Easy Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms (Dairy Free Option Too!)

I always love making this classic gluten free peanut butter blossoms cookie recipe for the holidays! The chewy peanut butter cookie is rolled in sugar before baking and topped with a chocolate kiss for that perfect nostalgic bite you remember. I have even made them dairy free thanks to some tasty kiss alternative candies that I found. So now, nobody has to miss out!

We are typically fans of our classic & soft gluten free sugar cookies or these festive gluten free fruitcake cookies (our gluten-free gingerbread men are SO good too) during the holidays. But since my Vinny boy dubs these as his favorite, I now try to make them every year.

Nothing says Christmas time like making the nostalgic cookies you've been waiting for all year! I just love cookies in all varieties but peanut butter are one of the tastiest classics. Just like in these gluten-free nutter butter cookies. 

Ok, here's why these are the best peanut butter blossoms though... 

• They are seriously, the perfect texture: With golden brown, slightly crisp edges (thanks to the almond flour) and a soft & chewy peanut butter centers, these cookies are perfectly nostalgic. I found that smooth peanut butter is best even if you buy the kind that separates normally because it is more natural.
• Holiday tradition worthy: Everyone deserves classic cookies during the holidays whether they are gluten free or not. Thanks to this delicious recipe, it doesn't matter if you have one person who needs them or the whole group because they are THAT good. Since I am dairy free, I even found that No Whey brand makes dairy free Smooches (their idea of a chocolate kiss) so everyone can enjoy!
• So dang easy: These cookies couldn't be more simple and the kids love helping put the kisses in the top as well as rolling in the sugar. They are great for little hands!

THE INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE 

• Peanut Butter: This is the key ingredient of course. I like natural peanut butter as the next person and we buy it for sandwiches but for this recipe, smooth and creamy peanut butter like Jiffy works best.
• Butter & Sugars: As you can imagine, butter and sugars are also key ingredients in these cookies. I make them dairy free all the time and they still work fantastic! If using dairy free, I recommend Miyokos or Country Crock plant based sticks. For the sugars, we found that both white and brown sugar give these cookies the perfect flavor. And be sure to roll them in white sugar.
• Chocolate Kisses: I like good ol' Hershey's kisses but for dairy free I use No Whey Smooches brand and they work great! Just let the cookies cool a bit before adding dairy free chocolate as they melt faster.
• Almond Flour: Almond flour gives these cookies the perfect slightly crisp edges that you love. When combined with the gluten free all purpose flour, it makes the best base for these cookies. 
• Gluten Free Flour: King Aurthur's Gluten Free Flour Blend is my favorite kind of gf all purpose flour. It is what is mostly used but when combined with the almond flour, it creates the perfect cookie.

let's make that nostalgic COOKIE now...

Pro Tip: Don't skip the dough chill. For gluten free cookies this is especially important to hydrate them and prevent excessive spreading.

Need more peanut butter? Give our chunky gluten free peanut butter bars, reindeer cookies and peanut butter frosting in minutes a try!