Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookie Trees

Gluten-free peanut butter cookie trees are festive, delicious, and perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Made with just three simple ingredients, these cookies are a quick and easy holiday treat that’s both fun to make and satisfying to eat.

Chef’s Tips

• Opt for natural peanut butter for a richer flavor and cleaner ingredients. Creamy or chunky varieties both work well, depending on your preference.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
• These cookies don’t expand much, so you can place them close together on the baking sheet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter: Natural or creamy peanut butter works best, but chunky can add extra texture if desired.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Provides sweetness and a slightly caramelized flavor.
• 1 egg: Helps bind the dough and creates a soft texture.

Substitutions

• Peanut butter: Replace with almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
• Brown sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or a low-calorie sweetener for a healthier option.
• Egg: Use a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan-friendly version.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, brown sugar, and the egg. Mix until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a clean surface. Use a small Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes.

4. Arrange the cookie trees on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them close together since they won’t spread much.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Make-ahead option: Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and bake cookies fresh as needed.
• Reheating: For a freshly baked taste, microwave a cookie for 5-10 seconds before serving.

FAQs

• Are these cookies chewy or crispy? These cookies have a soft and slightly chewy texture thanks to the brown sugar and peanut butter.
• Can I freeze the dough? Yes, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.
• Can I add toppings? Absolutely! Decorate with melted chocolate, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for a festive touch.

These gluten-free peanut butter cookie trees are a simple yet delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or as a fun family activity, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!