The rich, nutty base of peanut butter pairs perfectly with melty dark chocolate chips in these irresistibly chewy cookies. Sweetened naturally and made without flour or butter, they’re a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or simply looking to clean up your cookie game, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver indulgence without compromise. Perfect for after-school snacks, post-dinner treats, or midday cravings, this one-bowl wonder will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
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2/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
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Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter and sugar until smooth.
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Add in the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
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Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Gently press each cookie down with a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly.
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Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and set.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies
Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies have long held a special place in the world of comfort food. Combining the creamy, nutty depth of peanut butter with the rich decadence of chocolate chips, this cookie is a crowd-pleaser across all ages. In this reinvented, better-for-you version, the traditional ingredients are replaced with wholesome, minimally processed alternatives offering all the indulgence of a classic cookie but with fewer processed elements. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and accessibility: it requires just one bowl, a handful of pantry staples, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Unlike traditional recipes that often call for refined sugar, all-purpose flour, and butter, this version uses natural peanut butter, coconut sugar (or brown sugar if you prefer), and no flour at all. The result is a naturally gluten-free, dairy-free treat that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor. These cookies come out of the oven soft, chewy, and loaded with pockets of gooey chocolate, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence for anyone with dietary sensitivities or those simply looking for a cleaner cookie option.
Why These Cookies Are Different
What sets these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies apart is their dedication to wholesome ingredients. They’re flourless, which not only makes them gluten-free but also gives them a uniquely fudgy, soft texture that many cookie lovers crave. The use of coconut sugar or minimally refined sweeteners also contributes to a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the richness of peanut butter.
Additionally, this recipe uses only one bowl and seven ingredients, making it ideal for busy bakers, beginners, or anyone craving a quick and easy sweet fix. No fancy kitchen tools are needed, no refrigeration required just mix, scoop, and bake. That simplicity, paired with the health-conscious profile, turns this classic cookie into a reliable go-to for families, snackers, and even fitness enthusiasts looking for a clean treat.
The Appeal of Natural Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter (with just peanuts and maybe a touch of salt) is key to the richness and texture of these cookies. Unlike commercial varieties that include added oils, sugars, and preservatives, natural peanut butter gives these cookies a wholesome nuttiness and a more authentic peanut flavor. It also contributes to the chewy texture while keeping the recipe dairy-free and suitable for those avoiding processed ingredients.
If you enjoy experimenting, you can even make your own peanut butter at home using a high-speed blender or food processor and roasted peanuts. This gives you control over salt levels, texture (smooth or crunchy), and ensures no unwanted additives.
A Treat for All Diets
Because this cookie recipe omits flour, butter, and milk, it checks many boxes for those with food allergies or dietary preferences. Here’s a closer look at how it caters to different needs:
- Gluten-Free: By not using any flour, it naturally avoids gluten, which is essential for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Dairy-Free: No butter or milk is included, so it’s suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Refined Sugar Optional: If you use coconut sugar or unrefined cane sugar, it’s a cleaner sweet treat that fits into many natural or paleo-style diets.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains no animal fats, suitable for most vegetarian lifestyles.
- High Protein and Healthy Fats: Thanks to the peanut butter, each cookie contains a dose of protein and healthy fats, making it more satisfying than typical cookies made with only flour and sugar.
Texture and Flavor Profile
The final result is a chewy cookie with crisp edges and a soft, tender center. The peanut butter gives them a rich and almost fudge-like consistency, while the chocolate chips provide just the right amount of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth luxury. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top (optional but recommended) enhances every flavor and adds a gourmet finish.
Each bite offers the perfect harmony of salty and sweet nutty peanut butter, melty chocolate, and a slightly caramel-like sugar depth. They hold their shape well when baked, and the soft interior stays fresh even after a couple of days in an airtight container.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Them
These cookies are perfect for a wide range of occasions:
- Weeknight Dessert: Since they require minimal prep and clean-up, they’re ideal for quick evening baking.
- Lunchbox Treats: A great alternative to packaged snacks for kids and adults alike.
- Gifting: Wrapped in parchment and twine, they make charming, homemade gifts for birthdays, holidays, or just-because.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Their familiar yet elevated flavor makes them a popular pick at any party or event.
- Meal Prep Snacks: Store them in your fridge or freezer for a healthier go-to treat when sweet cravings strike.
Storage Tips
Once baked, these cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully. Simply place the cooled cookies in a zip-lock bag or freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
You can also freeze the dough before baking. Scoop individual cookie portions onto a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them into the oven straight from the freezer just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips and Add-Ins
While this base recipe is amazing as-is, it’s also highly customizable. Here are a few optional additions to try:
- Chopped nuts: Add crunch and even more peanut flavor.
- Chia or flax seeds: Boost nutrition with added fiber and omega-3s.
- Mini chocolate chips: For more even chocolate distribution in each bite.
- Dried fruit: Try dried cherries or cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.
- Protein powder: Mix in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder for a high-protein cookie (you may need to adjust the moisture with a splash of almond milk).
Keep in mind, adding certain ingredients may slightly alter the bake time or texture, so small batches for testing are a good idea.
Sustainability and Simplicity
Making these cookies at home not only reduces your exposure to processed ingredients but also supports sustainable cooking. You can source organic, local, or fair-trade ingredients to align with your values. Additionally, because the recipe uses no specialty tools or disposable items, there’s minimal kitchen waste, making it both eco- and budget-friendly.
This simplicity also means less stress in the kitchen. One bowl, no mixer, and zero complicated steps—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll memorize after just one or two tries.
Conclusion: A New Staple in Your Baking Rotation
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance between indulgence and wellness. With just a few whole-food ingredients and easy steps, you can create a cookie that’s deeply satisfying, rich in flavor, and free from many common allergens. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special event, these cookies deliver every time.
They embody what modern baking is all about: simplicity, health-conscious choices, and full-bodied flavor. Whether you follow a gluten-free lifestyle, prefer dairy-free options, or just want a cleaner version of a childhood favorite, these cookies are sure to win your heart and your tastebuds.
So the next time you’re craving a treat that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and nourishing at the same time, reach for this peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe. You’ll never go back to store-bought again.