Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies with all the Mix-In’s!

By Amanda Paa – Updated December 3, 2021
5 from 3 votes
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Chewy, flourless peanut butter cookies made with chocolate chips, coconut, crushed Chex cereal & pecans. Use up those bits & pieces hiding in your pantry!

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Being held captive indoors on super cold days does it have its benefits, like knowing there’s nothing else to do besides the chores you’ve been putting off. For me that includes cleaning out the pantry, rustling up the shrunken vegetables in the refrigerator, and tossing out half-used bottles of condiments that “just weren’t that good”.

As I was digging through the baking drawer I found little bits of this and that. Coconut flakes, a handful of chopped pecans, crushed corn Chex in a mason jar (that I had used for gluten-free breadcrumbs), a near empty bag of chocolate chips and some cacao nibs.

And then there were three different jars of peanut butter, all opened. Seriously Amanda.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies with all the mix in's! -- kitchen sink cookies- naturally gluten free

Lots of sweet components…. I couldn’t let them go to waste, so I convinced myself that making treats from them was being resourceful. I’m calling it “green baking”.

Certainly all good on their own but completely irresistible when put together in the form of these chewy Peanut Butter Compost Cookies.

They resemble a “grown-up” version of my mom’s monster cookies she’d make for an after-school snack- super peanut buttery and packed with oats, chocolate chips, and M &M’s.

Peanut Butter Compost Cookies -- kitchen sink cookies- naturally gluten freePeanut Butter Compost Cookies -- kitchen sink cookies- naturally gluten free

This one bowl recipe comes together so quickly! True to their name, they can be adapted to whatever nuts, chocolate and cereal you have hiding in your pantry, just be sure to keep the amounts equal. These kitchen sink cookies are basically flourless, just 1 tablespoon of starch/flour is needed. Its job is simply to keep them from spreading too much. I used tapioca starch, but oat flour, millet flour and regular all-purpose flour worked the same when I tested them.

Every cookie and every bite will be a little bit different, which definitely makes it hard to eat just one. I have to say, the coffee notes from the cacao nibs, chunky chocolate chips & nutty pecans in one bite was the best, but really how can you go wrong?

If you make these flourless peanut butter cookies, be sure to tag me on Instagram with hashtag #heartbeetkitchen or @heartbeetkitchen!

photos updated: 03/ 05/ 2017

Flourless Peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips on parchment paper

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips

These chewy, flourless peanut butter cookies are filled with your favorite mix-in's like chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :20 minutes
Total Time :30 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies
Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon firmly packed dark brown sugar do not skip on the amount! this is already a low amount of sugar, and i've tried with less and they don't taste right. note: light brown sugar works, but cookies won’t be as brown.
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon tapioca starch or cornstarch, or regular all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt + extra flaky salt for sprinkling on top
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup finely crushed Corn or Rice Chex or similar cereal
  • 2 tablespoons cacao nibs if you don’t have these, add 2 more tablespoons of chopped nuts

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add peanut butter, brown sugar, and egg to a large glass mixing bowl and mix for 1 1/2 minutes on medium speed (I use a hand mixer).
  • Add vanilla extract, starch/flour, baking soda and salt, mix on low for 30 seconds. Stir in remaining ingredients.
  • Using hands or a cookie scoop, make heaping 1-inch dough balls and place on parchment paper. Press down lightly and bake for 5 minutes, then open oven and lightly press cookies down with the back of a spoon.
  • Bake for another 4-5 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Remove and let cool on baking sheet for 4-5 minutes, then set on cooling rack.

Notes

If you don't have all the ingredients for this recipe, I also love to make these 5 Ingredient Flourless Almond Butter Cookies.

ingredients:

Peanut Butter Compost Cookies | made with chopped pecans, coconut, chocolate chips, cacao nibs & corn chex

Did you make this?

tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen

February 1, 2015

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44 comments

  1. Nicole

    Can I use arrowroot!? Instead of tapioca starch!?

    • Amanda Paa

      Yep, that will work perfect!

  2. betty

    Hi, you say unsweetened coconut… dried and grated? coconut milk? cream? oil? Thanks for clarifying.
    B

    • amandapaa

      Hi! unsweetened coconut shreds.

  3. bella

    They look absolutely yummy! making them is easy as I have every one of these ingredients in my pantry. Thanks!

    • amandapaa

      Hooray! I hope you love them.

  4. emma

    Love everything about these cookies! Can’t wait to try these, seriously.

    • amandapaa

      i make them all the time! great road trip snacks.

  5. Sabrina B

    thank you for this! Love to have a flourless version of this cookie recipe, there’s so many creative ways around flour, I always like to see a new one, at least to me!

    • amandapaa

      Yes, flourless definitely makes things a bit easier, and less ingredients. Hope you enjoy!

  6. Sydney

    These are amazing. Perfect to grab 2 for a breakfast on the run or keep one on hand for a fulfilling snack or post gym treat. They’re by far the best healthy cookies I’ve ever had, and I’ve made a million. It was fast and easy to make them -and- they’re gluten and dairy free. I used Nature’s Path pumpkin flax granola in mine because I didn’t have any Chex on hand, and they were awe worthy. Great recipe, I’ve already sent it to several friends and family members.

    • amandapaa

      Oh terrific, Sydney! I love that you used the granola, such a good idea. And partly why I love these cookies so much – you can improvise with what’s in your pantry!

  7. Sarah

    Thank you, these were delightful!

    • Amanda Paa

      So glad you liked them! And thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, that makes what I do very satisfying. Have a great weekend!

  8. heather @french press

    “green” baking … I love it!! and your pantry sounds very familiar

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Heather! Was just thinking, as food bloggers we could create something pretty spectacular with all of our “scraps” I bet. Would be a fun challenge!

  9. kristie {birch and wild}

    Love everything about these cookies! “Green baking” made me laugh! I am seriously going to clean out my cupboards, because I know I have a few different nut butters hanging out in there that haven’t been used in a a fair bit. Thanks for the idea!

  10. Leah / Freutcake

    Oh, how dangerous! I do believe I have every one of these ingredients in my pantry.

    • Amanda Paa

      Yay! I’ve had a few others make them and their sweet tooth approved :) One person used crushed pretzels (gf if you need them to be) in place of the cereal and they really liked that too. xo

  11. Lindsey | Mabel & the Wooden Spoon

    Bahahahaha! “Green baking” for the win. These cookies have all the right things. I can’t wait to try them.

  12. Rebecca @ DisplacedHousewife

    YUMMMM!! These look so tasty. All my favorite things…peanut butter, coconut and chocolate. Yum yum. So glad I’m signed up for your newsletter.

  13. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen

    Green cookies! I love that. I actually have the SAME issue with multiple open jars of peanut butter – my cabinet’s just too messy to know what’s back there;) I think it’s time for these compost cookies soon!

  14. Renee

    I couldn’t wait to see what all was in these cookies. I love the name of them. Such fun and such tasty cookies too.

  15. Erika

    A healthy compost cookie?! Be still, my heart. Your photos are breath-taking as always, Amanda! Can’t wait to try these, seriously.

  16. Mom

    They look absolutely yummy! Your photography is awesome too.

  17. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

    My gluten free sister would love it if I made these for her. They look like they are filled with lots of yummy ingredients!

    • Amanda Paa

      hi kathy! thanks for stopping by. i hope both of you enjoy these plump-full cookies :)

  18. Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough

    Haha, “green” baking… love it. :) These cookies look so delicious!

    • Amanda Paa

      we need to start a revolution :)

  19. Isabelle @ Crumb

    These look amazing! I love how you doubled down on the chocolate content by using both chocolate chips and cocoa nibs. (And really, anything made with cocoa nibs is an instant like in my books.)

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Isabelle! yes, i wish i remembered to use cacao nibs more often. i love their rich, coffee notes. and they add a little crunch! hope you’re having a great start to the week.

  20. Nancy @ gottagetbaked

    Whoa baby, these compost cookies look absolutely amazing, Amanda! I love how thick and chewy they look, and you’ve got the perfect dough to chocolate chip ratio (in other words, LOTSA chocolate chips, wahoo!). This makes me want to run home and do some “green” baking myself now!

    • Amanda Paa

      thanks Nancy! yes, chunky and chewy with lots of chocolate. just the way i like ’em :)

  21. Jen @ Jen's Favorite Cookies

    I LOVE that you have three open jars of peanut butter! We need to be best friends. HA! I love cookies like these, with a pinch of this and a handful of that. These look seriously awesome.

    • Amanda Paa

      ugh, the 3 jars of peanut butter mean one thing – blonde brain when i’m at the grocery store! i can never remember if i have some so i just pick up another jar, usually of a different brand/variety so of course i want to open it when i get home and try it. at least it lasts a long time :)

  22. emily (a nutritionist eats)

    Love the sound of these! I’ve been looking for some “healthier” treats, these will be perfect. :)

    • Amanda Paa

      hi emily! yes, they are in fact a little “healthier”, and could be totally grain-free without the cereal and just more coconut or nuts. and they stay nice and chewy for several days, which is great when its only the two of us.

  23. Kayle (The Cooking Actress)

    sometimes the best cookies are ones where you’re cleaning out your pantry!!! These cookies are def. in that category-so irresistible!

  24. Kate

    Compost cookies are the best! Especially when they contain peanut butter and chocolate chips! Can I take three? x

    • Amanda Paa

      i would gladly share kate! i loovvvee the cacao nibs in them too. why don’t i bake with those more?!

  25. Jennifer | Bake or Break

    I do a lot of “green baking, ” too. I’m always amazed at what you can make from bits of this and that. I’m loving all the flavors and textures in these cookies!

  26. Ksenia @ At the Immigrant's Table

    How resourceful! And I agree, cleaning out the cupboards can be extremely therapeutic. Thanks for these. I’ve been toying around with the book Ratio and learning all of these different ratios for baking, and these cookies just may have to be another ratio learned :)

    • Amanda Paa

      That sounds like a really interesting book – I may need to grab it. Enjoy the cookies :)

  27. Kathryn

    There is nothing I like more than a good sort out of my kitchen cupboards – I find it strangely therapeutic. Especially when it results in delicious cookies, like these!