The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a plate piled high with warm, delicious cookies? This year, don't let gluten restrictions dampen your festive spirit! These gluten-free holiday cookie recipes are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, guaranteeing a joyful experience for everyone, even those with dietary restrictions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful and festive treats. Homemade cooking has never been so satisfying and inclusive!
Gingerbread Men (Gluten-Free)
This classic holiday cookie gets a healthy makeover without sacrificing any of its deliciousness. These gingerbread men are perfect for decorating with the kids, making them a fun and engaging activity for the entire family. This recipe offers a quick dinner option perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- Optional: Candied ginger or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
- Roll & Cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Bake: Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with icing and sprinkles.
Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. The xanthan gum is crucial for the right texture.
- Don't overmix the dough; this can result in tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and preventing spreading.
- Adjust baking time depending on your oven and cookie thickness.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different cookie cutters to create various shapes.
- Experiment with different icing colors and decorations.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 100-120 | Fat: 5-7g | Carbohydrates: 15-18g | Protein: 2-3g
This recipe offers a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional holiday cookies, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy! More healthy meals and best recipes will follow soon!