Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Calendar icon Published: Jul 16th 2022 by Sarah Leadon
Clock icon Last updated: Dec 20th 2024
Read time: 5 mins
Cuisine:
This recipe, developed through the collective effort of at least 6 experts, underwent meticulous research and testing for over 3 months. Learn more about our process in the art and science behind our recipes or read how we use AI responsibly. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy.
Front View of Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

George Washington Carver created the original peanut butter cookie recipe in 1910. He released a cookbook entitled How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption. The book used to market peanuts, so it contained several types of cookies that used chopped peanuts. However, peanut butter and the characteristic fork marks were not added to the cookies until 20 years later. 

Nevertheless, peanut butter cookies are one of the most popular types of cookies. So we thought we would give you a delicious vegan peanut butter cookie that's made with eight keto-friendly ingredients. Almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, cinnamon, peanut butter, keto maple syrup, and vanilla extract come together to make the perfect peanut butter cookies. 

You'll love this Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie recipe because it offers all the rich, nutty flavor of traditional peanut butter cookies, but without eggs or dairy. Plus, it's keto-friendly and gluten-free, making it a perfect snack for anyone following a plant-based or low-carb diet. Quick to prepare, these cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying.

  • For the best texture, ensure your peanut butter is smooth and well-mixed before adding it to the batter.
  • Lightly spray the fork with non-stick cooking spray before pressing the dough to prevent sticking.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before serving to allow them to firm up and develop the perfect bite.

Pair these cookies with a glass of almond milk or enjoy them as a post-dinner treat. They also make a great on-the-go snack, especially for those who follow a vegan or keto diet.

  • Substitute coconut oil for butter if you prefer a hint of coconut flavor in your cookies.
  • Swap out keto maple syrup with agave or honey for a non-keto version.
  • Add dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat or sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination.

Store your Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

  • Organic Peanut Butter: Provides the rich, creamy flavor essential to these cookies.
  • Keto Maple Syrup Substitute: Adds sweetness without the carbs.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a touch of warmth.
  • Almond Flour: A low-carb flour alternative that adds a subtle nutty taste.
  • Coconut Flour: Helps bind the cookies and gives them a slightly chewy texture.
  • Xanthan Gum: Acts as a thickener to maintain the cookie structure.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures the cookies rise properly.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a touch of spice to complement the peanut butter.

How do you make peanut butter cookies without eggs?

Eggs aren't necessarily needed to make peanut butter cookies. Combine peanut butter, keto maple syrup, and vanilla extract, then add almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and cinnamon, and stir to combine. Next, divide the batter into cookies, bake them, and you've got vegan peanut butter cookies.

Can you substitute coconut oil for butter in peanut butter cookies?

You can use coconut oil instead of butter when making peanut butter cookies. However, coconut oil may give the peanut butter cookies a slightly different texture and a slight coconut flavor.

Which peanut butters are vegan?

Most peanut butter is vegan. They usually consist of peanuts. However, some peanut butter contains oil and sugar. Occasionally, peanut butter can have honey, so check the ingredient list before to ensure there are no non-vegan ingredients.

Can I substitute applesauce for eggs in peanut butter cookies?

Applesauce is an excellent substitute for eggs. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg called for in the recipe.

Can I make Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies without a keto sweetener?

Yes, you can replace the keto maple syrup with regular maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar if you aren't following a keto diet.

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

Use smooth, natural peanut butter for the best results. Be sure to stir it well before adding it to the recipe to incorporate any separated oils.

How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

To make Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, keto maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, add almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and cinnamon, stirring until a thick dough forms.

Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet. Use a fork to flatten each ball and create the characteristic crisscross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked, vegan-friendly peanut butter cookies!

Author: Sarah Leadon
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Time & Serves

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
22 mins
Serves
6

Ingredients

  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray

  • 1/2 cup Organic Peanut Butter

  • 3 tablespoons Keto Maple Syrup Substitute (I used Lakanto)

  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

  • 3/4 cup Superfine Blanched Almond Flour

  • 1/4 cup Coconut Flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum

  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder

  • 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Place the peanut butter, maple syrup substitute, and vanilla extract into a bowl and whisk it until smooth and combined.

Add the almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and cinnamon and stir until combined.

Form the peanut butter cookie batter into six balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a 1-inch space between each dough ball.

Lightly spray the back of a fork with non-stick cooking spray. Flatten each ball of cookie dough with the back of a fork to form a cross on top of each cookie.

Bake the vegan peanut butter cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are slightly golden around the edges.

Let the peanut butter cookies cool for 5 minutes on the pan. Place the peanut butter cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Sarah Leadon
Author:
Senior Recipe Developer & Food Writer

More posts by Sarah Leadon

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