Easy Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

If you’ve been searching for the best gluten-free peanut butter blossoms, look no further, these are it! Soft, chewy, and full of nostalgic flavor, they taste just like the classic peanut butter blossoms you grew up baking only made gluten-free and refined sugar free. Each warm cookie has that perfect chocolate center that melts into the cookie while it cools. Perfect for your holiday cookie exchange cookie boxes!

These gluten-free peanut butter blossom cookies are one of those must-bake Christmas cookies every peanut butter lover needs on their holiday cookie tray. I tested this recipe several times to make sure the texture stayed perfectly soft and chewy with that signature crinkle on top, even without traditional flour. You’d never know this gluten-free version was made with better-for-you swaps like coconut sugar and monk fruit, they taste just like the classic cookie you remember!

They’re also a great choice for cookie exchanges, bake sales, or anytime you want to impress friends with your gluten-free baking skills. If you love this recipe, you might also like my other gluten-free cookies like these cut out sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies that also taste just like the classic christmas cookie recipe you know and love!

Complete your holiday cookie boxes with these gluten free Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, Grinch cookies, Magic cookie bars, Pecan pie cookies, or take a peek at this Christmas cookie round up to find a new gluten-free cookie recipe you love for the holidays!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Soft & chewy perfection: The classic Christmas cookie recipe you know and love but 100% gluten-free.
• Simple ingredients: Just pantry staples like creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Perfect for special occasions: Great for Christmas cookie trays, bake sales, or gifting.

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Creamy peanut butter. I recommend using smooth peanut butter like Trader Joe’s Natural Creamy for the best texture. You can use oily natural peanut butter (I did!) but you have to make sure that you’ve stirred it well. Almond butter can work too just expect a slightly different texture. I do not recommend using crunchy peanut butter.
• Coconut sugar or brown sugar. Either works beautifully for this gluten-free cookie recipe. Coconut sugar gives a rich caramel flavor and is a lower-glycemic option.
• Granulated sugar or monk fruit. Monk fruit sweetener keeps the cookies refined-sugar-free while still giving that crisp exterior when rolled before baking. Cane sugar is a perfect substitute. I find that using monk fruit made the dough just a touch more crumbly than with white sugar but not enough to make a major difference.
• Gluten-free flour blend. Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Butter: I used unsalted butter and added salt because that's what I had at home but salted butter works great too. Just omit the salt in the recipe if using and let it come to room temperature before mixing. If you'd like to make these dairy free, I recommend using Country Crock or Miyokos plant butter.
• Egg. I don't recommend trying to substitute the egg with a flax egg or egg replacer.
• Vanilla extract. Opt for a high quality extract or paste. Balances the peanut butter and chocolate flavors perfectly.
• Hershey’s Kisses. The traditional choice is a milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, but you can also use a piece of dark chocolate or a mini peanut butter cup for a fun twist. If you'd like a dairy free option, try these dairy free "smooches"!

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix wet ingredients & sugars. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, vanilla, butter, and egg until smooth.

3. Add in dry ingredients, mixing with a silicone spatula until a soft peanut butter cookie dough forms. Be patient here, the dough takes a bit to come together.

4. Make the cookie dough balls. Use a small cookie scoop to form cookie dough balls (about 1 inch) and roll each in additional sugar if desired. Arrange dough balls on a cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.

5. Bake cookies one sheet pan at a time for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and centers still look soft. Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.

6. Cool. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool until the chocolate center sets, about 1 hour.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a festive twist, roll the cookie dough balls in colored sugar instead of white sugar.
• Make sure your butter and egg are room temperature for the best texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm, it helps prevent spreading. This step isn't mandatory but it's helpful if the dough becomes too warm.
• For extra flavor, stir a teaspoon of cocoa powder into the dough for chocolate peanut butter blossoms.
• Use dark chocolate kisses or dairy free kisses for an alternative. Or, you can use candies like Rolos or mini peanut butter cups for a fun twist!
• Note that monk fruit sugar can make the dough a touch more crumbly once baked. If you're going to use monk fruit I suggest chilling the dough for 30 minutes prior to baking to help rehydrate as monk fruit can pull moisture out of the dough. You can also add an additional tablespoon each of butter and peanut butter. When I tested this recipe with monk fruit without making any changes to the steps or ingredients, it wasn't terribly crumbly but I did prefer the cookie dough once baked with those two simple tweaks.

How to Store Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

Once the cookie cools completely and the chocolate is set, layer cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container. Store at room temp for up to 5 days, or freeze in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!