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How to Make Gluten-Free Cookies from Scratch
Many people bake sugar cookies during the Christmas Season. It’s a fun, family activity for both adults and children. I love sugar cookies. Baking, decorating, and eating sugar cookies is all part of the Holiday fun. I came up with this gluten-free sugar cookie recipe, and a royal icing recipe for cookies, because it’s just not Christmas, in my opinion, without baking sugar cookies. We make these cookies as a part of our yearly Christmas traditions. These cookies are so delicious, you’ll never know they are gluten and dairy-free. Follow the steps below to make your very own gluten-free sugar cookies from scratch.
How Do You Keep Gluten-Free Cookies From Spreading?
To keep your cookies from spreading, do not grease your baking sheets. Instead, use non-stick baking mats or parchment paper. Using non-stick cooking sprays or butter to grease your baking sheets creates an overly greasy foundation for your cookies. The cookies don’t grip the surface which causes the spreading.
Why do Gluten-Free Cookies go Flat?
When your gluten-free cookies go flat, it is usually because your oven is not cooking at the right temperature. The cookies will bake too quickly and burn, or too slowly and fall flat. To fix this, use an oven thermometer. An oven thermometer will check the actual temperature of your oven. Most oven thermometers are inexpensive. Here is one I have used in the past. Rubbermaid Oven Thermometer (paid Amazon link).
Do Gluten-Free Cookies Take Longer to Bake?
Gluten-free cookies do brown faster, yet take longer to cook completely through. Gluten-free cookies turn out best when baked at a slightly lower temperature and a longer baking time. Remember all ovens and baked goods are different, so just watch your cookies carefully.
How Long do Gluten-Free Cookies Last?
Gluten-free cookies usually last about 3-4 days on the countertop. These cookies can be frozen in an airtight Zip-Loc bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, take the cookies out of the bag, and thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours. This prevents extra moisture from forming on the cookies.
Where Can I Buy Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Mix?
If you prefer to buy your sugar cookie mix there are several brands that are gluten-free. Pillsbury Gluten-Free Sugar Premium Cookie Mix is one option. Better Crocker Baking Mix Gluten-Free Cookie Mix Sugar is also gluten-free. These are both sold at your local grocery store, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Read the labels carefully, as these may contain other allergens.
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment
- Kitchen Scale
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Large Spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Non-Stick baking Mats or Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Gluten-Free Flour Mix (about 2 cups)
- 1 tsp. Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Xanthan Gum Omit if your flour mix already contains this.
- 2 sticks Non-dairy butter I use Earth balance (also soy-free)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- Colored Sugar, sprinkles, candies, icing (optional) See notes for Royal Icing Recipe
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Using a kitchen scale, set to ounces, weigh your flour. Pour it into a large mixing bowl.
- Add baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum (if needed) to the flour.
- Mix together and set the bowl aside.
- Add butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla to the large bowl of your stand mixer.
- Using your stand mixer, mix these ingredients together until creamy.
- Add the flour mixture to the dough.
- Stir together until well blended and the dough forms into a ball.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and place it onto a sheet of plastic wrap.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- When the dough is ready, roll it out onto a floured surface with a rolling pin. It should be about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into shapes with your cookie cutters.
- Place your cookies onto baking sheets lined with baking mats or parchment paper.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Repeat steps 11-15 until all your dough is used.
Notes
I hope this recipe will bring as much joy to your family as it has to mine. Enjoy all your cookie baking and decorating this Christmas Season.
Leave me a comment and let me know if you made these cookies and your favorite way to decorate them.
Blessings, Laura xo
