Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: A Classic Treat Made Easy

Few things can top the warm, comforting taste of a freshly baked cookie, and these Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies are no exception. They’re simple to make, delightfully chewy, and bursting with that classic peanut butter flavor we all know and love. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, this recipe is for you.

What Makes These Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies So Special?

These cookies are everything you’d want in a classic peanut butter cookie – crispy edges, soft and chewy centers, and that perfect balance of sweet and salty. But what truly sets them apart is that they’re entirely plant-based! We’ve swapped out the traditional eggs and butter for vegan alternatives, proving that you don’t need any animal products to create a truly delicious cookie experience.

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Let’s Get Baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and prevent them from sticking.

2. Make the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it forms a gel-like consistency. This mixture acts as a binder, replacing the need for eggs.

3. Cream together the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step.

   Creaming Vegan Butter and Sugar

4. Add in the peanut butter, flax egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

   “The quality of your peanut butter can really impact the final flavor of these cookies. I recommend using a natural, unsweetened variety for the best results.” – Chef Amelia Green

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough cookies.

6. Shape and bake the cookies: Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten each cookie with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.

   Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Balls

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning.

8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set and prevents them from breaking apart.

   Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies Cooling

Enjoy Your Vegan Peanut Butter Delights!

These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also elevate them with your favorite toppings. A sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate can take them to the next level. Vegan peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are always a crowd-pleaser!

FAQ: Your Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie Questions Answered

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.

2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

3. My cookies turned out flat. What went wrong?

There are a few possibilities: your baking soda may be old, you may have overmixed the dough, or your oven temperature may be too low.

4. Can I add other mix-ins to these cookies?

Get creative! Chopped nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or dried cranberries would be delicious additions.

5. How should I store my vegan peanut butter cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

These vegan peanut butter cookies are proof that delicious treats can also be kind to the planet. Enjoy the simple pleasures of baking and savor each bite of these delightful cookies. Happy baking!