Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
I still remember the first time I made Gluten Free Sugar Cookies after being diagnosed with celiac disease. It was a game-changer for me, as I was able to enjoy my favorite childhood treat once again. Over the years, I've perfected my recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.
These cookies are made with a balanced blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum, which provides structure and texture. The key to making great Gluten Free Sugar Cookies is to use the right ratio of flours and to not overmix the dough.
In this recipe, we'll use a simple blend of gluten-free flours, along with some basic pantry staples like sugar, butter, and eggs. We'll also use a technique called 'hydrate, rest, and bake' to ensure that our cookies turn out soft and chewy.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves sugar cookies but needs to follow a gluten-free diet. It's also a great option for families with kids who have gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
So, let's get started and make some delicious Gluten Free Sugar Cookies! Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These cookies are easy to make and require minimal special equipment.
- They're perfect for families with kids who have gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
- The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite mix-ins or flavorings.
- The cookies are soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- They're a great option for anyone who loves sugar cookies but needs to follow a gluten-free diet.
- The recipe makes a large batch of cookies, so you can share them with friends and family or freeze them for later.
Why This Recipe Works
The reason this recipe works so well is that it uses a combination of gluten-free flours that provide structure and texture to the cookies. The rice flour adds a light and delicate texture, while the tapioca starch helps to bind the ingredients together.
The xanthan gum is also an important ingredient, as it helps to improve the texture and consistency of the cookies. It's a common ingredient in gluten-free baking and is often used to replace the binding properties of gluten.
Another key factor in this recipe is the 'hydrate, rest, and bake' technique. By allowing the dough to rest for 20-30 minutes, we give the starches time to fully absorb the liquid ingredients, which results in a tender and chewy texture.
Finally, the use of a moderate oven temperature and a short baking time helps to preserve the texture and prevent the cookies from becoming too hard or crispy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious Gluten Free Sugar Cookies, you'll need a few basic pantry staples, along with some gluten-free flours and a few special ingredients. Be sure to choose a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum.
When shopping for ingredients, look for certified gluten-free products to ensure that they meet your dietary needs. You can also customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
- 2 1/4 cups gluten-free flour blendChoose a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum. This will provide structure and texture to your cookies.
- 1 tsp xanthan gumXanthan gum is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking and helps to improve the texture and consistency of the cookies.
- 1 tsp baking sodaBaking soda helps to leaven the cookies and give them a light and airy texture.
- 1 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavor of the cookies and helps to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softenedUse high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds sweetness and tenderness to the cookies.
- 1 cup brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
- 2 large eggsEggs provide moisture and richness to the cookies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a sweet and creamy flavor to the cookies.
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)Add some fun and color to your cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
- 1Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt.
- 3In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- 4Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- 5Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- 6Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the starches to fully absorb the liquid ingredients.
- 7Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- 8Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
- 9Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10If desired, decorate the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles.
- 11Serve the cookies warm, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to choose a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Let the cookies rest for the full 20-30 minutes to allow the starches to fully absorb the liquid ingredients.
- Use a moderate oven temperature and a short baking time to preserve the texture and prevent the cookies from becoming too hard or crispy.
- If you want a crisper cookie, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Experiment with different mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to create unique flavor combinations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a low-quality gluten-free flour blend that doesn't contain a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum.
- Overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Not letting the cookies rest for the full 20-30 minutes, which can result in a gritty or gummy texture.
- Using too high of an oven temperature, which can cause the cookies to spread too much or become too hard.
- Not using enough liquid ingredients, which can result in a dry or crumbly texture.
- Overbaking the cookies, which can cause them to become too hard or crispy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate chip cookie variation.
- Use 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
- Add 1 cup of dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, for a fruity twist.
- Use 1 teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a unique flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
- Try using different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or turbinado sugar, for a unique flavor and texture.
What to Serve With Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
These Gluten Free Sugar Cookies are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or other gatherings. They're also a great option for a quick dessert or snack.
Consider pairing the cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. You could also serve them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
To store the cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
To freeze the dough, scoop the balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place the sheet in the freezer. Once the dough is frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
To reheat the cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and crispy.
When reheating the cookies, make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. You can also reheat them in the microwave by placing a single cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heating for 10-15 seconds, or until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gluten-free flour blend should I use?
Choose a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum. This will provide structure and texture to your cookies.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or turbinado sugar, for a unique flavor and texture.
How long can I store the cookies?
You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough by scooping the balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and placing the sheet in the freezer. Once the dough is frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat the cookies?
To reheat the cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave by placing a single cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heating for 10-15 seconds, or until warm and crispy.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months and bake the cookies when you're ready.
Are these cookies suitable for people with other dietary restrictions?
These cookies are gluten-free, but they do contain dairy and eggs. You can experiment with substituting these ingredients to make the cookies suitable for other dietary restrictions.
Can I use this recipe to make other types of cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with different mix-ins and flavorings to create unique cookie variations. You can also try using different types of sugar or spices to create different flavor profiles.

Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the starches to fully absorb the liquid ingredients.
- Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, decorate the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles.
- Serve the cookies warm, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.