cookies can be stored either at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yep! You can place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until frozen, at least one hour. Then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container/baggie and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Is peanut butter paleo?

Nope. Peanuts are actually a legume, and legumes are off-limits on a Paleo diet. Peanuts and other legumes contain lectins, which can cause problems in your gut.

Plus some people are allergic to peanuts and some schools are completely peanut-free, so it’s nice to have a peanut-free peanut butter cookie option.

Peanuts actually grow in the ground, making them different from other nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.) which grow on trees and are therefore known as tree nuts.

What is a good paleo peanut butter substitute?


Almost any nut butter is a good Paleo peanut butter substitute. Cashew butter is especially good as it gets as smooth as peanut butter. Almond butter also works well but some brands tend to have a gritty texture.

Tahini, made from sesame seeds, can also be a good substitute for peanut butter and is completely nut-free. But some tahini brands are very runny and not as thick as peanut butter.

Similarly, sunbutter, made from sunflower seeds, is a great option because it has a smooth, peanut butter-like texture while also being completely nut-free. Which is why these Paleo sunbutter cookies work so well!

Other cookies and treats

For another Paleo cookie option, try these big, buttery Paleo chocolate chunk cookies.

You might also love these Paleo Italian hazelnut cookies.

Or these wholesome Paleo Thumbprint Cookies.

For something chocolate-y, try these fudgy Paleo brownies.

For another healthy snack, try these Paleo chocolate protein balls.

Gluten-free peanut butter cookies on a plate with a glass of milk and on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Paleo “Peanut” Butter Cookies (gluten-free, nut-free)

Don Baiocchi
The classic peanut butter cookie is updated so everyone can enjoy it! This fast, easy, one-bowl recipe makes soft, chewy cookies that are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and nut-free!
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 11 minutes mins
Resting time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 56 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 13 cookies
Calories 152 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy sunflower seed butter, a.k.a. sunbutter (preferably with no added oils or sugar)
  • ¾ cup coconut sugar, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and blend until smooth and no streaks remain.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to scoop two tablespoon-sized balls into your hand. Roll them into one ball, smoothing out the crack where they were combined. Place on the baking sheet 2" apart from each other.
  • Use a fork to make a criss-cross pattern as you flatten the cookies to between ¼-½". Sprinkle each one with a bit more coconut sugar.
  • Bake for 10-11 minutes, rotating and swapping the baking sheets halfway through, until the cookies have spread and look dry.
  • Let the cookies rest on the sheets for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies from the sheets to cooling racks. Let them rest for 30 minutes so they set.

Notes

If you prefer crispy cookies, bake them for 16 minutes, swapping and rotating the pans halfway through, until the edges are dark brown.
 
Substitutions/variations?
I haven’t tried this with crunchy sunbutter but if you want a bit of crunch, I think this would work.
You can use other nut butters like almond, cashew or even peanut, but some can be gritty so the texture might be different.
And if you use one that has added sugar, you might want to cut down on how much sugar you add to the dough.
 
Make ahead
The cookies can be stored either at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
 
Freezer instructions
Yep! You can place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until frozen, at least one hour. Then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container/baggie and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 68mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 29IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Keyword paleo cookies, peanut butter cookies, sunbutter, sunbutter cookies
Tried this recipe?Mention @paleoglutenfreeguy or tag #paleoglutenfreeguy!

For more recipes, inspiration and just good stuff, join me on:

Instagram,

Facebook,

TikTok

and Pinterest!

Related Posts

  • Gluten-free crumb bars with 3 different types of jam on parchment paper on a cutting board.
    Paleo Crumb Bars - any flavor!
  • Almond flour chocolate chunk cookies on a cooling rack.
    Paleo Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  • Ugly But Good Cookies piled on a plate with hazelnuts.
    Ugly But Good Cookies ("Brutti Ma Buoni") (Paleo, gluten-free)
  • Paleo chocolate macaroons piled on a rectangular platter next to chocolate chips.
    Double Chocolate Orange Macaroons (gluten-free, Paleo)

5 Ingredients or Less, Baked Goods, Recipes, Sweets Christmas, coconut sugar, cookies, gluten-free cookies, paleo cookies, sunbutter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. BARBARA MICHELE CARD says

    February 4, 2022 at 9:28 am

    No flour is used in this recipe?

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      February 4, 2022 at 11:52 am

      Hi Barbara,

      That’s correct. There’s no flour in this recipe.

      Reply
  2. jennifer says

    August 22, 2020 at 7:56 am

    5 stars
    So making these, i’m a huge pb cookie fan . . . it always conjures up memories of being at my grandma’s house when I was young.

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 22, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Aw, that’s a sweet memory. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Stacey Crawford says

    August 21, 2020 at 1:16 pm

    5 stars
    I love this easy chewy cookie recipe! Sunbutter has such a great flavor & texture.

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 22, 2020 at 11:35 am

      Yep, I like it just as much as regular peanut butter.

      Reply
  4. ChihYu says

    August 19, 2020 at 9:16 pm

    5 stars
    These cookies are so good! Moist, chewy, full of nutty flavor and so easy to make!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 21, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Thanks! So glad you like them. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Emma Harrel says

    August 19, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    These look so good, I don’t think I’ve actually ever had a peanut butter cookie – would love to try one!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 19, 2020 at 12:59 pm

      They’re so good! You could use regular peanut butter for this recipe if you want.

      Reply
  6. Karissa Parrish says

    August 19, 2020 at 11:31 am

    I love how simple this recipe looks! And you don’t have to chill the dough before baking?

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 19, 2020 at 12:54 pm

      Thanks! And nope, no need to chill.

      Reply
  7. Jean Choi says

    August 18, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    5 stars
    These look perfect! I love that the ingredients are so simple too.

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 19, 2020 at 12:54 pm

      Thanks! Yep, sometimes simple is best.

      Reply
  8. Raia says

    August 18, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    5 stars
    Easy and delicious! Love simple desserts like this. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Megan Stevens says

    August 18, 2020 at 7:48 am

    5 stars
    Delicious!! I love how they look, too, kind of like they have molasses in them. And such a good texture. Thanks for thinking of this sun butter variation!

    Reply
5 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Don

Headshot photo of Don Baiocchi

Well hello there! I’m Don, the creator behind Paleo Gluten Free Guy. I share fun, vibrant recipes for good health and pure enjoyment. All of my recipes are gluten-free and the majority of them are also Paleo, meaning they’re free of grains, dairy, refined sugar and legumes.

Categories

Sign-up for Freebie!

Most Recent Posts

Rhubarb gluten free muffins in a muffin pan on a cooling rack.

Gluten-Free Rhubarb Muffins (Paleo)

A gluten free dairy free banana cake in a square baking dish with some cream cheese frosting spread over part of the cake.

Gluten-Free Banana Cake (Paleo)

A spicy salmon poke bowl with chunks of salmon, shredded carrots, sugar snap peas and red bell pepper strips.

Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl (gluten-free, Paleo)

High protein chocolate pudding in mason jars topped with sliced banana and chocolate chips.

Chocolate Protein Chia Pudding

Gluten free and dairy free banana bread sliced on a platter next to a bread knife.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Banana Bread

Footer

For Recipe Tips & More!

Menu

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

Copyright © 2025 Paleo Gluten-Free Guy on the Seasoned Pro Theme

551 shares
  • 409

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.