Easy Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies (Perfect for Decorating)

Delight in Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

There’s something truly special about homemade sugar cookies. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration, a themed party, or simply a sweet treat, these cookies bring joy to any occasion. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you don’t have to miss out on this classic delight. This recipe shows you how to create perfect gluten-free sugar cookies that are soft, easy to roll out, and taste just as amazing as traditional ones.

For more festive baking, be sure to check out our Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men recipe. Or, if you’re in the mood for something fruity, our Gluten-Free Lemon Poppyseed Muffins offer a delightful citrus flavor that complements these cookies beautifully.

The Magic of Gluten-Free Baking

Baking without gluten can seem daunting, but with the right recipe and a few helpful tips, you can achieve fantastic results. This recipe simplifies the process, ensuring that even novice gluten-free bakers can create impressive sugar cookies. The key is using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and chilling the dough adequately. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture during baking.

The Be Gluten-Free Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free BAKING Cookbook

The Be Gluten-Free Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free BAKING Cookbook

Discover the joy of baking again with 200 delicious gluten-free and dairy-free recipes! From everyday bread to celebration cakes that everyone will love.

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If you are new to gluten-free baking, start with these 10 Easy Gluten-Free Recipes for Beginners. For another take on cookies, try these Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies that are flourless and easy to make! These are great alternatives when you want to try something a little different.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on creating a dough that is easy to handle and holds its shape beautifully when baked. Unlike some gluten-free cookies that can turn out dry or crumbly, these sugar cookies are perfectly soft and chewy. The absence of baking powder ensures that the cookies won’t puff up and lose their intricate cut-out designs. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just for fun, this recipe guarantees delightful and delicious results every time.

And if you’re looking to expand your gluten-free baking repertoire, consider trying our Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies for another classic treat. Or for breakfast, you might like these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake. Both are fantastic additions to any gluten-free kitchen.

Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is very light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes. The consistency should be pale and airy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, milk (or dairy-free alternative), vanilla extract, and salt to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined. Don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled at first; continue mixing, and it will become smooth.

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Step 3: Incorporate Gluten-Free Flour

Gradually add the gluten-free all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Gluten-Free Tip: For best results, we highly recommend using Cup4Cup gluten-free all-purpose flour. If using another brand, ensure it’s a 1-to-1 blend with xanthan gum already added.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Alternatively, you can freeze it for 30 minutes if you’re short on time. Chilling the dough is essential for easy rolling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for the best results. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can leave the baking sheets ungreased.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly sprinkle a clean rolling surface or silicone mat with gluten-free flour. Take half of the chilled dough and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated until ready to use.

Tip: If the dough is too firm to roll easily, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.

Step 7: Cut Out Shapes

Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets using a spatula.

Tip: If you’re not baking the cookies immediately, store the baking sheets with the cut-out cookies in the refrigerator. Baking cold dough helps prevent spreading.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite sugar cookie icing and sprinkles!

Step 10: Storage

Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Ingredients

  • ▢ 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ▢ ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ▢ 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon milk (or dairy-free)
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, (or 1 tsp. almond extract + 1 tsp. vanilla)
  • ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt, (omit if butter is salted)
  • ▢ 2 cups (292 g) gluten-free all purpose flour, (Cup4Cup all purpose gluten-free flour highly recommended)

Nutrition Information

These gluten-free sugar cookies offer a delightful treat while keeping gluten sensitivities in mind. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits and considerations:

  • Gluten-Free Advantage: Made with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, these cookies are suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, preventing the digestive discomfort associated with gluten consumption.
  • Calorie Conscious: Each cookie contains approximately 103 calories, making them a reasonable indulgence.
  • Carbohydrates: With 16g of carbohydrates per cookie, these provide a quick energy source. Consider pairing with a protein source to balance blood sugar levels.
  • Fats: The 4g of fat, primarily from butter, contribute to the cookie’s tender texture. Using unsalted butter allows better control over the sodium content.
  • Sugar: At 9g of sugar per cookie, moderation is key. You can reduce the sugar content slightly by experimenting with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, but be mindful of potential texture changes.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron, contributing minimally to daily nutrient needs but still providing a slight nutritional boost.

Important Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For the most accurate information, calculate based on the specific brands and quantities you use.

Tips and Variations for Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Get the most out of your gluten-free baking experience with these helpful tips and creative variations:

Essential Baking Tips

  • Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least an hour is crucial. Cold dough is easier to roll and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
  • Rolling Technique: Use a light touch when rolling out the dough. Sprinkle your work surface and rolling pin with gluten-free flour to prevent sticking.
  • Baking Time: Bake until the edges are set but the cookies are still soft. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.
  • Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.

Dietary Substitutions and Variations

  • Dairy-Free: Easily make these cookies dairy-free by substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative (like Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter) and the milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk.
  • Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar content by using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
  • Flavor Variations:
    • Lemon: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
    • Almond: Substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
    • Spice: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie.
  • Nut-Free: Ensure your gluten-free flour blend is nut-free and use dairy-free milk alternatives like soy or oat milk.

Storage Instructions

  • Baked Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Unbaked Dough: The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the dough in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Freezing Instructions

  • Freezing Baked Cookies: Once cooled, place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Freezing Unbaked Cookies: Cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

To prepare this delicious gluten-free recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

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