Best Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes You’ll Love Baking

Who can resist the tempting aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies? If you’re craving that classic, rich, nutty flavor but want to keep things 100% plant-based, you’re in the right place.

Vegan peanut butter cookies capture all the nostalgia and comfort of the originals, but with compassionate, dairy-free ingredients. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, just starting your plant-based journey, or simply looking for a healthier twist on a classic treat, these cookies are sure to win you over.

In this post, I’m sharing not one but three of the best vegan peanut butter cookie recipes—from delightfully chewy classics to ultra-simple three-ingredient wonders, and even a gluten-free version that’s perfect for everyone at the table.

Each recipe is easy to follow, uses pantry staples, and delivers that irresistible peanutty goodness. Ready to fill your kitchen with the scent of baking bliss?

Let’s dive into the world of vegan peanut butter cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: Each recipe uses simple steps and minimal equipment—perfect for beginner bakers.
• Pantry-Friendly: No fancy vegan ingredients required! Most items are already in your kitchen.
• Customizable: From chewy to crispy, gluten-free to oil-free, there’s a vegan peanut butter cookie for every preference.
• Kid-Approved: These cookies are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or weekend baking projects with little helpers.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for whenever a cookie craving strikes!
• Healthy-ish: Some recipes use whole grains, less sugar, or even applesauce as a binder for a wholesome twist.

“Vegan baking doesn’t have to be complicated—these cookies prove you can have delicious, plant-based treats with everyday ingredients!”

Ingredients

Below is an at-a-glance table for the main ingredients used in all three recipes:

Classic Chewy Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 2-3 tbsp non-dairy milk (as needed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

3-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth, unsweetened recommended)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar (organic to ensure vegan)
• 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water (flax egg)
• Pinch of salt (optional, if peanut butter is unsalted)

Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 3/4 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 2 tbsp non-dairy milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large sizes)
• Whisk or fork (for mixing flax egg)
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack
• Oven mitts

Instructions

Classic Chewy Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Prepare your flax egg: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp water. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
3. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and brown sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the flax egg and vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined. If the dough is too dry or crumbly, add non-dairy milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a soft, pliable dough forms.
7. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
8. Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern into each cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look just dry.
10. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

3-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make a flax egg by mixing 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. In a bowl, stir together peanut butter, sugar, and flax egg until a thick dough forms. If your peanut butter is very thick, add a teaspoon of non-dairy milk to help the dough come together.
4. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
5. Bake for 10-11 minutes. Let cool on the tray for at least 10 minutes (they will firm up as they cool).
6. Transfer to a cooling rack and enjoy, or store in an airtight container.

Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix flax egg: Combine 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp water. Let sit 5 minutes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut sugar, flax egg, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in oat flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a soft, scoopable dough forms.
5. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are just golden. Let cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts or vegan chocolate chips to any dough.
• Oil-free option: Use natural peanut butter made from just peanuts and salt for a healthier fat profile.
• Nut-free alternative: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter; the cookies will be slightly greenish due to the chlorophyll in seeds, but just as delicious!
• Sweetener swaps: Try coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even date sugar for different flavor notes and lower glycemic impact.
• Decorate: Dip cooled cookies in vegan dark chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts for a bakery-worthy finish.
• Make it festive: Roll cookie balls in cinnamon sugar before baking, or shape into hearts for special occasions.

“Don’t overbake! Vegan cookies often look underdone when you take them out, but they firm up nicely as they cool.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition will vary by recipe and cookie size, but here’s an approximate snapshot for a standard 2-inch cookie (Classic Chewy version):

For the 3-ingredient version, calories are slightly higher due to the denser peanut butter content. The gluten-free version will have similar stats but slightly more fiber if using whole grain oat flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair warm cookies with a glass of chilled oat or almond milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
• Crush cookies over vegan cinnamon pecan ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
• Sandwich two cookies with your favorite vegan vanilla or chocolate frosting.
• Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
• Include a few in a homemade vegan cookie box alongside classics like Chocolate Pixie Cookies or Christmas Cookie Shots!
• Pack into lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat (they stay fresh for up to a week in a sealed container).

Conclusion

There you have it: the best vegan peanut butter cookie recipes to suit every craving and occasion! Whether you love a classic chewy cookie, need something quick and fuss-free, or want a gluten-free option for your friends and family, you now have a go-to recipe at your fingertips.

Baking vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing on flavor or texture—these cookies are proof that plant-based treats can be just as comforting and delicious as their traditional counterparts.

If you enjoyed these peanut butter cookies, don’t miss out on other sweet and savory vegan creations. Explore treats like Chocolate Heaven Cake or experiment with savory bakes such as the Cheese Penny Recipe (simply swap in vegan cheese!).

There’s a whole world of compassionate, crowd-pleasing recipes to discover—happy baking, and enjoy every bite!

Best Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes: A Quick List

1. Classic Chewy Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: The ultimate comfort cookie, soft and perfectly sweetened.
2. 3-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: Ridiculously simple, gluten-free, and ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
3. Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: Wholesome, tender, and perfect for those avoiding gluten without missing out on flavor.

Give them all a try and let me know which is your favorite! If you want to explore even more vegan delights, check out savory options like Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew or veggie-packed mains like Collard Green Casserole for your next meal.

Happy baking!

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